EVERYTHING IS FALLING IN PLACE

ANNA

I wake up slowly, the soft light filtering through the curtains, casting gentle shadows on the room. The warmth of Damien beside me is comforting, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. I turn my head to look at him, and my heart does a little flutter. He’s asleep peaceful, relaxed, looking nothing like the stressed-out, intense man I’ve seen the past few days. His face is softened, his jaw no longer tight with tension. He’s so beautiful when he’s not worried when the weight of the world isn’t on his shoulders.

I can’t help but admire him, the way his hair falls across his forehead and how his lips are slightly parted as he sleeps. He’s so different when he’s at peace. I want to memorize this moment, this quiet, intimate space we’re sharing. I run my fingers lightly along his arm, tracing the contours of his muscles, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine.

I stay like that for a few minutes, just watching him, and I realize how much I want to see him happy, to