Wedcuffed

Chapter 50

Sarah POV

It's been two weeks since Alessandro left for Italy, and the house feels different without him. The air is quieter, lighter in a way, yet there's also an undercurrent of tension that never really dissipates. Adrian has been around more often—helpful, attentive, and trying hard to insert himself into Gabriel's routine. I can see how much he wants this, how desperate he is to find his place in this patchwork family we're trying to create.

It's hard not to notice the shift in Adrian's demeanour since Alessandro left. He's more confident, more present, as if he thinks this is his chance to prove something—to me, to himself, maybe even to Gabriel. I want to believe that we can make this work, that we can all coexist for Gabriel's sake, but the dynamics are tricky, and the past is always lurking in the background.

This afternoon, Adrian offered to take Gabriel for a walk while I caught up on some rest. I can't deny that I'm exhausted. Balancing motherhood, work, and managing the delicate interactions between the two men in my life is draining. So I nod, grateful for a little break.

"Are you sure you're okay with it?" I ask, hesitant but hopeful.

He smiles, and his eyes have a genuine warmth that reminds me of Adrian, whom I used to know. "Of course. It would help if you rested, Sarah. I've got this."

It's strange, watching them together—Adrian cradling Gabriel in his arms, speaking to him in a soft, reassuring tone.

 There's love there, real love, and it tugs at something deep within me. Maybe this is how things should have been from the beginning—a family, whole and undivided. 

But it's too late for that now, isn't it? Too much has happened, and our lives have taken paths that can't simply be rewound.

When they return, Adrian looks more relaxed than I've seen him in a long time. He hands Gabriel back to me with a smile that reaches his eyes. "He fell asleep halfway through. I think the fresh air did him good."

"Thank you," I say, cradling Gabriel against my chest. "It's nice to have you around, Adrian. It really is."

His smile falters for just a second, something flickering in his expression—hope, maybe? Or longing? "I'm glad you think so," he replies quietly, his eyes not leaving mine. "I'm just trying to do what's best for all of us. For you and Gabriel."

I don't know how to respond to that, so I simply nod and head upstairs to put Gabriel down for his nap. But Adrian's words linger in my mind. 

What's best for all of us? It's a loaded statement, one that hints at more than just co-parenting. There's something deeper there—an unspoken desire to reclaim what we lost, to turn back time.

That evening, after Gabriel is asleep and the house is filled with the soft hum of nighttime silence, Adrian and I find ourselves sitting on the couch together, a comfortable distance between us. The TV is on, but neither of us is watching. It feels like we're waiting for something—for the conversation that we've been skirting around ever since Alessandro left.

"You've been great with Gabriel," I finally say, breaking the silence. "He's lucky to have you."

Adrian's eyes meet mine, and there's a vulnerability there that catches me off guard. "I just want to be the dad he deserves. And... maybe find a way back to being the person you need to be."

The words hang in the air, heavy and full of meaning. I feel a pang in my chest. I know where this is heading, but I'm not sure I want to go there. "Adrian..."

He shifts closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I know things can't be the way they were. I know that. But I can't help thinking... maybe there's still something left for us. Maybe we can rebuild, even if it's different this time."