Page 171 of After Hours

“I’m so sorry that you’re sick, but your secret is safe with me. Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell her. She’s not oblivious, and she observes you more than you realize.”

“Thank you for everything, Dillon. But when I’m gone, please keep her safe. I know you will, but promise me you’ll keep her safe and happy. She’ll push you away, become hurtful with her words, go unresponsive, and drive you to the brink of insanity, but don’t give up on her.”

The recording of my mother’s words was heartbreaking. This was what he meant at the hospital when he said he had no other choice. She made him promise.

“She can never push me far enough for me to leave.”

There wasn’t much I knew at this moment, but all I knew was I needed to be in his arms. I don’t know when I got up from the couch, but I found myself sitting on the bed. He looked at me with clear shock and sorrow.

He was hurting for me.

Grieving with me this whole time.

I couldn’t say much, but the one thing I managed to say was, “I love you.”

CHAPTER 44

Azzaria

Two Weeks Later

The day I had dreaded all month was fast approaching my mother’s funeral. I knew nothing would ever fully prepare me for this day, but with all the support I had, I believed I would eventually find the strength to cope.

The night I read the journal entries and listened to the tape, Dillon and I had a long conversation. There weren’t many words needed; he simply took care of everything and shouldered all the expenses. There were days when I couldn’t even bring myself to get out of bed, but he made sure I ate, helped me shower, and took care of me when I couldn’t care for myself.

Days after my mom’s passing, I found myself back at Dillon’s penthouse, my world clouded in sorrow. This morning was particularly rough. I couldn’t eat; all I could do was cry. The weight of grief and loss bore down on me like a relentless storm.

Dillon, seeing my pain, decided to cancel his day and stay with me. I felt bad because I knew he’d been missing a lot of days and deadlines to be with me, but he told me it was fine and everything was under control.

I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed; my feet felt weak as if they couldn’t bear the weight of the world. He came to me, his voice soft and full of concern. “Precious, can I get you anything? Do you need anything?”

My voice trembled as I replied, “I don’t know.” Tears welled up in my eyes once more, and I buried my face in the pillow, my sobs shaking my body.

He didn’t hesitate. In an instant, he rushed to the closer and returned with a fluffy blanket. He wrapped it around us as we lay in bed, his powerful arms offering me warmth and comfort. I cried into his chest, his heartbeat a soothing rhythm against my ear.

For a while, we simply held each other, and my cries slowly ebbed. He tenderly wiped away my tears and whispered sweet, soothing words.

“Shh, baby, I’m here. You’re not alone,” he whispered, and I nodded weakly.

I told him I wanted to shower, and he helped me to my feet. With gentle care, he guided me to the bathroom. The hot water of the shower felt like a lifeline, washing away the tears and the aching sorrow. He stood by my side, letting the water run over us, and he tenderly washed my hair and my body. His presence was a silent promise that he’d be there through it all.

After the shower, he wrapped me in a fluffy towel and led me to the kitchen. The scent of my favorite meal wafted through the air, reminding me of happier times. He’d prepared it just for me.

As we sat down to eat, he was silent and read sweet poems to me between bites.

His soft words and sweet gestures were a lifeline, pulling me back from the depths of despair. I felt like I was drifting back to the land of the living.

With dinner behind us, he led me to the living room. As I lay on my stomach, he gave me a soothing massage, his skilled hands working away from the knots of sorrow in my body. It felt like a balm for my aching heart.

“I want ice cream,” I blurted, my voice still fragile.

Dillon smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Of course, my love. What flavor would you like?”

I told him the one that brought me the most comfort. He nodded and left the room, returning with a tub of ice cream. We shared it, one spoonful at a time, in the dim light of the evening.

As we lay together, I realized just how much he was willing to do for me, how he’d canceled his day to be my anchor. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the love he showered me with.

In his arms, surrounded by his warmth and care, I knew that even in the midst of the storm of sorrow, there was a glimmer of hope and love that would carry me through these darkest days.

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