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I rubbed her back as she let out her grief. The sound twisted my heart into pieces. The pain was almost too much to bear, but I had to do it for her. It was my duty as her remaining daughter to help her from her depression.
I glanced back at Sasuke. He'd seen his own mother wither away and was unable to do anything to stop it. I wouldn't let that happen.I needed to protect her, even if it meant fighting back against the demons that haunted her.
After a few moments, I heard footsteps approaching from behind me. Sasuke's presence was comforting. I turned to face him, my eyes red and swollen from crying. He looked worried yet determined.
"Hey," he said softly, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder and guiding me away from the grave. "Remember what I told you? About living for her sake?" It was the same philosophy that kept him going after losing both of his parents.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.
"Your mother will do that too, in her own time," he said. "With your help, I truly believe she'll get past this."
I leaned into him, savoring the warmth and strength of his arms around me. "I know," I said.
"And I'll be here for you every step of the way," Sasuke promised.
"But your mission is over," I said, finally daring to speak the words I'd held back for weeks. "Aren't you going to go back to Japan?"
Sasuke chuckled and shook his head. "And leave you? I don't think so. I can't imagine life without you, Julia," he said, cupping my cheek. "Besides, our leader wants me to keep an eye on those Triads."
I fell into his warm embrace. "From an assassin to a spy," I mused. "I think it suits you."
Chapter twenty-one
Julia
????
ONE MONTH LATER…
The house was barely recognizable compared to how it looked only a month ago.
Thanks to Sasuke, everything was cleaned and repaired. The little run-down bungalow looked like a home again.
There was a cozy atmosphere that permeated the space, a sense of calm and tranquility that had been long absent. The house was still sparse, but it was decorated with trinkets collected on trips and cherished memories.
I padded down the stairs, hearing noises from the kitchen. To my surprise, it wasn't Sasuke — it was my mother.
"Mom?" I called out.
Mom turned, prepping a pot of tea. "Good morning, sweetie," she said.
I almost let out a sob. My mother looked .... happy. She was wearing real clothes instead of faded pajamas. Her hair was brushed, and her smile was genuine.
The woman who had once been trapped in a shell of despair was beginning to emerge. It was a process, but it was happening.
"Mum, you're doing great," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Can I help you with anything?"
"I'm fine," she said, shaking her head. "But Sasuke is out in the yard. He asked me to ask you to go see him when you woke up."
I slid my flip-flops on and wandered out to the backyard. The late March air was crisp, but the sun bore a promise of a beautiful afternoon.
Sasuke was standing under the blooming cherry blossom tree, looking absolutely stunning with the pink petals swirling around him.
He wore a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, showing off his toned physique. The golden sun bathed him in warmth, making his skin glow.
I couldn't help but admire how far we'd come since meeting him. Sasuke was more than just a protector; he was my confidant, my friend, and my lover.
When I approached him, he turned to greet me with a soft smile.
