chapter 61: the beach

Andrew POV:

This past week in Hawaii had been one of the best I'd ever had.

Mika and I had spent our days visiting museums, exploring historical sites, relaxing on beaches, and discovering hidden spots most tourists wouldn't even know about. It had been fun, exciting, and exhausting all at once. And every night, I fell asleep with her right beside me—something I still wasn't entirely used to. It was hard enough keeping my hands to myself, making sure she was comfortable, but waking up next to her every morning? That was its own kind of torture.

Except this morning, when I turned over, she wasn't there.

The sheets were cold, meaning she'd been gone for a while. I groaned, rubbing my face before grabbing my bathrobe and getting out of bed. Checking the bathroom—empty. Living room—nothing.

Just as I was about to grab my phone, the front door opened.

Mika walked in, dressed in a tight sports outfit that outlined every curve of her body. She was slightly out of breath, beads of sweat clinging to her forehead, and she had a water bottle in her hand.

I swallowed and forced myself to focus. "Where were you?"

She took a sip before answering. "Went for a run."

I raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you go for runs at eight in the morning?"

"Since I woke up before you, and the weather was nice," she said, stretching her arms.

I smirked. "Or since you didn't want to wake up next to me again?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself, Andrew."

I chuckled, stepping aside as she walked past me. "Too late."

---

A couple of hours later, we sat at a small bakery around the corner, enjoying breakfast before heading to the beach. The warm scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, and the soft hum of morning conversations blended with the occasional clinking of coffee cups. It was one of those places that made you feel at home, even in a different country.

Then my phone rang.

Bridget.

I sighed and declined the call.

Across from me, Mika looked up. "Who was that?"

"Work. Not important right now," I said, focusing on my food.

She gave me a look. "If it's work, you should pick up."

As if on cue, Bridget called again. I exhaled sharply before answering. "Yes?"

"Andrew, you won't believe what happened—Bea and I finally decided to openly date!"

My mood instantly shifted. "Wait, seriously? And how did your brother react?"

"Ehh, he thinks it's weird, but he'll get it. Eventually."

I grinned. "I'm proud of you, Bridget. I'll see you when I'm back, but right now, I gotta go."

"Oh, yeah! Have fun, sorry for bothering you. See you!"

I hung up, still smiling—until I noticed Mika's expression. Arms crossed, brows furrowed, lips pressed together.

I frowned. "What's up?"

"Who's Bridget?" she asked. "And why are you proud of her? And what do you mean, 'I'll see you soon'?"

I stared at her, confused. "Mika, you told me to pick up."

"Yeah, because I thought it was someone from work!"

"She is." I smiled. "Are you a little jealous or something?"

"Uhm yes, because the way you talked to her is definitely concerning," she muttered.

I chuckled, leaning forward. "Mika, calm down. She's just a friend who needed advice since she started liking another woman."

Her expression immediately changed —from jealousy and 'I'm about to kill you' to realization.

"Oh."

I reached for her hands, my fingers gently wrapping around hers. Then, without breaking eye contact, I lowered my head slightly, bringing her hands to my lips. I kissed them softly, letting my lips linger against her skin.

"Will you forgive me?" I murmured, tilting my head just enough to look up at her with playful eyes.

She looked away for a second, clearly embarrassed now.

"Let's go to the beach," she said quickly, pulling her hands away as if that would hide how flustered she was.

Chapa POV:

Bose and I were lounging in the Man's Nest, the familiar scent of old leather and electronics filling the air. The hum of distant city noise barely reached us here, making everything feel frozen in time. Nostalgia had hit hard this past week—what we thought would be a dull stay turned into something oddly comforting. I hadn't realized just how much I missed this place until we were here again.

Bose was curled up against me, his head resting on my chest as we lay on the oversized bean bag. My fingers traced absentmindedly through his hair, the strands soft beneath my fingertips. He let out a content sigh, sinking deeper into my hold. We were watching Genuine Moments, the show flickering on the screen in front of us, though neither of us were really paying attention. The past few days had been unusually quiet—no major alerts, no chaos. Even Bose's back had fully healed, which I was grateful for. It had been peaceful. Just the two of us, lost in this little bubble of time.

Then, of course, Tiny Ray had to ruin it.

I sighed as I spotted him making his way over, my fingers momentarily pausing in Bose's hair before resuming their slow movements. Tiny Ray had been nothing but a persistent annoyance lately, always hovering, always talking. And yet, as much as I hated to admit it, I had kind of missed the little guy. Not that I'd ever say that out loud.

Bose must have felt my irritation because he pinched my leg in warning. "Don't react like that," he murmured without looking up. "Tiny Ray's sensitive. That kind of thing can affect him."

I snorted. "You're too soft for this world."

Tiny Ray finally reached us, tilting his head as he caught the last part of our conversation. "What are you guys talking about?"

"About Bose being too soft for this world," I answered simply.

To my amusement, Tiny Ray actually nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that checks out."

Bose lifted his head to protest, but before he could, Tiny Ray hit us with an unexpected question. "Aren't you guys leaving tomorrow?"

I nodded, stretching out a little, though I kept my hold on Bose. He settled back against me without hesitation, his hand resting lightly against my side. It was casual, natural. I liked that about us.

Tiny Ray crossed his arms. "You know, I always liked you two as a couple."

I raised an eyebrow. "We weren't together back then."

"Still," Tiny Ray said with a shrug, "I saw your cheesy softness for each other. So did Chest Monster. You guys were basically our real-life Genuine Moments whenever Ray forbid us to watch the actual show."

I felt Bose shift slightly against me. He smiled, about to say something sweet, but before he could, I let out a small laugh. "Bose was just a kid in my eyes back then. A kid who needed protection, emotional support, and love—since he didn't seem to have much of that."

"Ouch," Bose muttered.

"She's not wrong, though," Tiny Ray added unhelpfully.

Bose groaned dramatically, hiding his face against my shoulder. I grinned, rubbing the back of his neck as a silent apology.

Tiny Ray, never one to drop a topic, turned back to me. "So why didn't you develop feelings for him back then?"

"You're very nosy, aren't you?" Bose cut in, his voice slightly muffled.

Tiny Ray smirked. "You're just scared of what she's gonna say."

Bose went quiet, which meant Tiny Ray had him figured out. I rolled my eyes, my fingers still trailing soothingly through Bose's hair. "Honestly? I think I've always loved Bose. Or at least, I always saw him as more than just a friend. Well... in my mind, we weren't just friends—we also weren't lovers. I didn't have the time to think about it. My mind was full, and I didn't want love or anything like that back then. And then I met Scar, who hit on me, and I kinda went along with it. So I never really processed whatever I felt for Bose."

Tiny Ray hummed thoughtfully before smirking. "That Scar guy was just a copy of Bose, to be honest."

Bose lifted his head just enough to glance at him. "He's a cheap copy of me."

I laughed. "Jealous much?"

Bose didn't answer, but he shifted against me, his fingers playing with the fabric of my sleeve. I smirked, feeling his warmth pressed into my side.

"Thought so," I teased, my voice low, enjoying how easy it was to get a reaction out of him.

Bose groaned, burying his face in my shoulder as if that would hide him from the conversation. "I'm not jealous," he mumbled, though the way he clung to me said otherwise.

Tiny Ray cackled. "Yeah, okay. You're so not jealous. That's why you've been holding onto Chapa like a koala this whole time."

I laughed, running my fingers through Bose's hair again. "Honestly, I don't mind it."

Bose peeked up at me, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with a sigh, he relaxed into my touch. "I was jealous," he admitted so quietly that I almost didn't hear it. "But it's dumb, because it's not like I ever said anything back then."

I tilted my head, studying him. "Were you that in love with me?"

His face turned red instantly. "I don't—I mean, I didn't—I mean— yes..."

Tiny Ray nearly doubled over laughing. "Oh, this is gold."

Bose shot him a glare before looking back at me, his lips pressing together in frustration. Then he exhaled in defeat. "I don't know when it started, okay? Maybe it was always there, just like with you. But back then, I thought I was just happy to have someone looking out for me. And then you went off with Scar, and I hated it. Ask Mika if you want."

I blinked. I wasn't expecting him to be this honest, especially in front of Tiny Ray.

"You were jealous," I murmured, my fingers tracing slow, absentminded circles against his back.

Bose huffed. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. You win."

I grinned. "I always do."

Bose rolled his eyes, but his hand slipped under my sleeve, resting against my skin, grounding himself. It was a small gesture, one I don't think he even realized he did.

Tiny Ray watched us for a moment, then crossed his arms. "You guys are kinda disgusting, you know that?"

Bose lifted his head just enough to raise an eyebrow. "And yet, you love it."

Tiny Ray groaned. "Unfortunately, yeah."

I smirked. "Good. Because I plan to keep annoying you with this for a long, long time."

Bose chuckled, shaking his head. "Me too."

Mika POV:

Andrew and I were at the beach, sitting on the warm sand, both of us lost in our books. The sound of waves crashing against the shore made everything feel peaceful. After a while, Andrew reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.

"Come swimming with me," he said with a playful grin.

I smiled and closed my book, letting him pull me up. We ran toward the water, laughing as the waves splashed against us. The ocean was cool and refreshing, and as soon as we were deep enough, Andrew lifted me into his arms effortlessly. I let out a small laugh, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He was so silly sometimes, but I loved that about him.

For a while, we just swam together, enjoying the moment. Eventually, we reached a small cave where the water was calmer. It was secluded, offering us privacy as we rested on the smooth rocks inside.

"It's so beautiful here," I said, taking in the soft glow of the sunlight filtering through the cave entrance.

"You're what makes it beautiful here," Andrew said, his eyes locked on me. "But sure, the environment itself is also approved."

I laughed softly at his words, feeling warmth spread through my chest. He lifted me onto a dry rock and stood between my legs, his hands resting gently on my thighs. Then, he kissed my cheek—soft and quick—before doing the same to the other. I smiled, but before I could say anything, he kissed my forehead, then my nose, and finally, he took my hands in his and kissed them gently.

In between his kisses, I quickly pressed my lips to his. He paused for a second before cupping my face, kissing me back. At first, it was slow, tender, but I felt the way he deepened it, his fingers tightening around my hands as if he didn't want to let go. He was much fiercer.

Then he suddenly stopped, his forehead resting against mine as he looked into my eyes.

"I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable," he said, his voice hushed. "I just can't control myself around you. You make me go crazy."

"Shhh," I whispered, brushing my fingers against his jaw. "It's fine. I'm yours."

He chuckled softly but pulled away just enough to look at me fully. "Don't say that yet," he murmured. "Your words make me want to do everything to make you feel special."

I smiled at him. "Then do so. I'm all yours."

He exhaled sharply, as if trying to contain himself. "Are you sure?"

I nodded.

"Do you have any preferences?" he asked. "I'll do anything" he continued.

"No not really, you choose. I trust you." I replied with a smile.

"Alright then, I will make you feel like the luckiest woman on earth." He said and it made me imagine how good it then must be.

His fingers touched my lips and traced down over my entire body. He kissed my body multiple times and then asked if I was still sure of this. I nodded.

His fingers traced further down towards my bikini.

And he started to touch me.

The way he did it made it indeed feel like I was the luckiest woman on earth.

After a while of making me feel like that, he came closer to my face and whispered: "You have me, I'm all yours, my heart, my soul... all yours."

I let out a soft breath as he kissed my temple, then down toward my lips again, pulling me into him like I was the only thing that mattered in the world.

Blaise POV:

It was the last week in Hawaii, and at this point, everyone had called me Maddie so often that I almost forgot my own name. Even Mika, Andrew, and Miles had slipped up, calling me Maddie in private as if I had always been her.

Today was our last full day, and we were having lunch at a small restaurant and bar right on the beach. The warm breeze carried the scent of salt and grilled seafood, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air. I loved Hawaii—the break from my life in Swellview had been nice—but something still didn't feel right. Deceiving people, pretending to be someone I wasn't, it left a strange feeling in my chest. I also hadn't been talking much with Miles. We weren't fighting or anything, but I mostly kept to myself, avoiding any unnecessary awkwardness. Around the others, I was quiet, letting conversations pass without adding much.

"So, did you two have a fun vacation?" Aunt Didi asked suddenly, pulling me from my thoughts.

I looked up, then at Miles, hoping he'd answer so I wouldn't have to. He caught on immediately.

"Yeah, we did. It was really fun. Thanks, Aunt Didi," Miles said smoothly.

"And what about you, Blaise? Did you enjoy it?" she asked, turning her attention to me.

Shit. Now I had to answer.

"Uh, yes, I really did. Thank you," I said, forcing a smile.

Aunt Didi nodded, then glanced around the restaurant. "Where are Andrew and Mika, anyway?"

"They went swimming, I think," Miles replied.

"Why didn't they tell us anything? They're always off somewhere together," Aunt Didi muttered. Then she turned back to Miles with a knowing look. "Unlike you two. Miles, you should take Maddie to more places—it's your last day, be more romantic! I rarely see you two act like a couple."

Before I could even react, Miles' mother kicked Aunt Didi under the table. "Stop saying that," she scolded.

Miles, unfazed, gave a casual shrug. "I'd rather keep it private with Maddie. That's how she prefers it, right, my love?"

I choked on my salad the second the words left his mouth. He called me my love. And then he touched my arm.

I grabbed a napkin, feeling my face burn from embarrassment. In my panic, the napkin slipped from my fingers.

Miles quickly picked it up for me and handed me a new one. "I'll get you some water," Aunt Didi said, already looking for a waiter.

"Sorry," I heard Miles whisper.

I didn't respond, just kept my head down.

Miles' mom sighed. "Aunt Didi made a dinner reservation for you two tonight at this bar and restaurant. I thought I'd give you a heads-up before she surprises you with it."

I groaned internally. Just when I thought the day couldn't get worse. I didn't want a fancy dinner. I just wanted to sleep early and forget this week ever happened.

"Can't you talk her out of it?" Miles asked, clearly not thrilled either.

"I already tried," his mom said. "She didn't care."

Aunt Didi returned with my water, oblivious to the quiet dread settling over me.

After finishing our meal and paying the bill, she finally dropped the bomb herself—acting like the dinner was a grand gesture we'd love. Miles and I played along, pretending to be surprised and thanking her.

When lunch was over, we walked back to our hotel. The sun was beating down, and I kept my gaze forward, trying to focus on anything but how exhausted I felt from pretending. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Miles glancing at me more than once.

Finally, he spoke. "Is something going on?"

I stopped walking. "No. Why?" I asked, a little too defensive.

"You just seem off these days. Do you miss home?"

"No, that's not it," I admitted. I hesitated, then sighed. "I'm just tired of pretending to be someone I'm not. I can't really be myself. But it's our last day, so I can't complain."

Miles looked down for a moment, then nodded. "I'm sorry you feel like that. I promise I'll return the favors you've given me."

"It's fine. I agreed to do this," I said.

"Let's just take one drink tonight, then head back early," he suggested.

"Yeah. Sounds good," I agreed, and we continued walking in silence.

—

We sat at the bar, silent.

It wasn't normal for us. I used to talk about anything with Miles—our conversations had always been effortless. But lately, something had shifted. We had become distant. The silence between us was unfamiliar, almost unsettling.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a group of guys watching me. They whispered among themselves, their glances lingering too long. I tried to ignore them.

"I'm sorry," Miles said suddenly.

I turned to him, surprised.

"I'm really sorry for putting you in this mess."

I let out a small sigh. "I already said it's fine. I get your situation. Just return the favor someday, and we're even." I forced a small smile.

"I owe you big time, then," he muttered, taking a sip of his drink.

"You might've noticed too, but we've been distant lately," he said. "And I don't want our friendship to be ruined because of this."

I didn't respond.

"Blaise," he whispered. "Please say something." And I smiled. For the first time this week, I actually smiled.

He noticed. "What is it?"

"You finally said my real name."

He blinked. "Are you bothered that I keep calling you Maddie?"

"I mean... aren't you? Calling me your ex's name every time?"

Miles sighed. "Honestly? Yeah."

"Can you forgive me? For everything?" he asked. I nodded.

"Thank you," he said, smiling for the first time in a while.

"I'm going to the toilet, is that okay?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes. "You don't have to ask me, just go." I laughed.

"Right," he said, slightly embarrassed, before heading off. I pulled out my phone and started typing a message to my sisters, asking how they were doing. Before I could send it, movement caught my attention.

The five guys from earlier had moved closer. They were standing right next to me now.

"Hey, beautiful," one of them said.

"Come with us," another added.

I frowned. "What if I don't want to?"

"Then we'll go after your little sisters."

I froze.

My blood turned ice cold. My fingers tightened around my phone.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice sharp. "What do you know about my sisters?"

"Just come with us, and you'll find out," one of them said. I clenched my jaw. I knew what I had to do.

"Fine then," I said, standing up. I walked with them, my heart hammering against my ribs.

As we moved away from the bar, I hissed under my breath, "Who are you? And how do you know me?"

"We were told to do this. Orders from the boss," one of them said—a guy with dark hair and thick eyebrows. My breath hitched. "Don't tell me you're from him," I whispered.

"I think she already figured it out," one of them muttered.

No. No. No. This wasn't happening.

My day had gone from bad to worse, but this... this was terrifying.

If he was behind this, I was done for.

We reached a dark, abandoned house. The wooden floors creaked beneath our steps. The walls were covered in dust and peeling paint.

And then I saw him.

A shadow standing in the dark.

"Drop her here and leave," he said, his voice cold.

No. No. No.

Not him.

Not now.

Not here.

"Okay, boss," one of the guys said before stepping away.

"You did very well," he murmured. Then he stepped forward, into the light.

My stomach churned.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I forced out, trying to keep my voice steady. "What do you have against me?"

He smirked. "Why did you follow me here?"

I continued.

"I miss you, Blaise." He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Seeing you with another man makes me jealous. I don't want to be jealous. You're mine."

I recoiled. "What are you? Obsessed with me?"

"I know you're still in love with me," he said, ignoring my question. "You have to be."

I clenched my fists. "I'm not."

His smirk faded.

"You deceived me," I continued. "Played me. Treated me like nothing. You're a piece of shit."

His jaw twitched. In an instant, he slapped me hard across the face.

"You bitch," he hissed, shoving me against the wall. I gritted my teeth, refusing to let the pain show.

"You chose the wrong guy to mess with."

He was too close. Too confident.

So I spit in his face.

His expression darkened.

"As fierce as ever," he muttered, wiping his face. "I like that about you." Then he wrapped his fingers around my throat.

I gasped, clawing at his hands. My lungs burned. My vision blurred. With the last of my strength, I kicked him between the legs. He stumbled, cursing, and I used the moment to punch him in the jaw.

His head snapped to the side, but he didn't go down. He was strong. Too strong. I knew fighting him was reckless. But I was done with his games.

He shoved me. I hit the ground hard.

"You really don't know when to stop, do you?" He pulled a small knife from his pocket. The dim light reflected off the blade.

He straddled me, pinning me down. "Shhh," he whispered. He dragged the knife slowly along my cheek.

"If you're a good girl, I won't hurt you. Or your sisters."

"Leave them out of this!" I spat.

He chuckled. "Your sisters are your weakness. That's why I'll always win."

I swallowed hard.

"It was stupid of you to come here," he mused. "In Swellview, there are 'superheroes' everywhere. But here? No one's coming to save you."

"What do you want from me?" I whispered.

He leaned in. "I want you to be mine. To give me everything—your love, your body, your life. Dedicated to me."

I glared at him. "I told you before—I'm not something you can own."

His expression darkened.

"You're nothing. Worthless. Stupid. Miserable." Anger flared in my chest. "And you're a pathetic excuse for a man."

His eyes flashed.

"Maybe this will shut you up," he muttered.

I barely had time to react before the blade sliced across my shoulder.

Pain shot through me. I clenched my teeth, refusing to give him the satisfaction of hearing me scream.

Then—

"Boss, there's someone outside," a voice interrupted. His head snapped up. "Who is it!? Just knock them out!"

His distraction was all I needed.

I struck, punching him under his jaw. He roared in pain. I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the searing pain in my shoulder. I ran. But one of his men grabbed me.

I struggled, kicking, clawing, fighting with everything I had. He was too strong.

Then, suddenly, he let go. Someone stood behind him.

Miles.

But how?

"You won't get far!" my captor yelled.

Miles didn't flinch. He turned to me. "Stay quiet."

We pressed against the wall, waiting.

Then he came around the corner.

Miles didn't hesitate—he punched him in the face.

"You," he growled. I was scared for Miles, why did I had to put him into this mess. Another punch. Then another.

My ex tried to hit back, but Miles dodged and jabbed him in the stomach.

"Run," Miles told me.

"I won't leave you," I argued. "He's too dangerous."

"Just trust me," Miles insisted. "I can handle it."

I hesitated.

Then, with one last look at Miles, I ran.

—

I waited anxiously outside the house, my shoulder aching with pain. My heart was racing. I hated standing here, doing nothing, knowing Miles was inside with him. I couldn't take it anymore—I had to go back in.

I gasped at the sight before me. Miles was standing over him, holding his knife. His face was tense, his breathing heavy. I didn't know Miles could fight like this. Then I heard it.

"I knew it. You're AWOL."

My ex lay on the ground, his face bloodied, yet he let out a cruel laugh.

"Shut your mouth," Miles growled.

Then his eyes met mine. My stomach dropped. What had I just witnessed? I already had a feeling, but now it was confirmed. I turned around and walked away.

"Wait, Blaise!" Miles called after me, running. He grabbed my hand. "Blaise, are you okay? Please tell me he didn't hurt you."

I barely heard him. My mind was stuck on what I had just seen.

"You're AWOL?" I asked, my voice low, sharp.

"What?" he asked, eyes darting nervously.

"Answer me. Now."

"I—I..." He struggled, but his hesitation was enough of an answer.

"I can't believe this," I murmured, shaking my head, stepping away.

Then he teleported in front of me. "Yes, I am AWOL."

"Don't talk to me."

"Blaise, I—I'm sorry, I—"

"Please just leave me alone."

"No." He reached for my hand again, gripping it gently. "Let's go to the hotel. I can explain. Let me treat your wound."

I sighed and hesitated for a long time.

"Please Blaise. Come with me." Miles asked gently.

"Fine."

He wrapped his arms around me, and in a blink, we were in his hotel room. I barely registered the teleportation.

"Are you okay? Are you feeling dizzy?" he asked quickly.

"No, I'm fine. My shoulder just hurts."

"Sit down there," he said, pointing at a chair.

I did as he asked, watching as he grabbed a first aid kit. He kneeled beside me, carefully dabbing at my wound with antiseptic. I groaned in pain.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

"Yeah."

He hesitated. "May I ask what happened?"

I sighed, my throat tightening. "He was my ex. You might know him as Slash."

Miles' eyes widened. "Slash? As in that villain? Who was that superhero?"

"Yeah." My voice wavered. "He used to be my boyfriend. But he turned evil after his father died. He's been threatening me indirectly lately."

I clenched my fists. My breath was uneven. I didn't want to cry. I couldn't.

"So are those the people who have been bothering you?" Miles asked.

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you tell someone? Or the police?"

I let out a bitter laugh. "Because there was no evidence. Nothing. It would have been pointless."

Miles was silent. I looked away, swallowing back my emotions.

"He's the reason I don't like superheroes," I muttered. "They could all turn evil and abuse their power. People don't realize how dangerous they can be."

Miles exhaled. "Not all of them. Not all of us."

I glanced at him. He looked sincere. "I get why you think that, Blaise. But power doesn't make someone evil. It only amplifies what's already there. Slash was a bad person before he had power. Danger Force, Captain Man, and even me—we won't turn into him. Because we never were him."

It was quiet for a moment. His words settled in my mind.

"By the way... how did you know I was there?" I whispered.

"Besides teleporting, I have another power. When I touched the phone you left at the bar, I got a vision. A vision of him punching you."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry I wasn't on time. I'm sorry you had to go through something like that again."

"This isn't your fault," I whispered. "He came after me. This has nothing to do with you, so don't feel guilty."

"But still..." he murmured.

I blinked rapidly, refusing to let my tears fall. I didn't want him to see me vulnerable. I looked away.

Suddenly, Miles gently grabbed my face, tilting it toward him.

"Blaise, don't pretend to be okay. Just cry. Just let it out. It's okay to cry."

And that was it.

The tears spilled over. I covered my face, but it didn't stop the quiet sobs from escaping. My body trembled as I let go of everything I had been holding back.

Miles didn't say anything. He just stayed there, gently wiping away my tears with his thumb. His touch was soft, careful, like I might break at any moment.

He grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around me, then sat beside me. His warmth was comforting.

"It's okay," he whispered. "You're safe now."

I didn't know how long we sat there. My head rested on his shoulder, and he let me be. No words, no expectations, just silent comfort.

And for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel alone.