Chapter 102. A Silent Promise

2014

Adrian’s POV

I woke up immediately my alarm went off.

The room was quiet, save for the soft rhythm of Amelia’s breath. I turned my head on the pillow and watched her sleep. Her features were relaxed, her lips slightly parted, and her hair spilled across the pillow. I memorized every detail as I stared at her; the gentle curve of her cheek, the faint freckles on her nose, the slow rise and fall of her chest. She looked so peaceful as she turned and reached for me, snuggling into me like I was her safe space. Like we belonged together.

And that scared the hell out of me.

I didn’t believe in forever. How could I? After watching my parents’ marriage, the idea of love lasting a lifetime felt like a cruel joke. My father spent more time at work than at home, and when he was home, he barely looked at my mother unless it was to criticize her. He slept around with anything that had a pulse, and my mother drowned her sorrows in alcohol and luxu