Daniel may not see it, but you do. His mother hates you.

On a holiday with his family, you couldn’t feel more out of place, like you were intruding. The looks, her tone, the way she doted over Daniel like he wasn’t 27. It was suffocating.

You’re lying with him in bed when he turns to you, brushing his thumb over your cheek. “I can see you have something on your mind. Tell me, please.”

You sigh, staring at the ceiling. “She hates me.”

Daniel shakes his head gently. “She doesn’t hate you. She’s just…protective.”

You turn to face him, your voice quieter, but laced with hurt. “Oh, please. She’d rather you were with anyone else. I’m not good enough.”

He furrows his brow, his eyes softening as he sits up beside you. “Don’t say that. You are more than enough.”

Leaning down, he presses a lingering kiss to your cheek, whispering against your skin, “You’re brilliant, and I love you. She'll accept you, I know she will."