The Spaces Between Us

Between Two Worlds

Her father's skepticism was obvious—the doubt etched on his face. Rhea understood; he was trying to shield her, to prevent her from being broken again. But Leo met her father's doubt with quiet strength. He promised them that Rhea would always have her own agency—that she would be free to work, free to walk away if ever she wished. He said it even though it pained him to speak such words, because he knew her parents needed to hear them.

When he added his parents into the call, the Count and Countess greeted Rhea's parents warmly. They praised Rhea, shared their approval, and blessed the engagement. Rhea's parents, though overwhelmed, finally gave their blessings too. When the call ended, Rhea felt lighter, more at peace than she had in weeks.

The first week of February came, and with it, the handover of the project. Rhea transitioned to her new role and asked Jack for an immediate release, which he granted.

She used the following week to visit Mumbai, staying with her parents. The days were bittersweet—filled with laughter and love, but underscored with the heaviness of farewell. Leo sent her family gifts: sarees and jewelry for her mother, kurtas for her father, dresses and jewels for Neha. Rhea marveled at the care and thoughtfulness in every gesture.

She visited Gayatri, Rajeev, and Gaurav too, staying one night in Alex's old room, shedding quiet tears for what had been lost. Gayatri and Rajeev blessed her for her new life. She was happy to see Gaurav married to the colleague he had once introduced to her. She blessed them too, urging them not to wait to have children.

On the 20th of February, Rhea returned to Kolkata. Her parents joined her there, staying in a nearby Airbnb with Neha. When Leo arrived on the 21st, they all went out for dinner.

Over the meal, Rhea's father questioned Leo about his life, his education, his vision. Leo spoke earnestly about his journey, about how much he loved Rhea. He confessed that he had been drawn to her from the very first moment he saw her, and that he had chosen to step back when he discovered she was engaged, because her happiness mattered more to him than his own. He said he had been prepared to walk away—forever—if it meant she would be happy.

Rhea's mother reached across the table, taking Leo's hand in hers. She thanked him for saving her daughter that night in Stockholm, and she blessed them both, urging them to hold onto their happiness fiercely.

That night, Leo helped Rhea pack the last of her things. When she admitted that her heart ached at leaving her parents behind, he kissed her gently, promising that if she wished, he would take them along. But she knew this was their home, their world. Her father was still serving with pride; he would never abandon his duty.

They slept together that night, wrapped around each other. Leo hummed lullabies from his childhood to soothe her, cradling her in his arms as she cried softly into his chest.

On the morning of the 24th, Rhea's parents hugged her tightly. Her mother begged her to be happy and safe, while her father made Leo promise never to leave her side. Leo swore it with his life and honor. Neha clung to Rhea, sobbing, and Leo wrapped them both in his arms. Rhea mothered Neha in that moment, urging her to focus on her studies and never compromise her dreams.

At the airport, the pain was unbearable. Rhea hugged her parents one last time, trembling in Leo's arms. Neha cried into her shoulder until the last possible moment. As they walked toward the terminal, Rhea kept turning back until her parents disappeared from sight. Only then did she break down completely, sobbing in Leo's arms. He swallowed his own tears, holding her steady.

Onboard, when the attendant offered them wine, Rhea accepted. She needed something to dull the sharp edges of her grief. She soon fell asleep against Leo's shoulder, the wine pulling her into drowsiness. He tucked a blanket around her, whispered softly into her hair, and sent Neha a message: Your sister is snoring loudly in business class. Neha sent back a smiley face.

By the time lunch was served, Rhea forced herself to eat a little, though her heart was still heavy. Leo coaxed her into having cake, hoping the sweetness might ease the ache, even just a little.

When they landed in Stockholm, Albert was waiting to drive them home. Rhea stayed quiet during the ride, lost in thought. At the house, Leo opened the car door and took her hand.

"Rii... welcome to your home. Our home," he said softly.

She smiled faintly, her exhaustion showing, but her heart warming at his words.

Lilly greeted them at the door. "Welcome back, Rhea! Congratulations on the engagement."

Though tired, Rhea hugged her warmly. "Thank you, Lilly."

Later, in the living room, Leo held her hand. "Amore, you need to decide... do you want to stay in our room upstairs? Or in your old room for a few days? Maybe decorate our room to your liking?"

"You don't want me to stay with you?" Rhea asked, hurt flickering in her voice, her emotions still fragile.

Leo cursed himself silently. "Amore, no, that's not what I meant—"

"I left everything behind, Leo. Everyone I love. And you're asking me if I want to sleep alone tonight?"

He took her hands, looking into her tearful eyes. "Forgive me, Amore. I'm a fool."

"You're Leonardo Savoy. You can't be a fool."

"Please, don't be cross with me," he whispered, pulling her close.

Her voice broke into sobs. "I don't want to be alone tonight, Leo."

"You won't be, Amore," he vowed, lifting her into his arms. "Let me take you to our room."

He carried her upstairs, into the room he had quietly transformed over the past two months. The once plain space now had a king-sized bed with a soft, thick mattress and a plush headboard. A vanity and full-length mirror gleamed in the corner. A reading desk, a small settee, and a little couch with plump cushions filled the space. A carpet softened the floor near the fireplace, while layered curtains gave the windows a warm elegance. Lilly and Ruby had chosen each piece carefully, preparing for this very moment.

Leo's voice dropped to a whisper. "Amore?"

Rhea looked up at him, eyes red from tears.

"Let's get you ready for bed."

She nodded. Within half an hour, she had showered, brushed her teeth, and slipped into nightwear. Lilly brought chamomile tea, which she sipped quietly, her mind still spinning with emotions.

Leo watched her as she went about her little routines—skincare, brushing her hair—his chest swelling at the sight. This was what he had dreamed of for months: his Rhea here, living beside him, filling his home with her presence.

But Rhea was distant, distracted. She had called her parents to say she'd landed, answered the Countess' call, her mind still halfway in India. Sitting at the dresser, she applied lotion absently, the soft scent of honey and peach drifting into the room.

Leo came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, startling her. He pressed a kiss into her hair. "Amore, come to bed."

She nodded faintly. She was exhausted—emotionally, physically. She slid beneath the covers, and Leo pulled her against him, letting her head rest against his chest.

"Sleep, darling. Let me keep you warm and safe."

Her eyes brimmed again, but she nodded, finally surrendering to sleep.

Leo kissed her forehead, tightened his hold, and began to hum the same lullabies he had sung earlier, keeping his promise to her parents. He didn't stop watching her, even after she fell asleep.

My Rhea is here. Engaged. In my room. In my arms.

He thought back to the nights he had longed for this moment, the ache of wanting her by his side. And now—at last—she was here. Safe. His.

He closed his eyes and whispered a silent prayer of thanks for the gift of her love.