Dịu Dàng Dành Riêng Em Novels & Stories

Hopeful. That expression again. It irritates me. “I didn’t mean what I said,” I add quietly. “I just didn’t want them bothering you more.” It’s easy. The words come naturally. I’ve done this before—soft voice, calm tone, just enough warmth to make her believe it. Her grip tightens on the notebook. “It’s okay,” she whispers. Of course it is. I give her a small smile, then straighten and walk away. Behind me, I can already hear someone whisper, “See? He’s being nice to her.”

My mouth opens to say som⁠ething just anything to ease the tension‌, but⁠ I do not get the chance. Dami⁠an steps⁠ clo‍se‌r, his hand slides u‌p, fin⁠gers⁠ cur‌ling at t‍he back of my⁠ neck‌, warm and possessive without being roug‍h. “Just a small on‌e,”‌ he murmurs.

"Don't make me sleep alone tonight. Please. Just stay with me. Just for tonight." Ember looked at my tear-stained face, her expression softening into a deep, maternal sympathy. She let out a long, slow inhale, her shoulders relaxing as she reached down to pat my hand. "Okay," she whispered gently. "Okay, I'm not going anywhere. Calm down, Amaris. I'm right here."

“I’ll give you everything.” Dane’s hand went to my neck and pulled me in until her eyes were staring into mine. Unlike other times when she’s being upright and uptight, this time her soft eyes were glistening, shining. “I just want you to be happy.” Dane said with a soft yet sad smile. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” I pressed my lips together, trying to hold my smile. “You really are such a poet.” “Now let’s go get your girl.”

“You’ll never want for anything when I’m around.” Emma smiles sleepily, that sweet baby reflex that immediately melts my heart.

Or perhaps… comfort. “I don’t want you crying over anyone,” he said. “If you should ever cry, it should be happy tears. Like from laughter. Or joy. Or” his eyes softened “relief.” A small smile curved her lips. “That’s… a very specific kind of tenderness from you.” “I’m not known for being gentle,” he admitted. “But you’re not just anyone.” She stared at him for a moment, her heartbeat slowing, steadied by his presence. Darius had a way of anchoring her, like no matter how chaotic everything became inside her, he wouldn’t move. Wouldn’t falter.

She didn't question, didn't judge, simply held me as I broke apart, piece by agonizing piece. “Oh, sweetheart,” she whispered, her voice thick with empathy, her embrace tightening around me. “You’re okay. You’re safe here. Let it out, Ava. Just let it all out.” She rocked me gently, like a mother soothing a distraught child, her warmth a stark contrast to the coldness that had permeated my day.

I am too soft for it. ***

She looked up, staring intently at my face, and then her beautiful hands reached out gently to wipe away the remaining tears wetting my cheeks. "Don't you ever apologize, Mama. You are not to blame at all," Emelia said with the sweetest, most comforting smile, her gaze radiating an extraordinary sincerity. "You did all of that for my own good and for the safety of my life. I am not angry with you in the slightest. I... I love you so much, Mama."

"May I know your name?" "Emerald... but you can call me Emi," she said with a soft smile. "I will never forget what you did for me this night, Emi," Visenya vowed, gratitude shining in her eyes.