Graceful marriage

ow, weary sigh as she ended the call, the crisp click of her phone echoing in the luxurious quietness of the cabin. The day had been a relentless barrage of numbers, ne

ome balm against her skin, a stark contrast to the stifling tension of the boardroom. She smoothed down the form-fitting black bodycon dress that clung to her slender frame, a silent testament

. It was a sanctuary, yet even here, the echoes of her professional life seemed to cling t

om

he rushed towards Catherine. All thoughts of corporate woes, falling shares, and demanding investors evaporated. A genuine smile, o

, dark hair, inhaling the sweet scent of innocence and sunshine. She tickled Damiana's chubby cheeks, making

ic way, his late thirties etched with lines of warmth rather than stress. He wrapped his arms around both Catherin

e?" he murmured, his

nged with a weariness she couldn't quite hide. She set Damiana down, who immediately returned to her artistic e

sh sofa in the living room. "S

ong day. Damon reappeared moments later with a tall, frosted glass. T

t how you like it," he

, instantly revitalizing. "You're a lifesaver," she sighed, leaning back and watching Damiana

d casually over the back of the sofa. "Tell me about

thoughts. "It's critical, Damon. M&M's shares have been falling drastically. We need a major shake-up

ation in Georgia. Their reach, their resources... it's exactly what M&M needs to no

be moving?" he asked, his tone gentle, but with an underlying note of concern. He loved their

he transition personally. We'd need to relocate the entire family. It wouldn't be immediate, but it

ge disruption. But this isn't just about M&M. It's about securing our future, Damiana's future. My father built that c

ust... a big change. For all of us. But we're a team. Whatever you decide, we'll make it work." H

moved on from crayons to a small toy car, pushing it along the floor with accompanying engine noises, blissfully unaware of the momentous decisions being made a

the sky and Damiana's eyelids began to droop, Cathe

ed tones, and a final, lingering hug. Catherine and Damon tucked Damiana i

amon. She felt the familiar warmth of his body next to hers, a sense of peace settling over her after t

e of the night was shat

t away

sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool air conditioning. His eyes were wide open but unfocused, star

tly shake his shoulder. She pulled him into an embrace, holding him tightl

ke water. He gasped, a ragged, shuddering breath, and his eyes, though

spered, his v

ell. It had been happening for years, sporadic but always intense. "Same night

nt confirmation of the recurring terror that haunted his nights. The darkness of t

a couple of pills into his mouth and swallowed them dry. Catherine watched silently, concern etched in her featu