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I shake my head softly, "No, don't be," I sniff in a tear. "It's not your fault at all." I hold him, pressing his fragile body against mine, my mind at peace now that I know he's going to be alright.Lucien clears his throat, bringing our intimate moment to a premature end. He towers above us, a warm smile gracing his features, "How are you feeling?" he asks, his smile never faltering.

I lean back, reluctantly letting go so they can talk.

"Better," Ronan answers, his eyes never leaving the man as if trying to ascertain if he's friend or foe.

Lucien nods, "Let me show you your new home."

Ronan's eyes widen in surprise, "Why can't we stay? I like it here," he protests, his tone almost pleading.Lucien lowers himself to our level, "I have a feeling you'll like where we're going a lot more."My boy smiles, both eyes twinkling with delight, "Alright," he says, skipping happily towards the door. "Mum, come on!" For a brief moment, the similarities in their features throw me off, the striking resemblance almost palpable.I stand, turning towards Lucien to mouth an audible thank you as I hurry to catch up with my son, who is seemingly bubbling with excitement.I secure Ronan in the passenger seat before moving to settle behind, which is my own way of putting some space between Lucien and me.

I watch quietly as the both of them carry on in an easy conversation, my heart heavy with admiration I cannot easily shake off. I let myself imagine for a moment how our lives would be if Lucien had been present from the start.A warmth crawls into my chest as I bask in my delusion. But that's all it is—a simple imaginary scenario.The car comes to a halt. My house, from a lifetime ago, stands erect before us. As we file out of the car, my mouth hangs open in obvious amazement as I make my way inside, eyes darting about.

I pause in the middle of the room, turning to face Lucien, "This…did you do this?"He smiles, refusing to answer as he busies himself with my son. The house, both its interior and exterior, is tidy and, from the looks of it, has been maintained properly over the years.I feel a tugging sensation in my chest as the memories of our time together swirl in my mind. I can almost smell his cologne as the memories of his skin pressing against mine fill my senses.

"Mum?" A low voice calls, pulling me out of my reverie.I blink, nodding in my son's direction, "Yes?""Are we really going to stay here?" His eyes are hopeful, drawing a small smile from me as I reach to pat his hair.

"Yeah, we are."

His grin spreads, and he runs off, disappearing behind a door. Now, with Lucien and I alone, there's a lingering sense of unease in the air.I clear my throat, raising my eyes to meet his gaze. "Thank you for everything." I'm as polite as I have to be.

He nods, his fingers sliding over his face. "If you need anything, I'm just a call away."

I nod in reply, walking towards the door and holding it open for him. He stands awkwardly in the doorway, his hands tucked into his pockets. I push the door wider, reminding him he was just leaving.

"This feels just like old times," he says, his voice heavy with nostalgia."This is nothing like the old times, Lucien.'He takes a step closer, causing me to back up a bit. "But it can be. You're here now. This must be a sign."

"This is no sign, Lucien, I am here because my son is—"

"Our son," he cuts. "Rora, please. I just need another chance, and I swear on my life I'll make you the happiest woman," his voice drops a notch. "And I'll be the best father to Ronan. You know he needs it."

"Don't try to blackmail me with him," I snap, my chest heaving. "Don't you dare try to use Ronan to buy your way back into my life. He deserves a father who will stay. A father who will love and value him above all else. He deserves a man who will prioritize him."

"And I'll stay," he says, his steady voice a contrast to my agitation. "I'll protect him. I'll take care of him. I'll take care of you. Just give me another chance."

I suck in a deep breath, regaining my position at the door. "You have to go now. I need to keep a close eye on Ronan."

His eyes search mine for a moment before he nods. "I mean every word I've said, Rora, and I intend to spend the rest of my life proving it to you." His eyes move behind me, scanning the room before returning to my face. "Take care of yourself. I'll be back at dawn."

I waste no time slamming the door shut the moment he leaves. I knew this was going to be hard. What I didn't expect was his resilience and the effect it has on me.

It's just a matter of time, Rora. Ronan will get better soon, and you'll be out of here as soon as possible. I whisper to myself as I rub the area on my chest that won't keep still.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Aurora

There's a calmness in the air, the kind that frees you of all the aches that come with worry. I sit still, my smile in place, as I watch, with a great sense of admiration, Lucien and Ronan play around in circles.

It's been a week since our arrival, and so far, Ronan's health has gotten remarkably better. He's lively once again, and that is more than enough to have me content.A small smile graces my features as he locks eyes with me, waving wildly in my direction. I feel my stomach fold into a knot as Lucien meets my gaze, his sweaty body glistening under the intensity of the sun.