Silence lingered like a held breath—fragile, full, and trembling with meaning. In that hush, it wasn’t grief that filled the room anymore—it was the quiet ache of understanding, of something lost finally finding its way home.
Dominic stepped closer. His voice cracked, soft but unwavering. “I’m sorry we weren’t there when your parents passed… but I promise you this—we’re here now. Whatever you need, whatever you and your sister need… we’ll stand by you both. If you’ll allow me, I want to be your Godfather. Not just in name… in every way that matters.”
A soft, shaky laugh slipped past him, threaded with the edge of unshed tears. “And… maybe I can teach you a thing or two about shaving, or tying a tie—things your dad would’ve loved to do with you.” He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering
