𝑾𝑯𝒀 𝑴𝑬

𝑰𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒆

      Bright POV
  It was already 1:30 AM, and with all the guests finally gone, we decided it was time to head home. I opened the car door for Grace, and she slid inside, exhaustion washing over her. By the time we were halfway home, she had fallen asleep, her head gently resting against the window.

After about thirty minutes, we pulled up to my mansion. I didn't want to disturb her, so I carefully lifted her into my arms, cradling her as I carried her inside. The way she felt against me, so peaceful and vulnerable, made my heart ache.

I brought her to her room and laid her down on the bed, being as gentle as I could. It was a bit chilly, so I covered her with the comforter, wanting her to be warm and comfortable. As I looked down at her, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful and innocent she looked, even with my handprint still visible on her neck. That mark was a harsh reminder of my earlier rage, and it made me feel terrible.

"I'm so sorry, princess, for hurting you like that. I never meant to," I whispered softly, my voice barely above a murmur. "I know I can be rough, but I need you to trust me when I say that I love you. I love you more than you can imagine, and I care about you deeply. I'll protect you with my life, I swear."

I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, hoping she could feel the sincerity behind my words. With a heavy heart, I left her room and made my way back to my own, determined to keep her safe, no matter the cost.

   Grace POV
   As the car glided through the dark streets, exhaustion washed over me, and I drifted into a deep sleep. I was so tired that I didn't even register when Bright gently lifted me in a bridal carry. The warmth of his embrace wrapped around me, lulling me into a cocoon of safety.

When I felt the softness of my bed beneath me, I stirred slightly but didn't fully wake. I could feel him covering me with a blanket, his fingers brushing against my skin. I held my breath, not wanting to disturb the moment. Then, he spoke, his voice low and tender.

"I'm so sorry, princess, for hurting you that bad. I didn't mean to. I know I might be rough toward you, but trust me when I say that I love you. I love you more than you can imagine, and I do care about you. I'll protect you with my life, I swear."

My heart raced as his words sank in. Did he really mean that? Love me? A whirlwind of emotions flooded my mind...confusion, hope, doubt. Was this the real Bright? The one behind the facade of danger and anger? I wanted to believe him, but uncertainty gnawed at me.

He kissed my forehead softly, and then he was gone. I couldn't shake the weight of what he had said. My thoughts tumbled over one another until I finally succumbed to sleep again.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by a persistent knocking on my door. I stretched and called out, "You can get inside." I half-expected Bella, but when the door opened, Bright stepped in, balancing a plate piled high with my favorite dishes.

"Morning, princess!" he greeted, his smile brightening the room.

"Hello!" I replied, a flutter of warmth spreading through me at the sight of him.

"I brought you breakfast. Hope you'll like it," he said, his voice soft and inviting.

"Thanks, but it wasn't necessary!" I looked down, a bit shy under his gaze.

"C'mon, please eat something!" He urged, but I hesitated. I was still processing everything from the night before.

"Grace!" he added, but before I could respond, there was a loud knock at the door, followed by Sam's voice.

"Brighttttttttt!! We have to go!"

"Bright, he's calling for you! Go!" I said, sensing the urgency in Sam's tone. Bright's expression shifted slightly, sadness flickering across his face.