Page 92 of Unfaithful

I could get through this. I knew I would.

Because even in the darkness, in this madness, I was not alone.

*** *** ***

I hadn't realized I had fallen asleep.

Somehow, I was already in my room, tucked under the blanket. Darkness cloaked the world outside my window, and my room was equally dim.

I glanced at the clock on my bedside table. It was already midnight.

My entire body ached. A deep soreness settled in, though I had expected only my eyes to feel heavy. I rubbed my face with my hands, and just as I was about to slide out of bed, a voice broke the silence.

"Peaches, you're awake?"

I turned toward the sound, my eyes adjusting to the shadows. Archie sat on the sofa across from the bed, leaning forward, trying to see me through the darkness.

"Yeah," I murmured.

"Do you want some water?" he asked.

I nodded.

He grabbed a bottle from the coffee table, twisting the cap open as he walked toward me. "Here," he said, handing it over before settling beside me, watching as I took a long, thirsty gulp of water.

After I finished, he gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "You alright?" he asked softly.

"Not really," I admitted weakly. "Not yet."

He nodded. "Are you okay with me here? Or do you want me to leave?"

I hesitated, meeting his gaze. Before I could answer, he added, "Emma was sleeping next to you earlier, but she snores so loud that Julian had to carry her to her room. We were afraid she'd wake you." He chuckled. "That was a powerful noise coming from such a tiny body."

I chuckled too. "Yeah, Emma snores. But I'm fine with it, usually."

Glancing to the side, I found Archie watching me with so much concern that I sighed. "I'm okay. No need to worry about me."

"I can't help it," he replied.

"Maria said you were waiting on the doorstep."

"Yeah. I was waiting for you."

"You knew I was going to be a wreck?"

"I was hoping you wouldn't be," he admitted. "But before you left, I saw your expression... and his. I figured you were about to have a heavy conversation. I was worried, but I didn't know what else to do. So, I just stood there, waiting for you."

"Thank you," I said, holding his gaze.

He frowned slightly. "For what?" His confusion was genuine.

"For caring," I said softly. "For being here."

His brows drew together slightly, as if the thought of me thanking him didn't sit right. "I said I would be, didn't I?"

I nodded. "Yeah. And you've stayed true to your word."

"Always," he smiled tenderly.

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