Darkness Chapter 59: Compromise

**Nelly**

I do not harbor any hatred towards Vincent, and perhaps I did stay away for too long. However, during my time in Italy, I found solace in blending in and feeling liberated, even though my heart was not at peace. Now, as I sit on the edge of the bed in the nursery, I anxiously await his words. Every fiber of my being yearns to run into his embrace, but alas, I must resist. I must ensure that I am not merely a replacement for his ex, but rather, that I am truly what he desires. I refuse to be a mere shadow of a goodbye. Furthermore, I must prioritize what is best for Alexis. She deserves nothing less. With a heavy sigh, I finally meet his gaze and declare, "I am all ears."

He kneels before me, placing his hands on my knees. “I love you. I should have said this sooner, but l have never loved a woman more than I love you. Yes..I love you more than I ever loved Bianca. You are my world. I would stop at nothing to keep you and our daughter safe. I know I fucked up royally. I know I should have set aside my pride and frustration after I learned that Peter killed her. I should have been holding you and protecting you inside of drowning myself in booze. We are both stubborn, headstrong people.”

He lowers his gaze, his eyes now brimming with tears, before they meet mine. "We almost lost each other because we couldn't admit our feelings. Neither of us wanted to show weakness. And now, here I am, kneeling before you. I am broken, stubborn, and foolish. I struggle to communicate my emotions, but I love you more than anything I need to survive. I need you home. I have been lost without you. I have done terrible things since you left, and I am not proud of them."

“Like what?” I look at him in horror.

“I tried to stick to the promise we made back home and not feed on those who didn't give willingly. I broke it, and I killed a lot of them. I drained them. I wanted them to feel the emptiness I felt without you,” he confesses. Tears are welling up in my eyes. I know that was hard for him. He is always striving to be better than the others, and then I make him go and do that.

“Shhh. Please don't cry. Baby, please.”

I throw my arms around him crying into his shoulder. He stands with me attached and walks me out the door. We crossed the hall to our room. It hasn't changed in fact it looks just as it did the day I left. It dawns on me he hasn't slept l here. “Where have you been sleeping?”

“The nursery,” he says softly. “I couldn't sleep in here without you.”

"Vincent, I apologize. I was at a loss for what to do. It seemed like you had distanced yourself from me. When I witnessed the pain you felt over Peter's betrayal of Bianca, I began to wonder if you were using me as a mere distraction from her. Perhaps you were only with me because I was carrying your child. We both know we are stubborn and headstrong, and we struggle to communicate effectively. I have always had to suppress my emotions from a young age, taught to prioritize duty over feelings. Even now, with you, I find myself doing the same. It's not intentional, I just struggle to show vulnerability, fearing it may make me appear weak in your eyes. But Vincent...you are my weakness. I love you so deeply it hurts. Every day I spent away from you was filled with tears and inner turmoil, fighting against the urge to return to you. However, when I heard rumors of your imprisonment in the chateau and the fear surrounding you, I knew I had to come to your side. You are not a monster, and I couldn't bear to see my husband's reputation tarnished. You are a remarkable leader, and I had to ensure your well-being. I couldn't let you face this alone."

“So what does this mean?” he asks. And as if right on cue, Alexis wakes up screaming. 

“Go on, Daddy. Go change her,” I tease. It feels really good to call him that.

“How do you know she's not hungry?” he asks.

"A mother's intuition never fails. I will wait here, I promise I won't leave," I urged, my heart pounding with anticipation. He turned and gently placed me on the bed before walking out of the room. I couldn't help but long for his touch, for his presence. Rising from the bed, I made my way to the nursery door and peered inside, watching as he struggled to change her. Despite his initial difficulties, I could hear him softly murmuring to our precious baby girl as he cleaned her up. But with each passing moment, he grew more confident and efficient. After he finished, he cradled her in his arms and carried her to the rocking chair, where he sat with her, a look of pure love and devotion in his eyes.

“Your mommy did well. You are perfect in every way,” he murmurs as he rocks her.

“She's her father's daughter.”

“What do you mean?” he inquires.

“You'll see. She already has you wrapped around her finger. Just wait till she can talk and you have to tell her no,” I explain.

“I can say no,” he retorts.

“Uh-huh. Like you could to me?”

“You're different. You are my wife. You know the saying "Happy wife, happy life." I want that for us,” he replies.

“Ok keep telling yourself that. Are you gonna be ok with her? I need a long shower. Something I haven't had since she came into the picture.”

“You could have if you hadn't left,” he says.

I glare at him. “Vincent! Don't start that with me.”