TURN OF FATE, cl16

59.

CHAPTER FIFTY NINE.
MONACO.

The days unfolded in slow, quiet layers.

Dariyah started to reclaim in tiny pieces of herself she thought she'd lost forever— cooking her own breakfast, watering the lemon tree on the balcony, sketching or playing the guitar when the mood struck her. Each little action felt like proof she hadn't been broken beyond repair.

But healing wasn't linear.

Some mornings she woke with a clarity that made her feel almost fierce. Other days she couldn't even cross the living room without feeling like her ribs were full of lead.

It was on one of the heavier days that the argument happened.

It began with something small.

She'd tried to bring in a heavy box from the delivery man— new art supplies she'd ordered. Charles had been in the kitchen. The second he saw her lifting it, he rushed over, gently pried it from her hands, and set it down like she was incapable of carrying it herself.

"Careful," he murmured, brushing her shoulder. "You don't need to—"

"I don't need to what?"

Her voice was sharper than she'd intended.

He froze, eyebrows knitting. "I just don't want you to overdo it."

"I'm carrying a box, Charles," she snapped. "Not fighting a war."

He opened his mouth, closed it, then tried again. "I'm not trying to—"

"You're treating me like i'm about to shatter any second," she burst out, her breath hitching. "Like I'm some delicate thing you have to handle with gloves on. I survived him. I can carry a goddamn box."

He stood still, hurt flickering across his face. But he didn't look away.

"I know you did," he said finally, voice quiet. "I know how strong you are. But sometimes... it's not about thinking you can't do something. It's about wanting you to have a moment to rest."

"I don't want to rest," she shot back, tears suddenly blurring her vision. "I want to feel like a normal person again. Like someone who doesn't need—"

Her voice broke.

"—someone who doesn't need saving all the time."

Silence settled between them.

Dariyah's mind was in a conflicting state, she never had anyone by her side to help her get through any of her struggles. She was having a hard time accepting that Charles was there for her, anytime and anywhere.

Charles stepped closer, but she shook her head, wiping at her cheeks in frustration.

"I can't be that girl forever," she whispered, voice shaking. "I won't be her."

Dariyah wanted to get out of the mindset that she's alone till the end of the line. He was there with her right now and it's damn clear he doesn't intend to leave atleast in this lifetime.