Chapter 8 - The First Light
The morning sun rose over Vlysse, washing the manicured lawns and glass balconies of the Delgado estate in a brilliant, golden wash of early spring light. The ominous fleet of federal black SUVs was gone, leaving behind an eerie, quiet peace.
Marcus stood upstairs in the hallway, taking a slow, deep breath before gently pushing open the door to Ben’s bedroom.
The room was bathed in morning sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains. Ben was sitting up in bed, clutching his stuffed bear, looking toward the doorway with those wide, hazel eyes.
"Good morning, buddy," Marcus said softly, walking all the way across the room instead of stopping at the edge.
He didn't stand tall and formal. Instead, Marcus dropped directly to his knees right beside the mattress, bringing himself down to Ben’s eye level.
Ben blinked, surprised by the unfamiliar posture. "Good morning, Daddy."
Marcus reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and gently brushed a lock of dark hair away from his son's forehead—just the way Pia had done days before.
"I'm sorry, Ben," Marcus whispered, his voice thick with unashamed emotion. "I'm sorry I haven't been the father you needed. I've been so busy hiding from my own sadness that I left you all alone in the dark."
Ben stared at him, processing the words with a childish wisdom that pierced Marcus to his core. Slowly, the defensive tension melted out of the boy's small shoulders. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Marcus’s neck, burying his face in his shoulder.
Marcus wrapped his arms around his son, holding him fiercely, burying his face in Ben’s hair as hot, liberating tears finally spilled over his eyelashes and ran down his cheeks. He didn't hold back. He didn't try to be strong or stoic. He wept for Victoria, he wept for the months they had lost, and he wept for the fragile, beautiful life he was finally holding onto.
"I love you, Daddy," Ben whispered against his ear.
"I love you too, son," Marcus choked out. "More than anything in this entire world."
Ten minutes later, father and son walked hand-in-hand down the sweeping staircase toward the ground floor.
In the spacious kitchen, the rich, comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted sourdough filled the air. Pia was standing by the stove, flipping pancakes with an easy, relaxed grace, humming a quiet melody under her breath.
Hearing footsteps, she turned around.
She looked at Marcus holding Ben's hand—not standing rigidly apart, but connected, smiling, and visibly lighter. A radiant, genuine smile spread across Pia’s face.
"Breakfast is almost ready, gentlemen," Pia announced. "I hope you like blueberry pancakes, because your son specifically demanded them."
Ben let go of Marcus's hand for a second, ran over to Pia, and wrapped his arms around her waist, squeezing her tightly. "Thank you for staying, Pia."
Pia crouched down, kissed the top of Ben’s head, and hugged him back. "I'm not going anywhere, buddy. Not unless your dad officially kicks me out."
Marcus walked over to the kitchen island, leaning casually against the marble counter, his eyes locked onto Pia with a look of profound, unreserved adoration.
"The security cameras are all disconnected, by the way," Marcus said, a playful smirk touching his lips.
Pia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Oh? Decided to finally trust your staff?"
"No," Marcus replied, stepping closer until he was standing just inches away from her, his gaze intense and unwavering. "I decided I don't need hidden lenses to watch the people I love. I'd rather look at them with my own eyes."
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Pia’s breath hitched slightly, her cheeks dusting with a faint, beautiful pink hue. She reached out, looping her arms loosely around his neck. "Good choice, Mr. Delgado. A very good choice indeed."
Marcus leaned down and kissed her softly, tenderly, and without a single shadow of hesitation.
