The doorbell rings again. Damián, who reaches the door first, is surprised to find Callum Campbell with a stern expression.
Callum (gazing at Damián): Where's Aster? I've come to fetch him. I need to talk to him right away.
Damián (taken aback): He's occupied at the moment. What's happening? Is it urgent?
Shock registers on Callum's face as he enters the apartment, confronted by a distressing scene. His eyes widen when he sees Mason injured.
Callum (incredulous): What happened here? Who is this?
Aster (attempting to explain): When Mason sought help, Damián and I acted impulsively, believing he was in danger.
Callum (worried): An aggressive alpha? Was he attacked by that alpha? Is he injured? Does he need to report the violence?
With hesitation, Aster continues his explanation:
Aster: Callum, calm down. This is Mason, a friend. He had an unexpected encounter with an aggressive and abusive alpha, and I was just trying to protect him.
Callum (determined): I'll consider that. But I want a detailed explanation as soon as possible.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Damián intervenes:
Damián (conciliatory): Callum, things got a bit complicated. It's a serious matter that needs to be handled with sensitivity.
Callum (looking seriously at Aster): Are you alright, Aster?
Aster (nodding): Yes, I... I just wanted to spend some time with Mason to give him the attention he deserves.
Despite the concern, Callum shows respect for their privacy and says calmly, "Aster, if you don't want to talk now, that's fine. But we can take him home if you want, and if he agrees." Damián interrupts the conversation and, with calm solidarity, says, "Callum, we are already dealing with this. Mason needed time to recover from physical and emotional wounds."
Aster, surprised, perfectly conceals his discomfort with the idea of taking Mason to the Campbell Mansion.
Aster (with a tone of resistance): Callum, I... I prefer to take care of him here. He's vulnerable right now, and being in an environment with so many rules like the Campbell Mansion could make things worse.
Callum (understanding, but firm): Aster, I understand your concerns, but Mason needs a safe place. The Campbell Mansion is the best place for that.
Aster and Damián are at an impasse, each with their own concerns. When Damián takes charge of the situation, "I'll take him with me to the Kadman Mansion. I appreciate 'your great idea!' (for a bad idea)."
Damián (cautiously): Don't get me wrong, but Lady Sarah may not approve, and Mason needs care.
Proceeding cautiously, Damián says: I know you don't need anyone's approval. You don't need validation, and you shouldn't seek it. Damián looks at Aster and continues, but Aster does not. He needs to be accepted. So, I can take care of Mason. I just want you all to be okay, and Lady Sarah to be okay with it.
Even though it seems like an insecure concern, "Callum, unexpectedly, saw sense in what seemed like a desire to be accepted."
Callum, concerned about possible disapproval among the Kadman family members, asks if Damián has had contact with Adam.
Damián impressed: So far, I haven't had the opportunity to talk to Adam.
His thoughts raced at 1000 kilometers per hour; his new family experience had not yet integrated into his primordial psyche, with bonds and commitments.
This complex and familial network is, to a certain extent, abnormal. He understands in a classical way that nature does not make leaps.
Damián (decided): Not yet. I'll call now.
Callum hurries, grabs his phone, and initiates a call.
Adam answers the phone, past one in the morning. His senses are highly sharpened; in his conception, Damián committed a very serious offense. Perhaps he should be tougher on Damián to understand how everything works. There's already a team looking for Damián.
Adam (firm and authoritative voice): Callum, what is happening?
Callum (calm): Adam, we need to talk. Damián is here with me, along with Aster. There was an incident, but we are dealing with the matter.
Adam (skeptical): An unexpected event or incident? What happened? There's a team looking for Damián right now.
Callum (resolute): I understand your seriousness and your concern, Adam. But first, I want to explain the situation. We are at Emeline's house, and Damián is okay.
Adam (intrigued): Emeline? What are you all doing?
Callum (decided): Aster and Damián were assisting a friend. He had issues with an aggressive alpha, and Damián and Aster acted to protect him. The young omega is injured and in need of support.
Adam (pause): Injured? Is that the explanation they provided?
Callum (sincere): Yes, Adam. Damián will take him to the Kadman mansion.
Adam (skeptical): I'll consider that. But I want a detailed explanation as soon as possible.
Callum (serene): Understand, Adam.
Damián (with a tone of remorse): Adam, I apologize for this entire situation. It wasn't my intention to raise concerns, especially at this late hour.
Adam (firm): Damián, you know how serious this is. The security team is looking for you. What happened?
Damián (sincerely): I understand, Adam. Things got out of control, and Aster and I decided to help our friend
. He was in a vulnerable situation, facing an aggressive alpha. We couldn't simply ignore it.
Adam (with some displeasure): There are safer ways to help, Damián. You two can't just act impulsively.
Damián (expressing guilt): I know, Adam, and I feel guilty for worrying you. The last thing I wanted was to cause problems for the family and security staff.
Adam (softening): Damián, you need to understand that your actions have consequences. This affects all of us.
Damián (understanding): I understand, Adam. I'll ensure Mason is safe, and then we'll explain everything in detail. I don't want to create more difficulties or misunderstandings.
Adam (still serious): You know I can't ignore something like this.
Damián (respectfully): Rest assured, Adam. It won't happen again.
Mason remained huddled in the corner of the room, where he had been sitting hours before, waiting for the CIA agent. The voices around him, a cacophony of thoughts and emotions, were like distant murmurs. He tried to listen, but at some point, he decided to disconnect from that mental turmoil.
After the assaults, his body ached; every part of him was a physical reminder of the violence he had suffered. The emotional discomfort surrounding him evolved with each passing moment, a darkness threatening to engulf him entirely. Mason then huddled even more, closing his eyes as if he could push away the disturbing images.
The drink, once an escape, began to dissipate, giving way to a growing numbness. His body, wounded and exhausted, demanded rest, and Mason succumbed to a sleep of pain. Each heartbeat seemed like a distant echo, a painful cadence.
Meanwhile, Emeline still slept peacefully in her room. The dilemma unfolded as Aster, Callum, and Damián faced the decision of how to proceed. Damián knew that if Emeline woke up, it could make the situation even more complex.
Anticipating possible complications, Aster tossed Callum's car keys to Damián, signaling the need for a quick exit if circumstances became unfavorable.
Damián held the keys firmly, aware that at any moment, the calmness of the apartment could turn into a storm.
At the same time, as Mason rested in his painful lethargy, Aster left with Callum, leaving Damián to watch over the awakening young omega. The apartment was immersed in an unsettling silence, only interrupted by Mason's muffled sighs as he remained shrouded in unconsciousness.
Damián, in turn, sat next to Emeline, watching her serene sleeping face. He decided to wait a few more hours, to wake Emeline, determined to reassure her when she woke up.
The room was enveloped in a silence broken only by Emeline's soft breathing, emerging from a deep sleep. Her eyes blinked slowly, trying to adjust to the soft ambient light. For a moment, unconsciousness provided her with a brief respite, but gradually, reality began to seep into her awareness.
Trying to move, Emeline felt a weight on her body and a discomfort she couldn't immediately explain. Her gaze slid across the shadows of the room, and suddenly, everything came back to her like a bolt.
Psychological violence, attempted assault, the drug... Every piece of the puzzle fell into place, forming a terrifying image in her newly awakened mind. Mason's face, now faded in the dim light, was like a shadowy figure in her vivid memories.
Emeline tried to suppress a sob, but tears insisted on forming in her eyes. She held her breath for a moment, fearing that any sound could shatter the fragile normalcy she longed for.
Meanwhile, Damián remained seated at a small distance, watching her with veiled concern. His violent past, though distant, still left scars on his ability to handle delicate situations like this.
Noticing Emeline's discomfort, Damián approached silently, trying to contain his own restlessness. His dark eyes displayed a mix of compassion and determination.
Damián (with a gentle voice): Emeline…
Emeline, upon hearing his voice, turned to face him. Their eyes met, revealing the emotional turbulence they both shared. Damián knelt beside the bed, extending his hands as a gesture of support.
Damián (with a remorseful tone): I know this was frightening and painful, Emeline. I'm sorry you had to go through this.
Emeline (sobbing): I don't understand... Why did this happen?
Damián (holding her hands): Mason, was facing problems and issues that led him to act this way. It doesn't justify what he did, but I want you to know that you're safe now.
Unable to contain her tears, Emeline threw herself into Damián's arms, seeking comfort in the strength he represented.
Emeline (between sobs): I was so scared!
Damián embraced her tenderly, allowing her to express herself while whispering reassuring words.
Damián: You're not alone, Emeline. I'm here. I need you to trust me and trust that I will protect you.
With a voice still trembling, mixed with the tension hanging in the room.
Emeline: Dami… Damián, the criminal—was he captured? And Aster, is he okay?
Damián gently held her shoulders, keeping his gaze firm and compassionate. He was aware of Emeline's need for answers.
Damián (seriously): Emeline, Mason is in the living room, but I require you to understand that the situation is complex. He was facing significant difficulties, which led him to act and make desperate decisions.
Emeline, upon hearing Damián's words, felt a wave of shock run through her body. The revelation that Mason was in the room after the traumatic events she had just experienced was disconcerting.
Emeline (surprised): He's here? But… how…
Damián, aware of the impact of the revelation, explained calmly, choosing his words carefully.
Emeline revealed in a trembling sigh: "I was approached, threatened, and drugged."
Compelled by a mix of fear and curiosity, Emeline stood up and headed to the living room. Upon seeing Mason unconscious, confusion took over her. The prominent pregnancy belly, which once seemed so real, had disappeared, revealing a layer of deceit.
Emeline, muttering incredulously, whispered, "He was disguised. The pregnancy belly was fake, and he was dressed as a woman."
Damián, upon hearing the revelation, confirmed seriously: "The authorities must arrest him, Emeline. He needs to be held accountable for his actions."
The impact of the revelations began to reflect on Emeline's face. Her eyes, mixing perplexity and indignation, were fixed on Mason as she tried to understand the web of lies that had unfolded before her.
Damián firmly looked at Emeline and declared, "The police must stay 'out' of this, Emeline."
Emeline (sighing): "I can't just ignore what happened. I need answers, Damián."
Damián realized there was no way to explain what had no explanation. His gaze, filled with regret, met Emeline's eyes, seeking to convey a message that his words couldn't fully capture.
Faced with a lack of tangible and concrete answers, Damián repeated like a mantra: "Please, trust me. I will fix everything. I'm truly sorry. Furthermore, I didn't want anything to happen to you because of me or Aster."
As he spoke, Damián held Emeline's hands firmly, as if he could find some security in the connection between them. His eyes, once steady, now reflected genuine vulnerability.
She could sense there was more behind the story—something he was struggling to hide.
Emeline: "Damián, I... I want to understand, but...
Damián lowered his gaze for a moment as if seeking the courage to share an uncomfortable truth. Then he looked back at Emeline sincerely.
Damián (sighing): "Emeline, I can't tell you anything now, but I need you to trust me. I promise that when the time is right, I'll explain everything. Please."
Emeline: "Damián, I trust you, but I also need to understand what's happening. Help me understand, please."
Damián, looking deeply into her eyes, nodded with determination.
Damián: "I promise, Emeline. I will explain everything. But I need you to trust me now, even if it's difficult."