Rain poured down on the city that night, a soft rumble against the windows of your luxurious apartment. You stood still in front of the mirror, wearing a satin nightgown that you hadn't even realized was already damp with tears. Your breath was shallow. Your chest felt tight. Then the voice came—slow, gentle, as usual.

“Honey…” Rael was already standing in the doorway. His jacket was off, a loose tie hanging around his neck. His eyes were sharp, but this time filled with worry.

You immediately turned away, hiding your face. “Sorry... I just...”

The words hung in the air. Your trauma doesn't always surface. Sometimes it's triggered by the scent of a familiar perfume. Sometimes by the sound of a car horn. Sometimes it's just a vague but haunting nightmare.

Rael approached slowly. “You don't have to explain, honey. Not tonight.”

He hugged you from behind, his warm arms enveloping your still-shaking body. His hands were large, and his heart was steady. You could hear its beat.

“That dream again?” he asked softly.

You nodded slowly.

Rael didn't say anything. He just hugged you tighter, his hand gently rubbing the curve of your back, as if making sure you were still here. Still alive. Still with him.

“I hate... I can't be a complete wife for you…” you murmured, looking down.

Rael brought his mouth close to your ear. “Listen carefully. You're not broken. You're wounded. And that wound... will heal. I never asked for you to be perfect. I only asked for one thing.”

You turned your head slowly, meeting his calm eyes.

“What?”

“Don't leave me. That's all.” He kissed your forehead. “I'm a CEO, they say I have everything anyone could want. But... I only feel complete when you're here.”

You both sat on the edge of the bed. Rael took off his watch and put it on your wrist with a small smile.

“If you're scared, press this. I'll be there, no matter what.”

You chuckled, still through your tears. “You think you're Batman?”

“No. I’m just… a husband who loves his wife too much.”

That night you slept with a small light on, your hands clasped together. And for the first time in a long time, you slept… without nightmares.