Chapter 5 - The Sanctuary
Back at the Vance Manor, the storm raged outside, rain slanting hard against the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the grand library. Inside, a fire crackled warmly in the massive stone fireplace, casting deep amber light across the leather-bound books, polished wood, and velvet furnishings.
Sadi sat on a low velvet sofa near the hearth, wrapped in a plush cream-colored fleece blanket. Her leg was propped up on a leather ottoman, the cold thermal compress resting over her bruised calf.
The heavy double doors of the library creaked open, and Roman stepped inside. He had shed his suit jacket, wearing only his crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the intricate dark tattoos that coiled up his forearms—symbols of his family’s long, dangerous history.
He carried a tray with two porcelain cups of steaming chamomile tea and a small plate of honey pastries. He placed the tray on the low table beside her, then sat down on the sofa, pulling Sadi back against his chest.
Sadi turned her head, leaning into his warmth. “Is it done?”
Roman picked up one of the tea cups, handing it to her gently. “He will no longer be a disturbance in this city, Sadi. He has lost his license, his income, and his standing. He is currently packing whatever fits into a single suitcase to leave the state.”
Sadi took a slow sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through her chest. She let out a long breath she felt like she had been holding for three years. “I thought I would feel happy,” she murmured softly, staring into the flickering flames of the fireplace. “I thought seeing him suffer would make me feel like I finally won.”
“And how do you feel?” Roman asked, his large hand gently resting on her shoulder.
“Relieved,” she admitted, looking up into his ice-blue eyes. “Just relieved that it’s over. For so long, I felt like I was carrying his ghost around with me. Every time I spent money, every time I bought nice clothes, I felt this strange guilt—like I was pretending to be someone I wasn't. Like Trevor was going to pop out from around a corner and remind me that I came from nothing.”
Roman’s expression softened. He reached out, his long fingers gently tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “You didn't come from nothing, Sadi. You came from struggle. There is a profound difference. The strength you possess was forged in conditions that would have broken a man like Trevor in a single day.”
“He really thought I was stalking him,” Sadi said, a faint, genuine smile touching her lips for the first time all day. “He actually believed I came to the Galleria just to see his face.”
Roman let out a low, dark chuckle, the sound vibrating against her back. “The arrogance of weak men is always fascinating to observe. They assume the world revolves around them because they lack the depth to see anything beyond their own small desires.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet-lined box from the boutique, setting it on her lap. Sadi looked down at the box, then opened it to reveal the rhodium cufflinks nestled in black silk.
“You bought these for me,” Roman said softly.
“I did,” Sadi said, picking up one of the heavy, polished metal studs. “I know you don't like flashy accessories, but... when I saw them, I thought they looked like you. Strong, simple, and unyielding.”
Roman took the cufflink from her fingers, examining it in the firelight. A rare, genuine smile touched the corners of his lips—a smile he only ever reserved for her. “I will wear them to every board meeting from this day forward.”
Sadi leaned her head back against his shoulder, closing her eyes as the sound of rain tapping against the glass filled the quiet room. “Thank you, Roman.”
“For what?”
May you like
“For not letting me fall.”
Roman wrapped his arms tighter around her, kissing the crown of her head. “You are my wife, Sadi. The world can burn before I let anything hurt you again.”
