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I'm lying down next to a sleeping Niro with the little droid he tried to fix clutched in his hand when my phone goes off.
Ciro: Are you and Niro alright? Did he hurt you? Is Niro okay?
I smile, reading Ciro's string of messages.
Lillith: We're fine. I'm sleeping with Niro in his new room.
Ciro: Is he going to kill me?
Lillith: I don't think so. Why? Are you dead?
Ciro: Very funny. But I would, you know.
I pinch my brows.
Lillith: Would what?
Ciro: Die for you.
My stomach sinks because I know he would, but I wouldn't let him. He has been too good to me. He risked his life and friendship with Killian, knowing I could never be what he wanted. I could never be his.
Lillith: I wouldn't let you waste your life, but thank you. :)
Ciro: Your life could never be a waste, and why are you thanking me?
Lillith: For caring about Niro and me. For thinking I was worth something.
I'm about to place my phone on the wireless pad to charge when he sends another message.
Ciro: I love you, Lillith. You and Niro.
Istare at my breakfast, replaying the last message he sent her. He loves her and Niro. I clench my hands into fists in frustration.
I went to check on her, knowing she had left to sleep with our son in his room after our little spat in the shower. They were both sleeping peacefully. I noticed only one bed in the tiny space when she returned to the small room no bigger than my bathroom.
When I saw her phone resting on the charger, I couldn't resist. I was hoping to find pictures of her and Niro.
Instead, I found messages I had no business seeing but needed to see. Crushing me.
But the little voice in my head gives me hope even when I don’t deserve it.She didn't respond. She didn't respond. She didn't tell him that she loved him.
"Are you alright?"
My eyes lift, and all I see is her. The woman who has me in her grip. My eyes swing to Niro with pride, seeing my son in our home.
My family.
"Yes."
She points. "Your hands are clenching the table, and you haven't touched your food."
"How does he eat with his mask?" Niro asks his mother like I'm not sitting here.
"He lifts it about halfway and—"
Her eyes widen when I remove my mask, interrupting what she was about to say.
"I remove it when I eat and take a shower," I reply.
