An Exhausted Mother's Comfort

Elara's POV

"I'll pick Coco up later this evening."

Damien's words lingered in the air between us. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The conversation about his "invisibility technology" had left me drained. I watched as he turned away, his tall figure moving with practiced grace toward the exit.

Clara Bellweather, my grandmother, stood near the doorway. Her posture stiffened as Damien approached. Their exchange was brief and cold – a curt nod from him, a tight-lipped smile from her. She had never approved of him, even less so after witnessing years of his indifference toward me.

Uncle Victor stepped forward, offering Damien a formal handshake. "Mr. Thorne." The coolness in his voice was unmistakable.

"Mr. Vance." Damien's response was equally detached.

And then he was gone, leaving behind a room that somehow felt both emptier and lighter. I exhaled slowly, only then realizing I'd been holding my breath.