Chapter 245
Jaselyn's POV
It took about a week of constant reassurances from Rion and coming to terms with the fact that none of what happened was my fault before I felt mentally prepared to face the rest of the family. For the past week, Rion has been by my side, spending every moment with me from dusk till dawn.
His presence was a lifeline, keeping the nightmares at bay and providing me with a sense of safety I desperately needed. Each time I woke up screaming, drenched in sweat and terror, he would pull me into his arms and whisper softly in my ear until my panic subsided.
He’d repeat those sweet reassurances over and over again, telling me how much he loves me, how safe I am now, until I finally began to calm down, feeling almost embarrassed by how much I needed him.
Every morning, Rion would help me through a simple routine. He’d draw a warm bath, lifting me gently into the water and washing me with the utmost care. His hands were never invasive, always careful to avoid touching me in ways that might bring back the horrible memories.
Even his touch, once so comforting, made me flinch and recoil now. Anything remotely intimate would trigger a wave of anxiety so intense it would feel like I was back in that house, reliving the nightmare over and over again. The fear of never being able to enjoy intimacy with Rion again gnawed at me constantly. I didn’t want to hurt him, didn’t want him to feel like he disgusted me, but my body reacted on its own.
But Rion was patient, his love unwavering through it all. “I don’t care about sex as much as I care about you,” he would say gently, his voice filled with sincerity. “I’m willing to wait as long as it takes, even if it’s years. I love you, Jas. Every part of you.”
His words touched me deeply, soothing the deep-seated fear that lurked in my heart. I often wondered how I got so lucky to have a man like him. After the bath, he would stay with me in the bathroom while he showered, understanding that I couldn’t bear to be alone. Then, he would help me get dressed, his hands steady and calm, never lingering too long or making me feel uncomfortable.
We would sit together for breakfast, with Mari bringing our meals to the door. Rion always took the tray from her, shielding me from the outside world, knowing I wasn’t ready to face anyone else yet.
Our days were filled with quiet, comforting routines that helped me heal, bit by bit. Rion would tell me stories of his childhood, sharing funny and heartwarming tales that made me laugh and forget, even if just for a little while. He’d bring in books for us to read together, knowing how much I loved to lose myself in a good story. Lunchtime would come, and we would share a meal, Rion always making sure I ate enough to keep my strength up.
In the afternoons, he’d find little ways to distract me. A few days ago, he taught me how to play video games, his enthusiasm infectious.
I'm not very good, but he always lets me win, his laughter filling the room whenever I manage to beat him. The sound of his joy was like a balm to my soul, helping to chase away the dark thoughts that threatened to creep in. When I grew tired, we would walk around the room together for some light exercise—a necessity given that I'm carrying twins.
Dinner was a quiet affair, filled with soft conversations and gentle touches. Rion would sit close to me, his hand resting on my knee, offering silent support. When night fell, we would cuddle in bed, his arms wrapped around me as I fell asleep to the sound of his heartbeat. Wrapped in his embrace, the nightmares didn’t come. I reminded myself that Rion is here, protecting me, and that was enough to keep the darkness at bay.
That routine had been our life for the past week, and it had helped me heal more than I ever thought possible. The fear and anxiety isn't gone, but for the first time, the future doesn't look so bleak.
Today, I'm finally ready to see the family. As I sat on the edge of the bed, my nerves fluttered in my stomach like a thousand butterflies. I can't help but wonder how they would react, whether they would see me differently now. I know they love me, but the doubts lingered, whispering that I was somehow less because of what had happened.
“Jas,” Rion called gently, snapping me out of my thoughts. He sat beside me, taking my hand in his and squeezing it reassuringly. “You’ll be fine. It’s just our family. They’ve missed you, and they love you.”
I nodded, trying to steady my breathing. His words were comforting, but the anxiety still gnawed at my insides. A knock came at the door, and Rion gave permission for them to come in. The door opened slowly, and Luna Daryna, Larose, Lian, and Carol walked into the room, their faces lighting up at the sight of me. Lian was carrying Carol in his arms, her small frame nestled against him.
My initial fear began to fade as I saw them. Their presence brought a sense of comfort, a wave of familiarity that washed over me like a warm blanket. It was like a piece of home had walked in, bringing with it the scents and sounds that I had missed so much. Larose quickly crossed the room and wrapped me in a tight hug, her arms squeezing me so hard I almost couldn’t breathe. I heard her sniff, a sound so uncharacteristic of her that it made me smile. Larose is always so composed, rarely showing her emotions. She must have been really worried.