Chapter 51
Theo and Daphne
Daphne moved quietly around the small kitchen, her hands working on autopilot as she boiled water for tea. The soft clinking of a spoon against a ceramic mug was the only sound in the room, aside from the muffled hum of the city outside. Her eyes flicked to Theo, who sat slumped on the edge of her couch, his head bowed and his elbows resting on his knees. He looked utterly spent, his fingers laced together tightly as if they were the only thing holding him together.
She felt a pang in her chest at the sight of him. Theo Silvanoâstrong, composed, unshakable Theoâwas reduced to this quiet, broken figure in her living room. She'd seen glimpses of his softer side before, but this... this was something entirely different. And it scared her, the depth of his pain.
The kettle whistled, pulling her out of her thoughts. She poured the steaming water over a tea bag, the faint scent of chamomile filling the air. It wasn't much, but it was something. Cradling the mug in her hands, she returned to the living room and knelt in front of him, setting the tea on the coffee table.
"Here," she said softly, her voice gentle but firm. "Drink this. It'll help."
Theo lifted his head slowly, his bloodshot eyes meeting hers. For a moment, he didn't move, as if he hadn't heard her. Then, with a slow, mechanical motion, he reached for the mug. His large hands dwarfed the cup, and she noticed the faint tremor in his fingers as he lifted it to his lips. He took a tentative sip, his eyes closing briefly as if the warmth of the tea was the first comfort he'd felt all night.
Daphne rose to her feet, her hands fidgeting at her sides. She hesitated for a moment before grabbing the throw blanket draped over the back of the couch. Carefully, she unfolded it and draped it around his shoulders. Her movements were deliberate, tender, as though she feared he might shatter under her touch.
"You're freezing," she murmured, tucking the edges of the blanket around him. Her fingers brushed against his arm, and she felt the tension in his muscles, the way he was holding himself together with sheer force of will.
"Daphne..." His voice was low, hoarse, barely audible. She froze, her hands stilling as she looked at him. He opened his eyes, and for the first time, she saw something raw and unguarded in his gazeâa vulnerability that both frightened and moved her.
"Thank you," he said, the words rough and halting. "For... this. For being here."
She gave him a small, uncertain smile. "You don't have to thank me," she said, her voice soft. "You'd do the same for me."
He didn't respond, but the way his shoulders relaxed, the way his grip on the mug eased, told her he'd heard her. Daphne sat down beside him, careful to keep a small distance between them. She wanted to offer him comfort, but she also didn't want to overwhelm him.
For a while, they sat in silence, the only sound the occasional clink of the mug as Theo took another sip. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, taking in the dark circles under his eyes, the faint lines of strain etched into his face. Unable to stop herself, Daphne reached out, hesitated, and then rested her hand lightly on his knee. It was a simple gesture, but it carried all the warmth and reassurance she couldn't put into words.
Theo didn't pull away. Instead, he let out a long, shaky breath, as though her touch had given him permission to let go of some of the weight he was carrying. They stayed like that, the silence stretching between them, not awkward but heavy with unspoken emotions.
"You should talk to them," Daphne said quietly.
"I can't," Theo shook his head. "I don't know if I can even look at them."
"No, Theo," Daphne shook her head, moving closer and placing her warm hand against his face. "They love you so much. Your dad loves you so much. Blood isn't the only thing that makes a family."
Daphne's hand lingered on Theo's cheek, her palm warm against the rough stubble of his jaw. His eyes closed briefly at the contact, and for a moment, it felt like the tension in his body might dissolve. But then he pulled back, just slightly, enough to break the touch.
"I don't even know what I'd say," he muttered, his voice rough with exhaustion. "What do you even say to people who've lied to you your whole life?"
"You tell them how you feel," Daphne replied, her tone steady but gentle. "You tell them the truthâthe way you've been hurting, the way you feel betrayed. But you also let them tell you their side of it."
Theo shook his head, his grip tightening on the mug. "And what if their side doesn't make it better? What if it just makes it worse?"
"Then at least you'll know," Daphne said, leaning closer, her voice filled with quiet insistence. "But shutting them out completely... that's not the answer, Theo. You deserve answers, and they deserve a chance to give them to you."
He let out a sharp breath, his gaze fixed on the tea as if it might offer him an escape. "You don't understand, Daphne. My whole life has been about being a Silvano. About living up to that name, that legacy. And now it feels like it's all just... gone. Everything I thought I wasâit's gone."
Daphne shifted, turning so she was fully facing him, her hand sliding back to his knee. "Listen to me," she said firmly, her eyes locking onto his. "You are not defined by a name. You're not just a 'Silvano.' You're Theo. You're the man who will go to the end of the world for his baby sister, you're the man who puts everyone else before himself. You're the man whoâ" She hesitated, her voice softening. "âwho looks at me like I'm the only thing that matters in the world."
Theo's eyes flicked to hers, and for a moment, his resolve seemed to falter. But then he shook his head again, his jaw tightening. "It's not that simple," he said, his voice low.
"No, it's not," Daphne agreed, her tone unwavering. "But you're not alone in this. You have me. And you have themâyour parents. Whatever mistakes they've made, they've spent your whole life loving you, raising you, trying to give you everything they could. Don't throw that away without at least hearing them out."
He looked at her, his expression torn. "You make it sound so easy," he said bitterly.
"It's not easy," Daphne admitted. "It's hard, and it's messy, and it's probably going to hurt like hell. But you're strong enough to face it. I know you are."
Theo let out a shaky breath, his fingers loosening around the mug. "I can't," he murmured. "Not now."
Daphne smiled softly, her hand squeezing his knee. "That's okay," she said. "You don't have to do it now. You just have to try. One step at a time."
He stared at her for a long moment, as if searching her face for some kind of answer. Finally, he nodded, just once, his shoulders slumping in defeatâor perhaps in relief.
"I'll think about it," he said quietly.
"That's all I'm asking," Daphne replied, her voice gentle.
She moved back slightly, intending to give him space, but Theo didn't let her. His hand shot out, wrapping gently but firmly around her wrist, and for a moment, she froze, her breath catching.
"Don't," he murmured, his voice low and unsteady.
Before she could say anything, he pulled her closer, his movements hesitant yet insistent. Daphne sank back onto the couch, her heart pounding as Theo's arms wrapped around her waist. He buried his face against her chest, his body trembling slightly as he held on to her like a lifeline.
Daphne stiffened at first, unsure of how to respond, but then she softened, her arms moving to encircle him. One hand settled on his back, her fingers splaying across the tense muscles beneath his shirt. The other found its way into his hair, her touch light and soothing.
"It's okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of his uneven breathing. "I'm here."
Theo didn't speak. He just held her, his grip tightening as though afraid she might slip away. His head rested heavily against her chest, and she felt the dampness of a tear soaking into her shirt.
Her heart ached at the rawness of his pain, the way he let himself be vulnerable with her in a way he hadn't with anyone else. She rested her chin gently on the top of his head, her fingers combing softly through his hair in a rhythmic motion.
They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, the room silent except for the faint hum of the city outside. Daphne could feel his breathing slowly even out, the tension in his body beginning to ease.
"You don't have to carry this alone, Theo," she whispered, her voice firm yet tender. "Whatever you're feelingâanger, hurt, confusionâit's okay. But let the people who love you help you carry it. Let me help you."
For the first time, Theo lifted his head slightly, his cheek still resting against her chest as he glanced up at her. His eyes, bloodshot and rimmed with exhaustion, searched hers as though trying to find something to hold on to.
"I don't think I can do this without you," he admitted, the words barely audible.
Daphne's throat tightened, but she didn't let the tears prickling her own eyes fall. Instead, she cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs brushing away the traces of tears on his cheeks. "I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice steady. "I've got you."
Theo's gaze held hers for a moment longer before he nodded slightly, his head dropping back to her chest as he exhaled a shaky breath.
For the first time in hours, he felt the faintest flicker of something resembling hope.
Theo's body relaxed against hers, his breaths slowing as the weight of his exhaustion overtook him. Daphne stayed still, her arms wrapped around him, her fingers absentmindedly threading through his hair. The rhythmic motion seemed to lull him further, his tension melting away until his breathing became soft and even.
He had fallen asleep on her chest, his head resting heavily over her heart. For a moment, she just sat there, her own heartbeat loud in her ears. She didn't dare move, afraid of waking him, but also reluctant to disturb the fragile peace that had settled over him.
Daphne shifted slightly, adjusting the blanket around them to keep him warm. Her hand moved to his back, where she traced small, soothing circles over the fabric of his shirt. It was an intimacy she hadn't expected, and yet, it felt naturalâlike this was exactly where they were supposed to be.
As the city noise outside faded into the stillness of the night, her own eyelids grew heavy. The weight of Theo's presence and the steady rhythm of his breathing were oddly comforting. Slowly, Daphne let herself drift off, her head resting against the back of the couch.
_______________________
Levi and Evie
Levi stood by the bar, a drink in hand, his gaze locked on Evie as she effortlessly greeted guests with a smile that could have fooled anyone into believing she was truly happy. She was playing the part of the perfect fiancée, laughing softly at Harry's jokes, her hand resting gently on his arm, exuding the kind of warmth Levi knew she was faking. His fingers tightened around his glass, the ice clinking as his jaw tightened in frustration.
The knot in his stomach grew tighter with every moment that passed, but he knew better than to show it. Evie had worked hard to get to this pointâthis façade she's carefully constructed for everyone elseâand Levi couldn't afford to disrupt it. If he let his anger slip, if he acted on the tightness in his chest, everything she had built would crumble.
So, he stayed silent. The urge to storm over there, pull her away, to remind her of everything that wasn't real about this, was nearly suffocating. But he resisted.
Evie tried to excuse herself, but every time she took a step toward Levi, Harry would pull her back, either with a hand on her arm or another joke that required her attention. Her parents, ever the eager hosts, also called her away, pulling her into conversations with guests. Evie's eyes darted toward Levi whenever she could, and their silent exchange was practically a conversation in itselfâone that only they understood.
Levi, standing by the bar, couldn't help but notice the constant interruptions. It was like watching a poorly choreographed dance, where every time Evie tried to break free, someone else pulled her back into the act. He tightened his grip on his drink, trying not to explode with frustration. It was clear: she wanted out, but the world was conspiring to keep her in.
Levi took the last sip of his drink, the bitter burn lingering as he set the empty glass down on the bar. Without a word, he turned and walked toward the exit, the weight of the evening settling into his bones. He didn't rush; his steps were deliberate, each one steady as he made his way to his car.
Arriving at the passenger door, he paused, leaning against the frame. He counted to ten in his head, keeping his eyes trained on the door of the venue. Sure enough, a few moments later, he spotted herâa small shadow slipping out of the party, her eyes scanning the area like a secret agent on a mission.
A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He pushed the door open with one hand and tilted his head toward the seat.
"Ready, baby?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.
Evie looked up, startled for a moment, but then a relieved smile spread across her face. Without a word, she moved toward him, slipping into the car as if she'd been waiting for this moment all night. In the quiet alleyway, her heart racing as she quickened her steps. Without thinking, Evie ran toward Levi, her feet barely touching the ground as she flung herself into his arms.
Levi caught her effortlessly, his arms wrapping around her waist, lifting her off the ground. He spun her in a wide, joyful circle, her laughter mixing with the cool night air. Her arms looped around his neck, and she held onto him like she never wanted to let go.
For a brief moment, everything else faded away. The world was just the two of them, spinning together in their secret haven. Levi's smile was pure warmth, and Evie's eyes shone with the kind of happiness that only he could bring. She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her hands resting on his chest.
"I missed you," she whispered, as if saying the words aloud made everything feel real.
Levi smiled down at her, his heart beating in sync with hers. "I missed you too," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, savoring the sweet moment.
"Why did you leave?" Evie asked, her blue eyes searching his.
"It's torture watching you with him," Levi sighed. "I can't stand it."
"He's not into me like that, Levi," Evie reminded him.
"Doesn't make a difference to me," he said, gently setting her down on her feet. He took a step back, his eyes locking with hers. "Come with me. Don't go back inside."
Evie hesitated, a quiet battle waging in her mind. Her gaze shifted toward the party, then back to him. "I..."
"Tell them you're not feeling well," Levi suggested with a playful grin, his eyes softening. "And that me, being the good friend that I am, will take you home."
Evie bit her lip, her heart racing as she weighed the options. She hesitated, her fingers nervously tracing the hem of her dress as she glanced back at the party. The sounds of laughter and chatter echoed from inside, but all she could focus on was Levi's intense gaze, the pull of him so much stronger than anything else.
"I don't know," she said, a teasing smile curling on her lips. "What makes you think I want to leave all this behind?"
Levi leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear as he spoke. "Because you're not really with them, my love," he said, his voice low and playful. "You're here, with me."
Evie tilted her head, raising an eyebrow, the corners of her lips twitching. "You think you can just swoop in and take me away whenever you want?"
"Of course," Levi smirked, stepping closer, his presence impossible to ignore. His hand brushed lightly against her arm, sending a spark through her skin. "But I also think it's more like you want me to. You know you're thinking about it."
Evie's breath caught for a moment, her chest tightening at the teasing edge in his voice. She looked up at him, eyes narrowing playfully, but the truth was, she was already half-convinced.
"I'm not so sure I want to leave this party full of important people for a night with you," she said, her tone light, but her smile betraying the mischief that danced in her eyes.
Levi's smile grew, and his voice dropped lower, a hint of challenge in it. "Get in the car or I will throw you in, kicking and screaming." He leaned in, just close enough to feel the warmth of her skin, his breath mixing with hers. "I miss you at home."
Evie's pulse quickened, and she could feel the tension building between them. "You think you're that irresistible?" she teased, her lips curling into a playful grin.
Levi's gaze softened, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers. "I know I am," he said, his voice a quiet challenge. "So what do you say? Leave the party behind... come with me and see what I can do."
She met his eyes, her expression a mix of reluctance and desire. "You're really pushing your luck," she murmured, her hands resting lightly on his chest.
Levi chuckled softly, his thumb brushing against her chin, lifting her face so she couldn't look away. "You know you want to. So why fight it?"
Evie's smile faltered for a moment, her breath catching as she searched his eyes, finally letting out a soft, reluctant laugh. "Fine," she said, stepping closer, her voice low. "You win. Let's go."
Levi's smile widened, his heart pounding as he took her hand. "I knew you'd come around," he said, pulling her toward him with a satisfied grin. "Let's get out of here."
Levi opened the car door for Evie, his fingers brushing against hers as she slipped inside. The moment her door clicked shut, the weight of the night seemed to melt away. Levi started the engine, the soft hum of the car filling the space as they drove away from the lights, heading into the quiet night.
The cold air outside bit at their skin, but it felt good to be away, to be with each other again without the prying eyes of others. Levi glanced over at Evie, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard light. She was looking out the window, her smile widening as the first snow of the season began to fall.
Evie turned her head toward Levi, a smile playing on her lips. Levi's chest tightened as she peered at her in the passenger seat. He reached over, brushing his hand against hers once more, feeling the warmth of her touch.
As they drove through the quiet streets, they passed a small, festive Christmas tree stand, its twinkling lights casting a soft glow over the rows of trees. Without a word, Levi pulled the car over to the side of the road and parked.
"Wait here," he said with a mischievous grin. "I'll be right back."
Evie raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes. She watched him for a moment, her heart fluttering in her chest. There was something so natural about being with him like this, like nothing had changed, yet everything had.
"Evelyn!" Levi called out from the tree stand.
Evie's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her name. She opened the car door and stepped out, the crisp night air immediately hitting her, making her cheeks flush with the cold.
Before she could take a step, Levi walked up to stand right beside her, already slipping off his own jacket.
"Here," he said, draping it over her shoulders. The warmth of his coat enveloped her, the familiar scent of him mixing with the fresh winter air. She smiled up at him, feeling the weight of the moment, both the past and present converging between them.
"Thank you," she murmured, tugging the coat around her tighter, savoring the closeness of it.
Levi placed a kiss on top of her head and pulled her closer, his eyes bright with excitement. "Let's find a tree."
Evie laughed softly, taking a few steps forward toward the trees, the glow of the twinkling lights casting a soft halo around them. Levi followed her, his hands shoved into his pockets as they started looking at the rows of trees.
"So, what kind of tree are we looking for?" Evie asked, her voice light and playful.
Levi's eyes lit up as he looked at the tall, majestic trees. "I want something big," he said, pointing toward a towering tree near the back of the lot. "You know, the kind that makes a statement."
Evie wrinkled her nose, giving him a playful shove. "You always want something huge," she teased, her eyes scanning the trees. "I want something perfectly shaped, not just big."
Levi rolled his eyes, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "It is perfectly shaped! It's just... taller than your typical Christmas tree."
Evie shook her head, laughing. "You can't just pick the biggest tree and call it perfect. Look at this one," she said, pointing to a smaller tree with a full, symmetrical shape. "This one's got the right proportions."
Levi crossed his arms and tilted his head. "But it's so... tiny!" he teased, stepping closer to examine it. "This tree is basically begging for a bigger version."
"No, I like this one," Evie insisted, firmly standing beside the tree.
"But this one!" Levi pointed to his tree.
"This one!" Levi pointed to her tree.
"Levi!" Evie clicked her tongue impatiently. "This one!"
Levi raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smirk as he crossed his arms. "You're really set one that one, huh?" he teased, his gaze flicking back to the towering tree he had his eye on.
Evie shot him a defiant look, her hands resting on her hips. "I'm always determined when it comes to perfectly shaped trees," she said, her voice teasing but warm. She stood tall, as if the small tree were her prize, refusing to budge.
Levi shook his head, a laugh escaping him. "Fine, you can have your little 'perfectly shaped' tree," he said, giving in but not without a wink. "But next time, I get the tall one."
Evie laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Deal," she agreed, a sense of satisfaction washing over her.
___________________________
Theo and Daphne
It was the middle of the night when Daphne felt Theo stir.
He shifted against her, his movements tentative, and she blinked awake, her eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the window. At the same time, his head lifted slightly from her chest. For a moment, their gazes met in the semi-darkness.
"I didn't mean to wake you," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
"You didn't," she whispered back, her voice soft. "Are you okay?"
Theo didn't answer right away. Instead, he sat up slightly, his hand still resting against her side as though he wasn't ready to fully let go. His eyes lingered on hers, shadowed but filled with an intensity that made her heart stumble in her chest.
Daphne studied his face in the dim light, noticing the faint crease between his brows and the tightness in his jaw. His eyes, though heavy with exhaustion, were wide awake, their stormy depths betraying the restless thoughts swirling in his mind. She realized with a pang that he must have been awake for a while, lying there in silence, his head on her chest as the weight of the burden he carried refused to let him rest.
"You've been up, haven't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Theo glanced away, the faintest flicker of guilt crossing his features. His hand tensed where it rested against her side, but he didn't move away.
"I didn't want to wake you," he admitted after a beat, his voice low and rough. "You looked so peaceful... I didn't want to take that from you."
Daphne's chest tightened at his words.
"Theo," she murmured, leaning slightly closer, her gaze never leaving his. "You should've said something. You don't have to sit with all of this by yourself."
He huffed a quiet breath, almost a bitter laugh, as his eyes flicked back to hers. "You make it sound so easy," he muttered, his tone tinged with self-reproach. "Like I could just... let you carry this, even for a second."
Daphne reached out instinctively, her hand brushing against his arm before settling there, a firm yet gentle anchor. "And why not?"
Theo's eyes softened at her words, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly. His lips parted as if he wanted to respond, but no words came. Instead, he leaned forward, his forehead pressing lightly against hers, his breath warm and uneven against her skin.
For a moment, they stayed like that, the silence between them heavy. Daphne's hand slid down his arm, her fingers intertwining with his.
"I'm here," she whispered, her voice firm despite the tears she was fighting to keep at bay. "Even in the middle of the night. Especially then."
Theo closed his eyes, his grip tightening around her hand as he let out a long, shaky breath. The vulnerability etched into his features made her chest ache, but she held steady, her presence a quiet, unwavering strength for him to lean on.
"I can't stop thinking about it," Theo admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "How everything feels like it's falling apart. Except for you."
Daphne's breath hitched, but she didn't interrupt him.
"You're the only thing that feels real," he continued, his words tumbling out as if he couldn't hold them back any longer. "The only thing keeping me from breaking completely."
Daphne's heart twisted. Their closeness stole the air from her lungs, Theo's voice trembling as he spoke again.
"I love you," he said, the confession raw and unfiltered.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Daphne laid frozen, her mind struggling to process Theo's words.
For a moment, she thought she might be dreamingâher eyes barely open, her heart pounding in her chest as if to prove the intensity of the moment. The warmth of his presence surrounded her, but his confession felt like a heavy weight in the air between them. She couldn't speak, couldn't move, as if the universe had paused, holding its breath for what came next.
"Theo," Daphne breathed, her voice trembling, barely audible against the thick silence that had settled around them. Her fingers grazed his cheek, tracing the contours of his face as if to reassure herself that he was truly here, that this was real. She felt the warmth of his skin under her fingertips, grounding her in the moment, though it felt surrealâlike they were suspended in time.
Theo closed his eyes, leaning into her touch as though it were the only thing holding him together. His breath came in shallow, uneven waves as he pressed his forehead to hers, closing the space between them in a way that made her feel both incredibly small and inexplicably significant.
"I need you to know that I love you," he murmured, his voice low, a quiet confession that seemed to come from the depths of his soul. "Even if nothing else makes sense right now, this does. You do."
Daphne's chest tightened at his words, her pulse quickening as a warmth bloomed in her chest. She could feel the heat of his breath against her skin. She closed her eyes, fighting the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her, unsure of how to respond, or if she even could.
"We can talk in the morning," Daphne whispered, her voice barely more than a breath, trying to ground them both.
Theo shook his head slowly, his brow furrowing in quiet frustration. "If you think I'm not in my right mind right now, then you're wrong."
He placed his head gently against her chest, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat a balm to his strained nerves. His voice was thick with emotion. "I've loved you for a while now. I just... I was afraid I was losing everything."
Daphne's hand stilled on the back of his head, her heart aching at the admission. She took a steadying breath, trying to find her words.
"So you pushed me away?" She asked, her voice breaking with the weight of that realization.
Theo's grip on her tightened slightly, as if he were trying to anchor himself to her. "I'm sorry for hurting you," he said, his voice laced with a deep, undeniable sincerity.
Daphne's heart shiver, her breath catching in her throat. She could feel the regret seeping through his every word, the vulnerability he couldn't hide even if he tried.
"I was questioning everything... Nothing felt real to me," Theo said.
Daphne's chest constricted at the confession, her hand coming up to brush through his hair as she held him closer. The vulnerability in his words cut deep, and she realized just how much he'd been carrying in silence. Her own emotions were a whirlwind, but for the first time in what felt like forever, everything seemed to fall into place. They weren't alone in this. The walls that had stood between them seemed to be crumbling, and all that was left was the truth of what they felt for each other.
"I love you," Daphne breathed, her lips pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest, steady and strong, anchoring her.
Theo inhaled deeply, his breath mixing with hers, his entire body seeming to relax as he turned his face to bury his nose in the warmth of her chest. His arms wrapped around her tighter, as if he were trying to pull her closer, to make her a permanent part of him.
"I love you more, baby," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, the words slipping out as naturally as if they'd always belonged to him. The tenderness in his voice made her heart swell, and she held him tighter.
Baby boy is going to be okay <3