Chapter 8: A Glimpse of Light

The sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow across the elegant sitting room where Valérien sat with his son. The boy, now eight years old, was a mirror image of his father-tall for his age, with tousled blonde hair and piercing blue eyes that held a spark of curiosity. Watching them together, it was impossible not to see the striking resemblance between father and son.

Valérien was reclining in a chair, his long legs stretched out in front of him, as his son perched on the edge of the seat, eagerly telling him about his day. The boy's eyes lit up with excitement as he recounted his latest adventure in the gardens, his small hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke.

"And then, Father," the boy said, his voice full of enthusiasm, "I climbed the tallest tree! You should have seen how high I got!"

Valérien chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a rare expression of genuine warmth. "Did you now? And did you manage to climb back down without getting stuck?"

The boy puffed out his chest proudly. "Of course! I'm just as strong and brave as you, Father."

Valérien reached out, ruffling his son's blonde hair affectionately. "Is that so? Perhaps one day, you'll be climbing mountains instead of trees."

The boy beamed at the praise, his blue eyes shining with admiration for his father. He idolized Valérien, seeing him as a hero, a figure of strength and wisdom. Valérien, for his part, was surprisingly gentle with his son, a side of him that only emerged when they were alone together.

His wife stood quietly in the doorway, her heart swelling with joy, contentment, and love as she watched the scene unfold.

Valérien looked so breathtakingly handsome as he sat there, his golden hair catching the light, his tall frame relaxed in the chair. There was an undeniable allure to him, a magnetic presence that drew her in despite everything. But it was the way he interacted with their son that truly captivated her-the softness in his eyes, the way he listened intently to every word the boy said.

She couldn't help but smile as she observed them, her heart swelling with warmth. Despite the darkness that clouded their relationship, there were moments like this that reminded her of why she had fallen for him.

As if sensing her presence, Valérien looked up and caught her eye. For a brief moment, the harshness she had grown accustomed to in his gaze was replaced by something softer, something almost tender. He held her gaze for a heartbeat longer than usual, and she found herself momentarily lost in the depth of his blue eyes.

"Mother, look what Father taught me!" their son called out, breaking the silence and drawing her attention back to him. He stood up from the chair and hurried over to her, his face flushed with excitement.

"Father showed me how to tie a knot like a sailor! Isn't it amazing?"

She smiled down at him, bending slightly to examine the neat knot he had made with a piece of string.

"That's wonderful, my dear. You're learning so much from your father."

The boy's chest swelled with pride at her praise, and he glanced back at Valérien, seeking his approval. "Do you think I'll be as strong as Father one day?"

Valérien rose from his chair and walked over to them, his tall frame towering over both of them. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"You already are, my boy. Strength isn't just about muscles-it's about heart and courage. And you have both in abundance."

The boy's face lit up at his father's words, and he wrapped his arms around Valérien's waist, hugging him tightly. He returned the embrace, holding his son close.

Watching them, she felt a pang of longing, wishing that the tenderness Valérien showed their son could extend to her as well. But for now, she was content to see this side of him, to witness the love he had for their child. It was a small comfort, a reminder that beneath the cold exterior, there was still a part of him that could feel, that could care.

"Can we go to the stables later, Father? I want to see the new foal!" the boy asked.

Valérien smiled, a rare, genuine smile that softened his features. "Of course. We'll go after lunch."

"Can Mother come too?" the boy asked, looking up at both of them with hopeful eyes.

Valérien glanced at her, a momentary hesitation in his expression, before he nodded. "If she wishes."

She felt a flutter in her chest at his words, a small, tentative hope. "I'd love to," she replied.

The boy grinned, his excitement bubbling over as he tugged on her hand. "It'll be so much fun! We'll see the foal, and then maybe we can ride the horses together!"

Valérien chuckled, the sound warm and rich, as he ruffled his son's hair once more. "Then it's settled. We'll all go together."

They were a family, whole and complete, sharing in the simple joy of each other's company. And in that moment, she believe that there was still hope for them-hope that they could find a way back to the light, away from the darkness that had consumed them for so long.