She didn't fight him. She let herself collapse into his chest, the sobs wracking through her as he held her, steady and silent. He didn't offer empty words or ask questions, he just stayed there until the storm inside her passed.
When she finally pulled back, her voice was hoarse. Ethan gave her a small, crooked smile.
"I must be doing something wrong," he smiled softly, "if my bride is this sad on our wedding night."
Clara's lips curved in response, but the smile did not reach her eyes. She murmured something about needing to wash her face, rushing to the bathroom before he could see the fresh wave of tears threatening to fall.
Left alone in the dim bedroom, Ethan stood very still. His gaze lingered on the closed bathroom door, the warmth from her still clinging faintly to his hands. Then, with a quiet exhale, he turned away, his face down, his eyes carrying a loneliness that matched her own.
Ethan met Axiel standing at the door, his small frame leaning casually against the wall as though he had been waiting for this moment. He crouched slightly, lowering his voice.
"Give her a minute, buddy, she is in the bathroom," he said, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Remember what we talked about?"He added.
Axiel nodded as he slowly opened the door.