132 Chapter 132

Seraphina’s POV 1

Morning light filtered through our bedroom curtains like it was any other day. Like the world hadn’t shifted

on its axis while I lay awake all night, making the hardest decision of

my life.

Damien stirred beside me, his arm tightening around my waist in that unconscious gesture that used to make

me feel so safe. Now it just made my chest ache with what I was about to lose.

“Good morning,” he murmured against my hair, his voice rough with sleep.

I turned in his arms, memorizing the way his eyes looked in the soft morning light. Silver-blue and warm with

contentment. He had no idea this would be the last time he’d wake up with me beside him.

“Morning,” I whispered back, pressing a kiss to his chest.

His hand cupped my face, thumb stroking along my cheekbone. “You seem better today.”

“I slept well,” I lied smoothly. “The party yesterday… forget about it. Seeing Riley so happy is enough.”

“I’m glad.” His smile was soft, relieved.

“Don’t worry about me.” I traced patterns on his chest, trying to memorize the feel of his skin. “I’m stronger

than I look.” –

“I know you are.” He caught my hand, bringing it to his lips. “You’re the strongest person I know.”

We lay there for a few more precious minutes, talking quietly about nothing important. His schedule for the

day. Plans for the weekend. Normal couple things that made my heart fracture a little more with each word.

When his alarm went off, I forced myself to get up and start our usual routine. Coffee while he showered. Breakfast while he dressed for work. The domestic dance we’d perfected over the past year.

“I might be a little bit late tonight,” he said, adjusting his tie in the hallway mirror.

“No problem.” I smoothed the tie for him, my fingers lingering against the silk. “I’ll keep dinner warm.”

He caught my hands, studying my face with those perceptive eyes. For a moment, I thought he might see through my careful mask.

11:23

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine.” I went up on my toes, pressing my lips to his. “Really. Go save the world. I’ll hold down the fort

here.”

I

apart, his eyes

hunger.

to that rough whisper

“Until tonight.”

“I will.” Another lie.

waving like I always did. Playing the part

her husband off

his car disappeared around the corner. *This

everyone.*

time I went back inside, sitting at the kitchen table in his school uniform

up in three different

a kiss to the top of his head. “Ready for

“Do I have to eat all of this? It’s all

sat beside him, smoothing down his

planned for today?”

“I studied,

my heart clenching at his expression. “They’re just tricky. But

figure them

me

blow. By tonight, he

Mommy had

11:23

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132 Chapter 132

much better at math

sound so

torture. Adrian chattered about his friends

I whispered against his hair. “Listen to your teacher.

grinned at

be a little late, so don’t worry if you have to wait a few

minutes, okay?”

shouldered his backpack and opened the car door.

too, sweetheart.

him run across the playground to join his friends, his backpack bouncing

me once before disappearing through the school

time,* I realized. *The last time I’ll see him

back anymore. By the time I pulled into

so hard I could

myself. *You still have to face

too quiet when I walked in. The nanny looked up from where

bottle.

with a warm smile. “How did

managed, hoping she couldn’t hear

chuckled, and bounced Lily gently, “has been perfect as always. Ate her

of my

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