Chapter 87. Leaving.
Adrian stood in the middle of their bedroom, meticulously folding clothes into a sleek black suitcase. The sound of zippers and the occasional rustle of fabric filled the air. Ethan leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed but his expression soft, watching Adrian with a mixture of concern and affection.
"Make sure you’re careful abroad," Ethan began, his deep voice tinged with a protective edge. "Don’t talk to strangers unnecessarily, and if anyone acts suspicious, walk away. Also, call home every day. No excuses."
Adrian turned to him, a gentle smile on his face. "You sound like a worried dad sending his kid off to college."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I am, but you’re far too beautiful to not be careful. And unlike a worried dad, I have every reason to be overprotective."
Adrian laughed softly and moved toward him, his silver eyes gleaming under the warm light of the room. He reached up and gently cupped Ethan’s cheek before pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his lips.
"I’ll be fine, Ethan," Adrian assured him as he pulled back, his voice tender and reassuring. "Diana’s going with me. She’s not going to let anything happen to me, and you know how bossy she can be."
Ethan grunted in reluctant agreement, though his arms circled Adrian’s waist instinctively. "Diana’s presence is the only thing keeping me from chaining you to the house," he muttered.
Adrian’s cheeks flushed, a shy smile spreading across his face. "You’re being ridiculous," he said, resting his hands on Ethan’s chest. "Besides, it’s just one month. And you can come visit me whenever you want."
Ethan leaned closer, his forehead brushing against Adrian’s. "I might just take you up on that. Don’t tempt me, Adrian. You know I’ll miss you."
The vulnerability in Ethan’s voice made Adrian’s heart squeeze. "I’ll miss you too," he whispered.
His gaze shifted suddenly to the crib in the corner of the room, where the twins lay peacefully asleep. Their soft, rhythmic breathing was barely audible over the quiet hum of the room. Adrian’s silver eyes filled with sadness as he walked over to the crib, gently brushing his fingers over the tiny fists of their five-month-old daughter, Seraphina.
"I’ll miss them so much," Adrian said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "What if they forget me while I’m gone?"