Chapter 0503

Nina

The kettle whistled shrilly, snapping me out of the reverie I had sunk into. With a sigh, I set my book down and made my way to the kitchen.

It was past midnight, and the house was filled with a disquieting silence that only deepened my worry for Enzo. He'd said he was going out for a drive and would be back soon. Hours had passed, and "soon" felt like an eternity ago.

Pouring hot water into my cup, I added a tea bag, allowing the scent of chamomile to waft up and ease my worries. It was somewhat calming, but I still felt worried. Where was he?

Just as I was contemplating texting him, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway filled the air. My heart soared. Relief washed over me as I set down my cup, hurrying to the front door to peek through the curtain. Sure enough, it was Enzo's truck.

A few minutes later, he emerged from his truck.

The door opened, and there he was, looking exhausted but relieved to be home. "You're back," I said, my voice tinged with relief and a bit of annoyance. "It's late. What were you doing out there?"

Enzo sighed, setting his keys on the table by the door. "Luke and I were scouting for Edward. Didn't find him, though."

"Edward? You should've invited me," I said, arching my eyebrows.

He chuckled, but his eyes were clouded with something I couldn't quite place. "Sure," he said, smirking slightly." Next time I need to hunt down that psycho, I'll be sure to bring along my pregnant wife."

Enzo's words gave me pause. It was still early in the pregnancy, making it easy to momentarily forget that that was the case. "You're right," I laughed, instinctively placing my hand over my belly. "I almost forgot."

something else in his eyes-something was off. He looked like he

yet.

out," I said. "You look like you're

took a deep breath, taking both my hands in his and leading me to the sofa. We sat, and he looked deeply into

I kissed him. "I knew you

relief and elation filling his eyes. "You have no idea how close I was to giving it all up, Nina. I talked to Tim just now and even saw the team via FaceTime. Seeing their excitement, their happiness at the idea of me coming back... It was a reality check. This is

fears, weighed his options, and come to a decision that respected both his dreams and our life together. I couldn't ask for a more thoughtful partner. "I'm so happy for you," I said, squeezing

shifting slightly, "I do have my

eyes, the curiosity

gathering the courage to speak. "I want you to consider going to therapy, Nina. Your nightmares have been getting worse, even though you like to pretend

seemed to close in on me at his words. "Therapy?" I

said nothing. My heart felt as though it was sinking; all this time, I had tried to hide my episodes, tried not to worry him. And yet Enzo,

of going to therapy made me feel almost

maze of darkness, using his position to brainwash me, to conduct his twisted experiments. He had locked me up for days that felt like an eternity, had

about my

myself saying. "After Edward, how can

things in the world. "I know what Edward did was unimaginable, sickening even. But he was just one twisted individual, Nina. One man. You can't let the acts of one

because they were harsh, but because they were steeped in a painful truth. Edward was

I'll consider it," I finally conceded, the words

and a slow smile spread across his lips. "That's all I'm

me. "Speaking of considerations," I began, "I think it's time we shared our news with my family.

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