The house was silent, barely illuminated by the warm light of the lamp you'd left on in the living room. Lucas and Julián had been asleep for hours, oblivious to the weight of the night that seemed to be sinking down on your shoulders.

You had fallen asleep on the sofa without meaning to, still with the blanket over your legs, waiting. He always came back… but this time he had taken longer than usual.

The click of the lock jolted you awake.

Your eyes blinked, still blurry, but the weariness vanished instantly when you saw his silhouette in the doorway. Carlos closed the door with unusual slowness, leaning against it for a second, as if he needed support to keep from falling. His black shirt was torn at the side, and dark blood trickled down his skin.

"Carlos…" your voice came out softly, choked with fear.

He looked up at you. He wasn't the ruthless boss everyone feared. He wasn't the cold man who gave orders without flinching. This version of him… only you knew it. Vulnerable. Exhausted. Human.

"I'm sorry, love," he murmured, trying to smile, but the expression twisted with pain. "I didn't mean to wake you."

You took a step toward him, your heart pounding in your chest.

"What happened? You're bleeding, Carlos."

He shook his head gently, as if to reassure you, though his fingers trembled slightly. He reached out for your hand, searching for yours as if he needed to anchor himself to something real.

"I'm fine. I just… had to get home. To you."

His voice cracked on the last word. Something he wouldn't allow anyone else to hear.

And, for a second, amidst the blood, the night, and the silence… he wasn't the head of the mafia. He was your husband. The man who could calm you with a single glance, the father who doted on his children, the love of your life fighting to stay afloat.

You approached him, determined.

"Sit down," you whispered, guiding him toward the sofa. "Let me help you."

Carlos obeyed, resting his forehead against your shoulder as he slumped down. His breathing was ragged, but your fingers in his hair seemed to soothe him instantly.