The drive back home was quiet, but not an uncomfortable kind of quiet. Rose sat beside me, her hands resting gently on her lap, her eyes occasionally turning to look through the window. I could still picture Nicolas standing in front of the airport terminal as we drove away, his shoulders slightly slumped, his smile polite but tired. The image replayed in my mind over and over, each time tightening something deep inside my chest.
I gripped the steering wheel a little harder.
The Nick I had known growing up was full of life. He used to laugh until he had tears in his eyes. He would run ahead of me during summer holidays, daring me to catch up. He was fearless. Always the one pulling me out of my quietness. That young man,the one who believed life was an adventure felt so far away now. The Nick we left behind at the office looked like he was still fighting invisible battles.
A warm hand touched my knee gently.
"I know," she whispered. Her thumb rubbed slow circles on my knee. "It hurts to see someone you love in pain."
I nodded. I didn't trust my voice for a moment. I blinked a few times and focused on the road. The city passed by in blurred colors, but my thoughts remained stuck in the past on two boys chasing dreams, on laughter that once filled every room.
"I wish I could fix everything for him," I finally said. "I wish I could take his pain away. I hate seeing him like this."
Rose's voice was gentle, full of warmth. "He will heal, Maxwell. It's not going to be quick, but he is strong. And he knows he's not alone."
I looked at her, and in that moment, I felt something shift inside me. She wasn't just saying words. She believed them. And somehow, I believed her.
"You're right," I said quietly. "Having you here... it changes everything."
She smiled, the kind of smile that made my heart calm down. "That's what I'm here for."
As we neared the house, my mind replayed something else Nicolas had said that morning, right before he got out of the car. Make her happy. Don't take her for granted. Those words were still echoing in my heart.
When we pulled into the driveway and I turned off the engine, I turned to Rose.
"I've been thinking," I said, trying to hide the nervous excitement in my voice. "We should go on that trip like we hard earlier planned. Just the two of us."
Her head snapped in my direction, eyes wide with surprise. Then they lit up with joy, as if I had just offered her the whole world.
"Are you serious?" she asked, her voice rising with excitement.
I smiled. "Yes. But this time, I want you to plan it. Exactly how you want it. You can work with David to arrange everything so it's perfect for you."
Rose's hands flew to her mouth. For a moment she just sat there, staring at me with wide eyes and trembling lips. Then she let out a joyful laugh and threw her arms around me.
"Oh my God, Maxwell! Are you serious? I can plan everything?"
I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. "Everything. I want this trip to be exactly what you dream of."
She pulled back slightly and looked into my eyes. Her voice was soft but filled with emotion. "Thank you. You don't know what this means to me."
"I think I do," I said. "I want to see you happy, Rose. Truly happy."
We got out of the car and walked into the mansion. It felt quiet. The kind of quiet that used to haunt me. But now, with Rose by my side, it didn't feel empty. It felt peaceful.
Inside the living room, Rose already had her phone out, smiling as she typed something quickly. I knew she was texting David my secretary.
"He's replying right now," she giggled excitedly. "He said he's ready whenever we are!"
I couldn't help but laugh. Her excitement was contagious. The way her eyes sparkled made everything around us seem brighter.
As she began talking about beaches, mountains, and romantic dinners under the stars, I watched her. Every idea she mentioned came with a smile, a laugh, or a dreamy look. It made me realize just how much I loved seeing her like this.
There was a time when my life was full of noise but empty in meaning. Now, even in silence, my heart was full.
Rose sat beside me on the couch, leaning into my shoulder as she kept scrolling. "What do you think about a private villa? Somewhere quiet and beautiful?"
I kissed the top of her head. "I think whatever you choose will be perfect, because you'll be there."
She looked up at me with soft, loving eyes. "Maxwell…"
I could tell she was overwhelmed with emotion. She placed her hand over my heart and spoke in a quiet voice.
"You're making me feel so cherished. So loved."
"You are cherished," I said, holding her hand against my chest. "And I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know that."
She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply, as if she wanted to remember this moment forever.
When she opened them again, her lashes were wet with unshed tears, but she was smiling. "I love you, Maxwell."
I smiled back, my heart full. "I love you too."
We didn't need many words after that. She continued talking with David, excitement pouring out of her with every detail about the trip, and I just held her, grateful for everything this moment meant.
Nicolas was gone for now. And yes, the mansion felt a little quiet without him. But I prayed he would find healing where he was going. As for me, I had made a promise to myself and to him. I would not let life pass me by. I would love Rose with intention, with passion, with everything in me.
As Rose leaned against me, talking about sunsets and candlelight dinners, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
With her. Always with her.