CHAPTER 18

**AMY**

As we leave the witch's house, I feel the comforting weight of the protection amulet around my neck, its precious stones glistening under the dim night light. I hold it firmly, as if it were an anchor, reminding me that I am protected from the dangers lurking in the shadows.
We return to the car, and as Aaron resumes his place at the wheel, my eyes remain fixed on the amulet. I feel grateful for the protection it offers, but I am also conscious of the responsibility it carries.
As Aaron drives through the city streets, I realize we are not heading back to the mansion. I become confused and anxious, wondering where we are going.
 "Where are we going?", I ask Aaron, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
He smiles, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. 
"You need to eat something. And I know just the place.", he responds, his voice calm and reassuring.
A shiver of nervousness runs down my spine as he parks the car in front of a restaurant that looks far more expensive and sophisticated than I am used to. I look at Aaron, my heart beating a little faster in my chest.
 "But what if someone notices about you and Elara?", I ask, my voice trembling with anxiety.
He places his hand over mine, his eyes conveying tranquility. 
"No one will notice. This is just a normal night for us. You deserve a moment of peace and happiness, away from all the worries and fears.", he assures me, his confidence wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.
I nod slowly, grateful for his understanding and support. Despite my hesitation, a part of me yearns for this sense of normalcy, even if only for a few hours. I take Aaron's outstretched hand, ready to dive into the unknown with him by my side.
I sigh, thinking about what he said about having a night free from vampires and fears. I really need that right now. I just want a normal night with my husband. My husband. I still need to get used to calling Aaron that; we are married now, and I am the wife of a vampire.
As we get out of the car, I feel Aaron's hand wrap around mine, a comforting sensation that makes me smile involuntarily. It's surprising how this simple gesture can bring me so much calm and security. Together, we walk towards the restaurant door, and looking at Aaron, I realize how handsome and imposing he is, dressed in sophisticated clothes that highlight his beauty.
Beside him, Elara also holds Aaron's hand, completing the picture of a united family. The sight is comforting and strangely reassuring. We enter the restaurant, and as soon as we cross the threshold, we are greeted by a soft melody of classical music and a luxurious ambiance, adorned with elegant tables and gleaming chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
A pang of nervousness courses through me as I squeeze Aaron's hand tighter. He immediately notices my unease and asks if I'm alright. I take a deep breath before responding, trying to maintain my composure.
 "I've never been in such expensive places before. I'm afraid of doing something wrong and embarrassing us.", I confess, my voice a nervous whisper.
Aaron smiles gently at me, shaking his head in denial. His eyes convey a mixture of tenderness and admiration. 
"I'm happy to be accompanied by such a beautiful girl like you.", he says sincerely, his words warming my heart and dissipating part of my anxiety.
Before I can respond, a restaurant staff member approaches us, greeting us with a professional smile. He leads us to a table near the window, and as we settle in, I notice his eyes lingering on Aaron's face a moment longer than usual. A sense of discomfort stirs within me, and I wonder if he is noticing something different about Aaron and Elara.
However, to my surprise, the man simply smiles and begins to serve us with courtesy and professionalism. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling grateful for his discretion. Perhaps it is not as obvious as I thought, or perhaps he has decided not to ask questions. Either way, I am happy that we can enjoy a quiet and luxurious evening without drawing too much attention to our unusual family situation.
As I observe the surrounding environment, I am enveloped by a sense of fascination and admiration. This is a completely new world for me—a world of elegance and refinement that I never imagined being a part of. Sitting in front of Aaron, I watch with admiration the refined ambiance of the restaurant, where all the people seem to radiate an aura of wealth and sophistication. It's a completely new world for me, a world I never dared to dream of entering. I have never been in such a luxurious place before and have never had the opportunity to experience dining in a restaurant, as my father and stepmother would never allow me.
As I look around, absorbing every detail, I feel the hunger dominating my empty stomach. The waiter approaches and asks what we would like to order. I open the menu, examining the options with curiosity and anxiety. Each dish is described so elaborately that I feel tempted to try them all.
“Choose whatever you want, Amy.”, Aaron says, and I smile, nodding. Finally, I decide on a French dish I have never tried before, letting my curiosity and appetite guide my choice. When I look at Aaron, I notice the smile he tries to hide while ordering just a glass of wine and a dessert for Elara. His gesture is kind and considerate, but I know there is more to it.
I know perfectly well that he made these orders, so the man wouldn't find it strange, but vampires don't eat. The waiter nods and walks away to prepare our orders. I watch Aaron closely, noticing how he looks at me with a sparkle in his eyes. There is something in his gaze that intrigues me—a mixture of tenderness and admiration that leaves me breathless.
"Why are you looking at me like that?", I ask, my curiosity piqued. He smiles, his eyes reflecting the soft light of the restaurant. 
"It's wonderful to see you adapting to all this so naturally."
A warmth fills my chest at his kind words. Despite all the uncertainties and challenges we face, he always finds a way to make me feel special and appreciated. It's a new and comforting feeling, a glimpse of happiness amid the darkness that surrounds us.
“I have never been in places like this.”
“Never?”, he asks, surprised, and I nod.
“I never had the opportunity to go to restaurants; my father used to take only my stepmother to this kind of thing.”, I say, looking at the table and feeling the sadness within me.
“Well, now it's different. We are married, you are my wife, and you can have everything you want in this world, everything you never had, Amy.”
“Money is not everything to me...”, I whisper, and he understands me.
“Yes, but people like you deserve to feel special, and I see that no one has ever done that for you, and that is a terrible mistake. Know that as your husband, I will do that for you.”
I open my mouth to respond, but I have no words at this moment. I just blink my eyes, still looking at him.
“You are no longer in that house, and you will not go back there. You don't have to live in fear of people not loving you anymore.”
“I have never been truly loved...”, I whisper, diverting my gaze to a couple at another table in the restaurant.
As we wait for our dishes, we continue talking, sharing stories and laughter. I feel comfortable in Aaron's presence, as if I can truly be myself with him. It's a liberating and invigorating feeling, as if I've finally found a place where I belong.
The waiter returns, bringing the wine glasses, and I smile, feeling my heart beat faster in my chest as I drink the wine, feeling the liquid slide over my tongue. When the dishes arrive at the table, I dive into the culinary experience with enthusiasm, savoring each bite as if it were the first time. The taste is divine, an explosion of flavors that dances on my tongue and warms my heart.