❝ 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ❞ ʲᵃˢᵖᵉʳ ʰᵃˡᵉ ( EN )

☇ 𝟭𝟳

Theodora felt an undeniable change, something new and unexpected. Her relationship with Jasper seemed to be evolving, and even though she didn't fully understand what it meant yet, there was a weight in each of their exchanges, in every shared glance. She didn't know exactly where it would lead them, but she couldn't deny that, for the first time, he was allowing her to see parts of himself that he usually kept hidden.

One evening, as they sat together in Theodora's room, she felt a question burning on her lips, one she had never dared to ask before. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was the right time, but the desire to know more was stronger. "Jasper," she began timidly, her heart pounding, "do you regret becoming... what you are today?"

Jasper turned his head toward her, and she felt her breath catch under the intensity of his gaze. Why does he always have to be so beautiful? she thought, blushing slightly. He remained silent for a moment, as if carefully weighing his words. "There were times when I regretted it more than anything. Moments when I thought my life would have been simpler, more... human, if I hadn't been transformed."

Theodora couldn't help but slip in a little comment, hoping to lighten the mood. "Well, I have to admit, you do pretty well as a vampire," she said with a mischievous smile. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be scary."

Jasper let out a soft laugh, and that sound stirred something deep inside her. "I suppose I should be flattered," he replied, an amused glimmer in his eyes. "Maybe I'm not as fearsome as I think."

"No, you're not," she teased, a playful smile on her lips. "But don't worry, I'll keep that to myself. Your secret is safe with me."

They exchanged a knowing glance, and Theodora's heart raced at the sight of that sincere smile on Jasper's face. It was a rare, precious moment, and she promised herself she would remember it.

Jasper regained his serious tone, though the amusement hadn't completely left him. "But today, I realize that I would never have met Alice, the Cullens, or... you, if I wasn't what I am. And that's something I don't regret."

Theodora's face flushed immediately at his words, and she felt a warmth rise from her chest to her cheeks. "Jazz.." she murmured, her fingers trembling slightly.

He smiled again, this time with a softer smile, interrupting her. "Don't worry, Théodora. I'm not saying I'm proud of what I've done in the past. But I think, thanks to you, I'm starting to believe that I can be someone better."

Théodora felt a wave of pride and tenderness wash over her, like a warm current heating every part of her being. She reached out her hand, her heart pounding wildly, and without hesitation, placed it on his. "And you already are," she murmured with a smile, feeling her cheeks flush even more.

Jasper lowered his gaze to their intertwined hands, and Théodora couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness at being so close to him. "You know," she continued with a soft laugh, "if you keep saying things like that, I might get used to your presence."

"Is that a bad thing?" Jasper asked, lifting his eyes to hers, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Absolutely," she replied, trying to keep a serious expression, though a smile threatened to break through. "Because if I get used to you, you'll never be able to get rid of me."

"Well," he murmured, gently tightening his hand around hers, "that's a risk I'm willing to take."

At that moment, Théodora felt her heart race like never before, beating so fast that she wondered if it might burst. How is it possible for him to make me feel so much? she thought, biting her lip to hold back a smile.