Between our hands

Chapter 49: Between Shadow and Light.

When Samy and Victor returned to the room, Maëlle turned towards her siblings and cousins, all still present. Silence briefly settled over them before Maëlle took a deep breath and spoke in a calm but resolute voice, "Please, don't talk about what you've seen and heard. I want this to stay between us for now." Her words carried weight, and everyone instantly understood the importance of the situation.

They all nodded silently, exchanging knowing looks, each promising to respect her request without asking questions. Yet, there was a certain curiosity in the air, a palpable tension as thoughts gravitated toward Samy. Maëlle's family, known for being close and honest, certainly wouldn’t let the opportunity slip to learn more about the man who seemed to be much more than just a bodyguard in their eyes.

Sacha, with his typical mischievous grin, finally broke the silence. "So, Samy, if it’s not too personal, doesn’t it bother you not going back home?" His question was simple, almost innocent, but it reflected the collective curiosity.

Samy, a bit caught off guard by the sudden attention, scratched the back of his neck slightly, clearly uncomfortable but softened by a sincere smile. "Actually..." he began, his voice hesitant, "I don’t really have a home. After my father died, things got complicated. I lived on the streets for a while before this palace became, in a way, a refuge."

The room fell into a respectful silence. Even those who had always admired Samy seemed to see him now in a new light—more vulnerable. Nahïa, with her eternal gentleness, broke the solemn moment by smiling at Samy. "You know, you’ll always have a home here, right?" Her words were simple, but their impact was immediate.

Samy returned her smile, more relaxed this time. "Thank you. That really means a lot to me." This brief exchange forged a stronger bond between them, adding another layer of acceptance within a family that seemed ready to welcome him wholeheartedly.

Daniel, ever curious and rarely short of questions, continued, his gaze softening in response to Samy’s story. "But why did you choose to be a bodyguard? It’s such a demanding job, both physically and emotionally. What made you take that path?"

Samy lowered his gaze slightly, thinking for a moment before responding. "When I was on the streets, I often dreamed of being protected. You know, I had this idea that if someone had been there for me, everything might have turned out differently. At some point, I realized that I could become that person for others. Becoming a bodyguard was my way of giving back, of offering the protection I wished I’d had when I was younger."

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Maëlle’s family, usually lively and chatty, seemed captivated by Samy’s every word. He had shared a deep, intimate part of himself, and no one was left indifferent.

Nahïa, moved by his responses and the sincerity in his voice, softly asked, "But how did you find the strength to move forward after all that? I mean, what you went through is..." She searched for the right words before simply concluding, "It’s a lot."

Samy looked up at her, his gaze filled with a quiet intensity. "Strength sometimes comes from what we want most. For me, I wanted to find meaning in my life again. I found a purpose, and I clung to it. There were days when it was hard, when I felt like everything was falling apart around me. But the idea of one day being able to help someone else, to be that person someone could rely on, that’s what kept me going." He turned slightly toward Maëlle at that moment, his gaze lingering on her with particular meaning. "And now, being here, being close to Maëlle... I finally feel useful. Valued."

An emotional silence settled once again, but this time it was filled with admiration. Everyone felt a deep sense of gratitude for Samy’s presence in their lives. What he had endured and the person he had become commanded respect, and it showed in the way they now looked at him.

Maëlle, feeling the emotion rising, moved closer to him and gently placed a hand on his. "I’m so glad you’re here with us. Truly. You’re an incredible person, and I’m grateful that you’re part of our lives." Her voice was soft, yet imbued with undeniable sincerity.

Samy, visibly touched by this warm acceptance, gently squeezed Maëlle’s hand in return, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Maëlle... Thank you all." He felt truly embraced by this family that had welcomed him with an unexpected kindness.

As the mood slowly lightened, laughter timidly returned to the room, but then the door suddenly opened, and Camille walked in. True to her style, she crossed the room with her usual nonchalant attitude, throwing disdainful glances at those around her. It didn’t take long before she made her presence known. "Oh, look at this! You’ve managed to turn this room into a proper family reunion," she said with barely concealed sarcasm. She then turned toward Samy, her eyes gleaming with a mocking light. "And I see we’ve got a new face among us. You must be the famous bodyguard, right? You’re settling in rather quickly, aren’t you?"

The tension in the room immediately spiked. Maëlle’s family members stiffened, sensing the sharp edges of Camille’s words. But Samy remained calm, never losing his smile.

Camille continued, unable to resist. "So, Samy, do you really think you belong here? I wonder what kind of person sneaks into a tight-knit circle like this." She chuckled, before delivering her final jab: "Sucking up to people must be your hidden talent, I suppose."

Maëlle, who had been sitting peacefully until now, stood up with quiet firmness. "Camille, I’d ask you to show a bit more respect. Samy is an exceptional person, and he deserves far more than your rude comments. If anyone doesn’t belong here, it’s you."

Camille stared at her, dumbfounded, before shrugging indifferently. "Oh, I’m just speaking the truth." Her tone was contemptuous, but before she could continue, Samy intervened with a calm smile. "It’s funny, really. But at least I’m here out of love, not for someone’s wallet."

Laughter erupted instantly, drowning out Camille’s bitterness as she stormed toward the exit, visibly furious.