Marrying My Father's Enemy-Chapter 136: A Christmas Plea

Chapter 136: A Christmas Plea

Eira stirred as the warmth surrounded her.

She didn’t open her eyes, but she felt it—arms around her, strong but careful, lifting her as if she weighed nothing.

The familiar scent of expensive cologne mixed with the faint smell of pine and snow.

It was him.

She relaxed, her hand instinctively moved to rest on her belly, feeling the faint reassurance of the life growing inside her.

For the first time in weeks, she let her guard down.

Her head fell softly against his chest, and she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Callian carried her carefully, shielding her from the cold as he walked through the falling snow.

His car waited nearby, sleek and warm as always, ready to take her somewhere safe.

Somewhere peaceful...their old home...

It was easy for Callian to kick Vanesa out of there, all he needed to do was to give her a bigger place to stay and more money.

This problem was sorted within a second.

By the time they reached his penthouse, the preparations were complete.

The tall Christmas tree in the corner of the living room, its golden lights twinkled against the deep green branches.

Ornaments glimmered in the soft glow, and wrapped presents for Eira and the baby were arranged neatly beneath it.

The dining table was set for two, a feast of roasted vegetables, turkey, and sparkling cider waiting to be served.

Callian’s employees had done everything perfectly, just as he had asked.

The space felt welcoming—a far cry from the cold emptiness it had been since Eira left.

He placed her gently on his bed, the soft blankets enveloped her.

Snowflakes melted against her coat, dampening her clothes.

Callian frowned and carefully removed them, replacing them with his own soft pajamas.

She didn’t stir, her exhaustion kept her in a deep sleep.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, looking for a moment as if her warmth might chase away the chill that had settled inside him.

A few hours later, Eira blinked her eyes open, the dim light of early evening casted shadows on the walls.

For a moment, she didn’t move, her mind felt groggy and disoriented.

The bed beneath her was too soft, the smell too familiar.

She sat up quickly, her heart started racing like a mad horse.

Her eyes darted around the room, and then she knew—this wasn’t her apartment.

The clean, modern lines, the view of the city skyline just beyond the glass windows... It was their old penthouse.

Her feet hit the floor as she rushed out of the room, her heartbeat pounded in her ears.

She followed the faint light into the living room, where she saw him.

Callian stood by the window, with a steaming mug of hot chocolate in his hands.

He stared out at the snowy city, his profile illuminated by the glow of the Christmas tree behind him.

He looked peaceful, almost fragile.

"Why did you bring me here?" Eira’s voice was demanding, cutting through the quiet.

Callian turned, startled.

His brown eyes softened as they met hers, but he didn’t answer right away.

He set the mug down on the table, his hands trembled slightly.

Then, without a word, he dropped to his knees in front of her.

"Eira," he said softly in a breaking voice. "I’m sorry."

She froze, staring down at him.

She had never seen him like this—so vulnerable, so raw.

"I don’t even know where to begin," Callian continued, his hands resting on his thighs, his head bowed.

"I’ve made so many mistakes. I hurt you. I hurt us. And I don’t know if I can ever fix it."

"Why now?" Eira asked, her voice trembled. "Why are you saying this now? Do you think this will erase everything you’ve done?"

Callian looked up at her, his eyes were filled with something she couldn’t quite name.

"I don’t expect forgiveness. I just... I couldn’t let you be alone tonight. Not on Christmas. Not when you’re carrying our baby."

Eira’s breath hitched at his words, and for the first time, she truly looked at him.

His face was pale, his cheekbones sharp and hollow.

Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his usually handsome appearance was unkempt.

He looked like a man who hadn’t slept in weeks, like someone who was crumbling under his guilt.

Her hands flew to her face as the tears came suddenly, hot and uncontrollable.

"Stop," she quivered. "Stop saying things like that. I can’t—"

Eira fell to her knees, her sobs made her whole body shake.

She pressed her hands against her face, trying to hold herself together, but the emotions were too strong.

"This is bad for the baby," she cried, her voice muffled. "I can’t do this. A mother shouldn’t be sad. It’s bad for the baby."

Something within her chest felt like it was shattering, breaking apart.

Callian hesitated for only a moment before reaching for her.

His hands rested gently on her shoulders, his touch felt hesitant but warm.

"I know I don’t deserve it," he said, his voice cracked.

"But I swear to you, Eira, I’ll spend the rest of my life making this right. For you. For the baby."

Eira shook her head, her tears soaked her hands. "I don’t know if I can trust you," she whispered. "You broke me, Callian. You broke everything."

"I know," he said while crying, "And I hate myself for it."

His peace was so fragile...

For a long time, neither of them spoke.

They stayed there on the floor, the room was quiet except for the sound of their uneven breathing.

Finally, Eira lowered her hands, her face streaked with tears.

She looked at him...

Her brow furrowed deeply, lips pressed into a thin line as she glared at the floor.

A heavy sigh escaped her, the pressure was pulling her shoulders down. As she ran a hand through her hair, she finally spoke...

"You look awful," she said quietly.

Callian gave a weak smile, the corners of his mouth barely lifted. "I feel awful."

Eira exhaled shakily, wiping her face with the sleeve of her borrowed pajamas.

She glanced around the room, taking in the Christmas tree, the gifts, the perfectly set table.

"You did all of this?" she asked softly.

Callian nodded. "I wanted you to feel at home. Even if it’s just for tonight."

Eira didn’t respond.

She stared at the tree, the soft lights blurred through her tears.

Slowly, she leaned back, resting against the edge of the couch.

Callian stayed beside her.

He didn’t push her for forgiveness, didn’t ask for more than she could give. He simply stayed as the snow continued to fall outside.

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