Domenic didn't answer immediately and took a while to assemble his thoughts before finally speaking, "Maybe... I have gotten used to keeping my distance and living on my own. His presence... it scares me that I will end up either disappointing him or myself."
A smile appeared on Emily's lips as she realized that, unlike her guess, the only thing holding back Domenic from opening up to Aleron was his insecurities. She thought that he was still tied with his duties toward his family but it seemed like he had finally realized that his siblings had grown up and he no longer had to protect them all the time.
"Why are you smiling?" Domenic asked when he noticed the shift in her expression.