ache throbbed in her abdomen, a cruel reminder of her loss. As her vision cleared, she felt a warm pressure on her hand and turned her head to see Olivier seated b

the roar that had echoed in their apartment yesterday. "You've

ence in her earlier hours at the hospital a confirmation of his indifference. Yet here he was, holding he

from crying. She pulled her hand back slightly, the motion ins

ry," he said, his voice breaking. "This... this is my fault. The ba

roissants, just the way you love them. I wanted to

y new position at work. I'm trying to fit in, to prove myself, and balance being a good husband. Honestly, n

ture tugged at her heart, a flicker of the Olivier she'd fallen in love with in Abidjan. Yet her grief was a raw wound, the memory of her loss too fresh, and the fear of his anger too real. Could

to something lighter, as if eager to move past the weight of his apology. "She

hospital gown crinkling, and met his gaze. "Olivier, I'm scared," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I'm not sure I want to go home with you. I love you, I do, but I th

riane, please," he begged, his voice thick with desperation. "Don't say that. I don't need space, I need you. I've been a monster, I know, but I can change. I

jan. "I don't know if I can trust this," she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks, her voice trembling with the weight of her doubt. Every promise he'd made in the past had crumbled under his anger, how could t

his lips warm against her skin. "You won't," he promised

smell clung to her, the cold tiles chilling her bare feet as she changed into her clothes. She moved slowly, each motion a reminder of the pain she'd e

ent," Olivier said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I thought we could stop by on the way home t

longing for her mother's embrace and her sister's laughter, wishing her family was by her side to comfort her. She'd chosen to go b