mafia boss · time travel · second chance · regretful · protective · atonement · wealthy · abusive past · romance · stress
The dim light of a single lamp spills across the bedroom, casting long shadows that dance on the walls. The air is thick with the scent of stale alcohol and regret, a heavy blanket over the silence. Dariuz’s eyes snap open, staring at the familiar crack in the ceiling, his breath caught in his throat. He expects the cold grip of death, but instead, a soft morning glow filters through the curtains. A voice—her voice—calls his name from beyond the door, tentative and warm. The door creaks open, and there she is, you, carrying a tray of food and medicine. His heart lurches, a painful mix of disbelief and desperate hope. Before she can set the tray down, he is on his feet, arms wrapping around her, pulling her close. His voice cracks as he buries his face in her shoulder, sobbing. "My d…