I'm not giving up

Upon kneeling next to Duke Matheo's wounded body, Lady Emilia felt a wave of emotions pass over her. She was reminded of her past and the loss she had experienced by the sight of him, so exposed and hurt. She was heartbroken by the striking resemblance between Duke Matheo and her late husband, Rome.

Lady Emilia's eyes filled with tears as she gripped Duke Matheo's hand, her thoughts returning to the agonizing day that Rome had died right in front of her. Time had passed, yet the memories remained vivid and the sorrow unrelenting.

She spoke a broken-hearted, sorrow-choked mutter, "Rome..." "I miss you..."

Her anguish was pressing down on her, trying to swallow her whole. Lady Emilia could no longer control her tears as the pain of losing Rome, her cherished husband, reappeared with a vengeance.

She wailed, "I'm so sorry, Rome," her shoulders trembling from the intensity of her feelings. "I couldn't save you... I couldn't protect you..."

Lady Emilia's heart ached from grief, but she understood that she must not allow herself to be overcome by sadness. For Duke Matheo's sake, she had to remain strong, encourage him, and aid in his wound healing.

Lady Emilia exhaled tremblingly, brushed away her tears, and forced herself to concentrate on here and now. She gave Duke Matheo a gentle grip on the hand, trying to console him in any way she could.

"Duke Matheo, we'll overcome this," she muttered, her voice firm despite the turbulence in her emotions. "Together."

Duke Matheo moves his fingertips as he gradually opens his eyes and looks in the direction where Lady Emilia is praying for him to wake up.

Duke Matheo's fingertips moved slightly, and Lady Emilia's heart skipped a beat. She waited with bated breath as his eyes flickered open. She silently prayed that he would be okay as she felt a wave of hope rush through her at that same moment.

With relief and worry in her voice, she whispered, "Duke Matheo..."

When his eyes met hers, despite their weariness and pain, Lady Emilia noticed a flicker of resolve in them. It was a quiet pledge to defy all odds and conquer the difficulties that lay ahead.

Lady Emilia muttered, "Thank the heavens," her voice quivering with emotion. "You're awake."

With a feeble smile, Duke Matheo looked at Lady Emilia, his lips slightly curling. Even though it was a tiny gesture, it meant the world to her.

He rasped, "I'm here," his voice hoarse from his wounds. "I'm not giving up."

With tears of appreciation flashing in her eyes, Lady Emilia gave him a gentle squeeze of her hand. She realized then that they would go through whatever hardships they faced together, bonded by their shared will to triumph over misfortune.

"Together, we'll get through this," she declared, her voice full of determination.

And while they sat there, hand in hand, Lady Emilia experienced a wave of calm that came over her; she knew that no matter what obstacles were in their way, they could face any storm together.

Duke Matheo jokingly said facing Lady Emilia "I thought you disliked of me," .Lady Emilia Is Skeptical of what he said.

Duke Matheo's comment caused Lady Emilia's cheeks to flush crimson, and a bashful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. His joking aside, despite the seriousness of the matter, provided a brief moment of warmth and humor to their conversation.

"Dislike you?" she asked in a playful tone. "Well, I suppose you did leave quite an impression when we first met."

As she talked, her lips formed a lighthearted smile, and she looked lovingly into his eyes.

Watching Duke Matheo crack up with laughter as his eyes wrinkled at the corners with real delight made Lady Emilia's heart skip a beat. It was a lovely sight, and it made her feel comfortable and happy.

Her mind wandered to her late husband, Rome, and the times they had spent together as she stared at him. Even though she was devastated by his passing, she took comfort in the times they had spent together, and she smiled every time she thought of him.

She was reminded that there was brightness to be found even in the darkest of circumstances by witnessing Duke Matheo's happiness and laughing. It served as a gentle reminder to treasure and cling fast to happy moments because they are transient and priceless.

Lady Emilia smiled gently and laughed along with Duke Matheo, her heart glowing with the good cheer of the occasion. Knowing that she was precisely where she was supposed to be at that very time sent her a wave of appreciation and serenity.