EIGHTEEN_THE TRUTH BEHIND THE EYES
The mansion was unusually quiet that night.
Aiden stood by the large window in Alexander's room, staring out into the darkness. The moonlight spilled across the marble floor, making the room look cold and distant.
Behind him, Alexander sat at his desk, going through documents, but his eyes kept drifting toward Aiden.
Something was wrong.
For the past few days, Aiden had been quieter than usual. The nightmares had returned again the previous night, and this time they had been worse.
Alexander closed the file in front of him.
"Aiden."
Aiden didn't turn around.
"Kitten."
Still nothing.
Alexander sighed and stood up. His footsteps were slow and deliberate as he walked toward him.
When he finally reached Aiden, he gently turned him around.
Aiden's eyes were red.
Alexander frowned.
"You've been crying."
Aiden quickly wiped his face.
"I'm fine."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"You are a terrible liar."
Aiden tried to laugh but it came out weak.
Alexander studied his face for a moment before speaking softly.
"Was it the nightmare again?"
Aiden's expression immediately changed.
Silence filled the room.
Alexander didn't push. He simply waited.
Finally, Aiden nodded.
"I saw her again."
Alexander's voice lowered.
"Your mother?"
Aiden swallowed.
"When I was little… she used to sing to me every night." His voice trembled. "But in the dream… she's always calling for me."
Alexander's chest tightened.
"And I can't reach her."
Aiden's hands clenched.
"I keep running but something keeps pulling me back."
Alexander didn't say anything for a moment.
Then he gently placed a hand on Aiden's head.
"You were a child."
Aiden looked up at him.
"You couldn't have saved her."
Aiden's voice cracked.
"But what if I could have?"
Alexander's gaze hardened slightly.
"No."
The single word carried weight.
"You survived," Alexander said quietly. "And that is not something to feel guilty about."
Aiden looked away.
Alexander rarely spoke about emotions, but when he did, every word felt heavy with meaning.
For a moment, the room fell silent again.
Then Alexander suddenly said,
"My mother liked you."
Aiden blinked.
"What?"
Alexander leaned against the window beside him.
"When you met her the other day… she told me something."
Aiden felt nervous.
"What did she say?"
Alexander smirked slightly.
"She said you looked like someone who had never been protected before."
Aiden felt his chest tighten.
"And?" he asked softly.
Alexander looked directly at him.
"And she said if I hurt you, she would disown me."
Aiden's eyes widened.
Alexander chuckled lightly.
"So congratulations, kitten. You already have my mother's protection."
Aiden couldn't stop the small smile that appeared on his face.
For the first time in a long time, he felt… safe.
Alexander noticed the smile.
His gaze softened.
Then he reached out and gently wiped the last tear from Aiden's cheek.
"Sleep."
Aiden frowned.
"What about you?"
Alexander picked up his coat.
"I have business."
Aiden's smile faded.
"Mafia business?"
Alexander looked back at him.
His expression turned cold again.
"Yes."
Aiden hesitated before asking quietly,
"Is it dangerous?"
Alexander walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he glanced back.
"Danger follows me everywhere."
Then he smirked slightly.
"But don't worry."
His voice softened just a little.
"No one touches what belongs to Alexander DeLuca."
And with that, he left the room.
Aiden stood there, staring at the closed door.
His heart was beating strangely.
He didn't know why…
But hearing those words made him feel warm inside.