That’s it.
That’s the moment everything locks into place.
No confusion.
No denial.
No pretending this is temporary.
I cup her face gently, holding her there.
“Then you need to hear this,” I say.
Her eyes search mine.
I don’t look away.
“You matter to me.”
The words are simple.
But they carry everything.
Her lips part slightly.
“I know this isn’t normal,” I continue. “Not the timing. Not the way it happened. But I don’t care.”
My thumb brushes her cheek.
“I’m not walking away from you, Mila. Not after this.”
Her eyes shine just slightly now.
Not weak.
Not fragile.
Just… real.
“You don’t get to,” she says softly.
A corner of my mouth lifts.
“Good.”
She leans into me again, and this time it’s not hesitation.
It’s certainty.
“I’ve spent a long time doing things alone,” she admits. “Making the call. Taking the hit. Walking away before anything sticks.”
My jaw tightens.
“Not anymore.”
Her eyes lift to mine again.
“You’re sure about that?”
