"Then what is it about?" Valerie asked. "Responsibility? Habit? Or fear fear of losing something you've held onto since childhood?"
Demian said nothing. The question had struck far too close to the truth.
Valerie took a long breath. "I'm not asking you to choose tonight," she said more gently. "I just need to know… whether I'm placing my hopes in someone whose heart was never truly empty."
Demian looked back at her. Their eyes met. For the first time, there was no anger in his only confusion and exhaustion.
"I don't know how to let go of the past," he admitted quietly. "I was never taught how."
Valerie lowered her gaze. Her hand moved slowly to her stomach, a reflexive, protective gesture.
"I can't live inside that uncertainty," she said softly. "Not just for me… but for this child."
Demian followed her gaze. His chest tightened.
"What do you want from me?" he asked in a low voice.
