“Maybe you should focus more on your brat outside, who’s just trashed my living room thanks to you,” Amber snapped, her voice tinged with frustration.
Without a word, Luca jumped up, eyes wide with realization. “Oh shoot!” he exclaimed, rushing toward the living room in a flurry of activity. Amber didn’t follow him. Instead, she let him and the babysitter clean up the mess, taking a moment to steady herself.
Her hands trembled as she moved around the kitchen, the weight of the day pressing down on her. Today was her first round of chemotherapy, and she couldn’t shake the anxious feeling clawing at her stomach. It wasn’t the unknown of the treatment that made her nervous—it was the fear of what came after. She had to be strong, but she didn’t feel strong at all. Her thoughts spiraled, and the nerves only deepened as evening approached.
The clock ticked louder than ever.
When the hired babysitter arrived exactly on time, Amber gave her a tight smile. Luca walked in, his presence immediately steadying her. He could see the nervousness on her face, but instead of saying anything, he just reached out, squeezing her hand gently
Luca drove them to the hospital, his hand never leaving Amber’s. He could feel the tension in her fingers as they gripped his, and he squeezed back in silent reassurance. At the hospital, Amber’s nerves only grew, but Luca remained steady, quietly guiding her through the process. He sat beside her in the sterile waiting room, his presence a grounding force. When the nurse called her name, he stood up with her, walking alongside her every step of the way.
The chemotherapy session was smooth. Amber had the IV inserted, and she was surrounded by the familiar hum of the medical machines, but Luca never left her side. He kept a gentle hand on her shoulder, his eyes meeting hers every time she looked at him for comfort. She was anxious, but with him there, somehow it didn’t feel as intimidating. His smile, soft and reassuring, told her everything would be okay. And soon it was over.
After the hospital, the ride home was a suffocating silence. Amber was exhausted, her body drained from the emotional drain more than anything else, but the weight in her chest was even heavier—the crushing weight of anxiety and fear. Chemo had been terrifying, but Luca had been her rock, never leaving her side, guiding her through it all. Still, now that they were back, her mind raced. She couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability that clung to her, the overwhelming fear that the future was slipping through her fingers.
Luca could feel it too. He watched her carefully, every move, every breath, as if sensing the weight of her turmoil. He didn’t speak, but his gaze was a silent promise, his eyes locking with hers as they walked inside. He led her to the bedroom without a word, his hand steady on her back, his touch warm and comforting.
Once she sank into the bed, he didn’t leave. He climbed in beside her, pulling her close, pressing his chest against her back. His presence surrounded her, filling the space with warmth, with life. His steady breath, his strong arms around her—he was there, completely there, the embodiment of everything she needed in this moment of chaos.
Her body fit against his like it was meant to be, and for a moment, it was the only thing that made sense. No words, just the rhythm of their breaths, the steady pulse of his heart beneath her ear.
But the peace didn’t last. At some point, sleep had begun to claim her, but then her nightmare tore through the night like a jagged knife. She woke with a gasp, her body drenched in sweat, the fear tight in her chest. Nico’s cries echoed in her mind, the sight of him—alone, lost, abandoned—searing her soul. The terror of not being able to protect him, of failing him... it shook her to her core.
Luca immediately sensed the shift, felt her panic even before she could voice it. He pulled her tightly against him, his hands firm and unwavering as they wrapped around her.
“Amber, shh… it’s okay, you’re safe,” he whispered, his voice low and calm, the deepness of his tone a shelter from the storm inside her. But his words barely touched the edges of her fear. She was still shaking, still gasping for breath, trapped in the aftermath of her dream.
“I... I dreamed he was alone,” she choked out, her voice raw with emotion. “No one was there, Luca. No one could save him. I couldn’t find him… I couldn’t—”
Luca cupped her face gently, his hands warm on her skin, forcing her to look at him. His gaze was unwavering, fierce with the promise of protection. There was no hesitation in his eyes. “It was just a dream, Amber,” he said softly, his voice firm but tender. “You’re not alone. We’re in this together. I’ll always be here. I’ll always protect him. And you.”
His words, so sure, so full of resolve, slipped through the cracks in her fear, but the terror still held her. He kissed her forehead gently, his lips brushing against her skin, soft and comforting, but his hands were strong, reassuring.
“I won’t let you go, Amber,” he murmured, as his lips slowly found hers. The kiss was slow, deep, as if trying to take away every ounce of the fear inside her. It wasn’t hurried, it wasn’t frantic—it was a promise. A silent vow that no matter what came next, he would be there.
His hands roamed gently over her body, pulling her closer, the warmth between them building as they shed the weight of the day. Their connection grew with each tender touch, each soft caress, until the world outside ceased to exist. There was only them—just the two of them, clinging to each other as if they could make the world disappear with their love.
And when they finally stopped, when the heat between them had simmered down, Luca pulled her back into his arms, his breath still heavy, his body warm against hers.
Amber lay there, against him, her ear pressed to his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath her cheek. The sound of it, steady and strong, filled her with a quiet comfort. He was here. And nothing—nothing—could take that away.
Luca’s arms tightened around her, holding her in place. And then, with a voice so full of emotion, so raw, it seemed to vibrate through every nerve in her body, he whispered:
“Amber... I love you.”
The words rang in the stillness of the room, heavy with meaning, raw with everything he had never said before. He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing the depth of his next words.
“Please... marry me again.”