My Man (18+) ✔️

43

Weeks had passed since Vincent had hit rock bottom, and he had slowly begun the arduous task of piecing himself back together. With each passing day, he reinforced the walls around his heart, building a fortress of cold indifference. He reminded himself of who he once was, a man of power and authority, a man who would not be broken by the likes of Inessa.

As Vincent's demeanor grew colder, Inessa couldn't help but notice the change. His once warm eyes now held only icy disdain whenever they locked with hers. The hate emanating from him was palpable, and it cut her deep.

One day, Inessa mustered up the courage to ask Vincent a question about their son, Matteo. She approached him cautiously, her voice gentle as she spoke his name. But before she could finish her sentence, Vincent snapped at her, his words sharp and cutting.

Inessa fell silent, her heart sinking with a mix of hurt and disappointment. She had hoped that perhaps, amidst the wreckage of their relationship, they could still find a common ground as parents. But Vincent's response shattered that fragile hope, leaving her feeling even more isolated and alone.

She retreated, her steps heavy with a mixture of sadness and frustration. Inessa knew deep down that Vincent's behavior was a defense mechanism, a way for him to shield himself from the pain she had caused. But that knowledge didn't ease the ache in her heart.

Vincent, too, felt a pang of regret as Inessa walked away. He knew his actions were harsh, that he had wounded her with his words. But he couldn't allow himself to soften, not yet. The wounds were still too fresh, the pain too raw.

As the days stretched into weeks, Inessa found herself caught in a tumultuous whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She felt the weight of her mistakes pressing down on her, each missed opportunity for communication and understanding adding to the burden.

Inessa longed for the warmth that had once existed between them, the love and tenderness that had been replaced by bitterness and resentment. But she knew that it would take time, that forgiveness couldn't be rushed or forced.

Vincent, on the other hand, found solace in his newfound coldness. He buried his pain deep within, fueling his determination to move forward without Inessa. He reminded himself of his strength, of the power he possessed, and it fueled his resolve to let go of the past.

But deep down, beneath the layers of anger and hate, a flicker of longing remained. Vincent couldn't deny that a part of him still yearned for the connection they had once shared, even as he masked it with indifference.

And so, they continued to navigate the fragile aftermath of their shattered love, each step forward accompanied by the weight of their own regrets and the uncertain path that lay ahead.

-

Vincent's heart skipped a beat as he saw Inessa making her way toward the door, the stroller in tow. Panic gripped him, the fear of losing her again bubbling to the surface. In a moment of desperation, he called out to her in a cold, distant tone, his voice tinged with underlying fear.

"Where are you heading?"

Inessa paused, her hand gripping the handle of the stroller tightly. She turned to face him, a mix of defiance and determination in her eyes. Her voice, though laced with frustration, held a hint of vulnerability as she answered him.

"I'm just going on a walk with Matteo. We both need some fresh air."

Vincent's mind raced, torn between wanting to protect Inessa and the knowledge that he couldn't control her every move. He wanted her to stay, to be within his sight at all times, but he knew that he couldn't force her.

Reluctantly, he made a decision, his voice firm as he spoke.

"You can go on your walk, but I'm assigning a bodyguard to accompany you."