It was a few hours before the busy day ahead, and I knew he needed rest more than anything. His mind was always so crowded with worrisome thoughts. I asked him to stay instead of going back to the mansion.
"Stay, don't go, Benjamin," I said softly, just after my mother exchanged greetings with him and returned to bed.
He smiled—a rare, genuine smile. "Why not? This is the first time you've asked me to stay ever since I've known you, Erica."
I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. "You need the rest, Benjamin. You've been through so much, and I don't want you to leave."
He nodded, his eyes softening. "Alright, I'll stay. For you."
++
We settled into the bed, his strong arms wrapping around me. The room was quiet, with the soft hum of the heater and the distant sounds of the night creating a comforting cocoon around us. As we drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace, knowing he was there with me.
The Stridha Mansion
