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."

in his

yet.

said. "You look like you're about to say

took a deep breath, taking both my hands in his and leading me to the sofa. We sat, and he looked deeply into my eyes. "I've thought about

felt a wave of happiness flood through me, and without a second thought, I kissed him. "I knew you wouldn't regret it, Enzo. This job is too

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 important

Enzo had faced his 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

tone shifting slightly, "I do have my own stipulations

brows furrowed as I looked into Enzo's eyes, the curiosity almost unbearable. "Stipulations? What kind of

speak. "I want you to consider going to therapy, Nina. Your nightmares have been getting worse, even though you like to pretend that they're not. And I'm worried

seemed to close in on me at

had tried to hide my episodes, tried not to worry him. And yet Enzo, perceptive as ever,

me feel almost sick. After what had happened with Edward, my

into a 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,

couch, talking about

myself saying. "After Edward, how can I ever

were the most fragile 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

because they were harsh, but because they were steeped in a painful truth. Edward was one man, a horrific outlier in a field that was meant to bring solace and

consider it," I finally conceded, the words bitter on my

his lips. "That's all I'm asking

considerations," I began, "I think it's time we

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255