Chapter 114
CINDY’S POV
The words broke something open inside me, and a sob tore from my throat as I leaned over him, pressing my forehead to his chest, careful of the bandages.
“Oh my God, Damian, you’re back,” I whispered, my voice shaking, tears falling freely now, soaking into the hospital gown. I couldn’t stop them.
I didn’t want to.
His hand came up slowly, fingers threading through my hair with the little strength he had, holding me there.
“I’ll never leave you,” he rasped, his voice rough and thick with emotion.
“Never, baby. I promise.”
I lifted my head just enough to look at him, my hands cupping his face, my thumbs brushing over the bruises blooming along his cheekbone.
His eyes were open, hazy with pain and medication, but they were fixed on me like I was the only thing in the world.
“I was so scared,” I confessed, my voice shaky.
“I thought I lost you. I thought I’d never get to tell you how much I love you, how sorry I am for walking away when you needed me most.”
He shook his head weakly, his fingers tightening in my hair.
“No. Don’t you apologize. I’m the one who’s sorry. I hurt you. I broke us. I made you doubt everythin’ we had. But I swear, Cindy, I’ll spend every day makin’ it right. I love you. More than anythin’.”
I leaned in, pressing my lips to his forehead, then his temple, tasting salt from my own tears.
“I forgive you,” I whispered against his skin, the words coming out shaky but true.
“I forgave you the moment I stepped into that boardroom. I was just too stubborn, too hurt to say it sooner. I’m sorry I held onto the anger for so long. I love you, Damian. I never stopped. Not for a second.”
He pulled me closer with what strength he had, his arms wrapping around me, holding me against his chest as carefully as he could.
I climbed onto the edge of the bed, curling into him, mindful of the IV and monitors, and buried my face in his neck.
“I’m never lettin’ you go again,” he murmured, his lips brushing my hair, his voice fierce despite the weakness.
“You stuck with me, Peony. For good.”
I laughed through the tears, the sound wet and shaky.
“Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”
We stayed like that, tangled together, breathing each other in, the beeps of the monitor steady and reassuring.
His hand stroked my back slowly, over and over, like he was memorizing the feel of me all over again.
Then he tilted my chin up gently, his eyes searching mine, raw and open in a way that made my heart ache.
“Kiss me,” he whispered. “Please, baby. I miss you so damn much.”
I didn’t hesitate.
I leaned in and kissed him softly at first, my lips brushing his, tasting the salt of tears and the faint metallic tang of hospital air.
He sighed into it, his hand sliding up to cradle my neck, pulling me closer.
The kiss deepened slowly. It wasn’t rushed or desperate. It was healing, every touch saying I’m here, I’m yours, we’re okay.
His fingers tightened in my hair, angling my head just right, and I melted against him, letting him lead even from a hospital bed.
The kiss grew warmer, sweeter, full of everything we had almost lost, until a knock at the door made us break apart, breathless.
Alaric poked his head in, Vicky right behind him with a huge bouquet of white roses.
He took one look at us, lips swollen, faces flushed, and grinned mischievously.
“Whoa, seriously, Cindy? You couldn’t wait till he’s outta the hospital bed?”
I laughed, wiping my eyes, still half curled against Damian.
“Shut up.”
Vicky walked in, set the flowers on the side table, and came straight to me, pulling me into a tight hug.
“It’s okay now, babes,” she whispered, rubbing my back.
“He’s okay.”
She turned to Damian, giving him a careful hug.
“Glad you’re good, man.”
Damian forced a smile, wincing from pain. “Thanks, V.”
Alaric stepped up to the bed, his expression softening as he looked at Damian.
He leaned down and pulled him into a quick, firm, brotherly embrace.
“Don’t scare us like that again, bro.”
Damian hugged him back, his voice soft. “You still mad at me?”
Alaric pulled back, smirking, but his eyes were serious.
“Of course I’m mad. But not anymore. Mistakes happen. You’re family. We’re good.”
“Thanks, man,” Damian said hoarsely. “I promise I’ll never hurt your sis like that again. I swear.”
“I know you didn’t do it intentionally. I know you wouldn’t. And besides, the truth is out.”
Damian arched a brow. “What you talkin’ ’bout, man?”
Alaric turned toward the door and called out, “Come in!”
The door opened wider, and Nancy stepped in, looking small and ashamed.
The air in the room shifted instantly.
I felt Damian tense beside me, his hand tightening around mine.
The atmosphere grew heavier, the beeps of the monitor suddenly louder in the silence.
“Why is she here?” I snapped, my stomach twisting into knots as my blood boiled.
Alaric raised a hand. “Just hear her out. She’s got something to say.”
Nancy stood just inside the door, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, her shoulders hunched like she was trying to make herself smaller.
Her eyes were red and swollen, and she kept her gaze fixed on the floor, unable to look at either of us.
Alaric gave her a gentle nudge forward. “Go on,” he said quietly.
“I’m sorry. For everything,” she mumbled.
She swallowed hard, her voice coming out small and shaky.
“I… I’ve been looking for you both. To explain. To apologize. But thankfully, I ran into Alaric and Vicky at the hangar today, and they brought me here.”
She finally lifted her eyes, but only for a second before dropping them again, like meeting our gazes burned.
“I’m so ashamed,” she whispered, her voice cracking.
“What I did… there’s no excuse. It was my fault. Damian was utterly knocked out, and it was me who seduced and confused him by using your perfume.”