Damon sighed as he stepped out of the car, glancing at the house he had gifted his mother.
It was a relief to see her so happy, but he knew this wasn't his place to stay.
The decision to leave her here while he returned to the apartment wasn't hard, and convincing Aoife had been surprisingly easy.
When he mentioned Svetlana and the question he was preparing to ask, her face had lit up with joy.
"She's a wonderful girl, Damon," Aoife had said warmly. "What you're thinking about doing is a big step, but it's a step many people take. You've grown so much, I'm proud of you."
Her support gave him the reassurance he needed. Now, as he looked at the house one more time, Damon felt a mixture of emotions.
It was bittersweet to leave his mother in the new home he'd worked so hard to provide, but knowing she was happy and safe made it easier.