He kissed me softly, and I felt my heart melt.
His lips were warm and felt real.
I felt his hand on my back, pulling me closer, like he didn't want to let go. I didn't want to either.
For a moment, everything else faded away—the anger, the tears, the broken chandelier. It was just the two of us.
When we finally broke apart, he leaned his forehead against mine, breathing a bit unevenly.
"Elena…" he whispered.
I took a deep breath, my heart still racing. "I meant what I said about the maid and her daughter."
He nodded slowly. "I know."
"Please let them stay," I urged. "She's just a mom trying to make it, like we all are."
He paused, then nodded again. "Okay."
"Okay?" I blinked in surprise.
"I'll ask the guards to bring them out," he said. "They can stay."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank you."
He stepped back, brushed his hand through my hair, and left the room.
I sat on the bed, still shaking a bit, but for the first time that day, it felt good.
A little later, there was another knock at my door.
This time, it wasn't Damian.
It was Michael.
"Mrs. Elena," he said with a gentle smile. "I thought you could use some company."
He stepped aside, and the little girl peeked out behind him, hugging her teddy bear. Her cheeks were still wet from tears.
I smiled and opened my arms. "Come here, sweetie."
She rushed in and hugged me tight. I held her close.
"I told her she can visit you anytime she wants," Michael said. "Her mom's resting now."
"Thanks," I said softly.
The little girl climbed onto my bed, looking around with wide eyes. "Your room is pretty," she said. "You smell like flowers."
I laughed. "You're sweet."
Just then, Damian walked by the open door and didn't expect to see her inside.
She spotted him, jumped off the bed, and ran to him, wrapping her arms around his leg.
"Mr. Damian!" she said happily. "I love you!"
Damian froze.
I watched, unsure of how he'd react.
But he slowly looked down at her, and his eyes softened. Without saying a word, he bent down and picked her up carefully.
She giggled and kissed his cheek. "Your angry face is funny. I think your attitude makes you charming!"
I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh. Damian looked shocked. And then, to my surprise, he smiled—a real smile.
"She's a brave one," Michael whispered to me.
"She's a heart-melter," I whispered back.
The little girl rested her head on Damian's shoulder like it was totally normal. "Can I sleep here with you and Mrs. Elena?" she asked.
He looked at me, unsure.
I nodded. "Why not?"
He glanced at the girl in his arms, then back at me. "Fine. But just for tonight."
The little girl squealed in delight. "Yay!"
I stood up and helped her get comfy on the bed. She settled between us, clutching her teddy bear, her eyes slowly closing.
Damian sat next to me, quiet and calm.
Neither of us spoke, but we both watched her sleep, and I felt something shift.
It might not have been a huge change.
But it was a start.
Sometimes, a small spark is all you need to light up the dark.