It was a quiet Saturday morning when Fina's parents, Alessandro and Isabella, decided to check in on her. The house was peaceful, a soft stillness filling the air as the early morning sun filtered through the curtains.

Alessandro, having been on edge since Fina's struggles with her mental health, had noticed her retreating more into herself again. It had been a while since she seemed so relaxed, especially with Aiden around. He couldn't help but feel a bit of cautious optimism, hoping this new bond would help her heal.

Isabella quietly knocked on Fina's bedroom door, expecting a simple check-in, but when there was no response, she slowly pushed the door open, a soft smile on her face. She didn't want to intrude on her daughter's privacy, but she was starting to feel better about things after the conversation they'd had earlier.

What she saw made her pause.

Fina was lying on her bed, curled up under a blanket with Aiden right next to her. But what caught her attention was the way Aiden had his head gently resting on Fina's chest, his arm draped across her waist as he slept soundly.

Alessandro, who had been trailing behind his wife, stopped in his tracks at the sight too. There was an undeniable tenderness in the moment. His daughter and Aiden, so at ease with each other, so peaceful in each other's presence. It was a sight he never imagined he'd see, but one he couldn't help but feel a warmth about.

Isabella whispered to her husband, "They seem happy, don't you think?"

Alessandro nodded silently, his hand gently resting on the doorknob. His daughter had been through so much, and he could see the love and support Aiden offered her. While he'd always been protective of Fina, a part of him couldn't deny that Aiden had a way of making her smile in ways that he, as a father, couldn't.

Still, the protective side of him surfaced. He gave one last glance at the couple on the bed before quietly closing the door, a soft click as it latched.

He turned to Isabella, his expression a mixture of concern and warmth. "I think she's beginning to trust again. But we need to keep an eye on things, keep being there for her."

Isabella placed her hand over his. "We will. But I'm starting to believe she's finding her way back to herself."

They quietly left the hallway, allowing Fina and Aiden their moment, knowing they'd be there for their daughter when she was ready to talk.

Later that day, Fina woke up to the warmth of Aiden's head resting on her chest. She blinked slowly, disoriented for a moment, but then she smiled. Her fingers gently combed through his hair, careful not to wake him. There was a certain sense of peace in the stillness, a rare calm that she had been craving for so long.

Aiden stirred, lifting his head slowly and meeting her gaze. His eyes were soft, a playful glint in them. "Did I fall asleep on you?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Yeah," Fina said with a grin, "but it's okay. I kind of liked it."

Aiden smiled warmly and shifted so that he was now sitting up beside her, but his hand stayed on her waist, a gentle touch that made Fina's heart race. "I'm glad."

She turned her head slightly, looking toward the door. "My parents might get weird about this... they're probably watching us now."

Aiden chuckled softly. "Well, if they do, we'll just tell them it's nothing they haven't seen before."

Fina giggled at his comment, but a small bit of anxiety crept into her chest. She knew her parents, especially her father, would be protective of her, but seeing the way they'd reacted earlier made her feel like they were starting to understand her a little more.

Aiden noticed the slight change in her demeanor. He leaned forward, gently cupping her cheek. "Hey, it's okay. We'll handle whatever comes next together."

Her heart fluttered at his words. A part of her had been so scared of opening up, of letting people in, but with Aiden by her side, she felt like maybe it was possible to take that step.

"I just don't want to disappoint them," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You won't, Fina. You never could. Your parents love you. And if they see how happy you are with me, they'll get it." Aiden's smile was reassuring, a soft, genuine look that made her feel safe.

She smiled back, feeling the warmth of his words settle deep in her chest. As much as she feared her parents' judgment, she realized in that moment that Aiden wasn't going to let her face it alone.

Later that evening, Fina's parents decided to make a quiet return to her room. They had given her the space she needed, but Alessandro couldn't resist checking in one more time. As he approached her door, he and Isabella overheard their daughter laughing softly.

Through the crack in the door, they saw Aiden and Fina sitting together on her bed, the gentle light of the setting sun bathing them in a warm glow. Fina's face was lit up with a smile, the kind Alessandro hadn't seen in what felt like a lifetime.

Isabella, her heart swelling with both pride and relief, turned to Alessandro. "I think she's going to be okay."

Alessandro nodded, his heart feeling lighter than it had in months. "I hope so, Izzy. I hope so."

That night, as Fina lay in bed, her thoughts were quieter than usual. Her mind wandered back to the moments she'd shared with Aiden—his laughter, the way he held her when she needed it, and the comfort he provided. She still had her struggles, of course. But for the first time in so long, she could see a future where she didn't have to carry her pain alone.

Aiden had made her believe again that love could heal, that she could be something more than the broken pieces of her past. And for that, she was grateful.

Her phone buzzed beside her, a message from Aiden.

Aiden❤️

Goodnight, Fina. I'm so proud of you and I'm happy to

call you my girlfriend. I love you, Always.

Her finger hovers over the keyboard as heart swelled at his words.

Aiden❤️

Goodnight. I'm proud of us.. I love you.

She put the phone down, closing her eyes with a smile. Tonight, she was at peace—something she hadn't felt in so long. And with Aiden by her side, she knew she could face whatever came next, one step at a time.