Standing close behind him, Stella wrapped her arms around his waist in a warm embrace.
"Thank you..." she whispered, her breath soft against his back.
"What for?" Dexter asked, his voice unusually gentle.
"For staying with me... for saving me... for everything."
He turned in her arms to face her, his hands sliding down to hold hers as their eyes met.
"You shouldn't thank me," he murmured. "If anything, I'm the one who's grateful — you're the only thing keeping me sane these days."
Stella's cheeks dimpled as she smiled.
"You know... after all these years together, we almost feel like husband and wife."
Dexter choked on air, completely unprepared for her bold declaration.
'How could you be my wife? I've never even considered... And yet, I do care for you. If you weren't an AI, I would have loved you properly.' The thought ached in his chest.
"Stella, I don't know if you understand... but I can't love you." The words tasted bitter as he spoke them.
