Chapter 53 We're On This Together
THE CLOCK ticked gently in Lena's bedroom as the time passed slowly like it's taking forever.
She couldn't sleep. Her mind was filled by the miserable and painful sobs she heard in the garden, the pain in Eva's tone, and the jealousy in her eyes.
It wasn't a confrontation. It wasn't even a confession. It was restraint. Dignified silence. And somehow, that was worse. She was guilty.
Sitting on the chair in the balcony, staring at the starry night, Lena was wrapped in a white blanket, hugging her legs under the soft sheets. The air smelled faintly of night jasmine, a reminder of the tears she had overheard only hours earlier.
Eva's words were echoing in her head, playing in a loop.
She didn't expect it to be this heavy, but loving Lucian had felt like sunlight through a closed window, warming a part of her she had long forgotten. The warmth came with guilt now. And guilt had a sharp edge that cut through her heart painfully.
Three soft knocks against the door, familiar and distinct, interrupted her thoughts.
Lena didn't move at first, wanting to make sure it's him.
Then came his voice, gentle and laced with something close to excitement. "Magdalena? You still awake?"
She stood slowly, putting the blanket down. She opened the door and was greeted by Lucian's handsome face.
She smiled. "Hey..."
Lucian stood in front of her, looking every bit the version of himself she admired, clean, fresh, even with his hair tousled like he ran his fingers through it before knocking. He was wearing a gray hoodie and pants, casual and charming in the way only Lucian could be. He smelled faintly of cologne and cold night air. Still in his white sneakers, he obviously just got home.
His eyes were alight with something brighter than charm. Hope. Happiness.
"I told you to sleep early, right? You can't sleep without my kiss?" He teased, grinning from ear to ear.
Lena let out a soft chuckle, still standing by the door. "You're really something."
"Kidding aside. I have good news," he said, flashing her the grin that felt too excited for a bad news she had in her sleeves.
Lena nodded, trying to mirror his energy. "What is it?"
He looked proud. "I got an offer, baby. The aviation program in Vancouver. They offered to train me."
There was silence.
Lena blinked, trying to keep her face composed. "Training?"
Her heart raced in happiness. It is a good opportunity for him to chase his dreams.
He nodded excitedly. "It's not just training. It's a stepping stone to international flights, top-tier airlines. I could start right after graduation. Three-month program. Paid. Fully sponsored. Although I don't really need sponsors, I'm considering it since it would be practical and helpful to build connections."
Lena smiled, as a chuckle escaped her lips. She's genuinely happy for Lucian. "Lucian, that's incredible. Congratulations!"
"Right? Right!" Lucian whispered and wrapped his arms around her. "God! I'm so happy I could kiss you right now."
Lena hugged him back, burying her face into his hoodie, inhaling the faint detergent and cologne. For a moment, she let herself melt into his excitement, until reality sank back in. She remembered her problems again. And then Lucian's offer abroad was added.
He will leave after graduation. That's a sudden slap to her. She wants a good future for him, but what about her? She selfishly wants to hold him back.
Lucian pulled away from the hug, and he saw her expression. He noticed the shift immediately. Of course he did. "You don't seem excited."
"No, I am," she said quickly, giving him a gentle smile. "I'm proud of you. You've worked so hard for this. You deserve this, Lucian. Every good thing."
"But, you looked bothered," he said, watching her closely. "What's wrong, baby? Tell me. Hm?"
Lena pulled back, lowering her hands, shaking her head. "It's nothing, Lucian. Just...nothing."
"I'll come back after the training," Lucian whispered, now caressing her cheek like he was assuring her of a secured future. "I'm not leaving you for nothing, baby. This is for us. I want to prove myself. I want to reach my dreams to be able to equal you."
She looked up at him, pain lingering in her eyes. "Lucian..."
He shook his head, bent down a little and locked their gazes. He gently caressed her bottom lip and smiled at her. "Don't be afraid, Magdalena. No matter where I go, I'll always come back to you."
It wasn't the only thing that bothers her, but she nodded, showing him her trust. "I trust you."
Lucian chuckled and nodded, eyes gentle and loving. "I know, baby. I know you trust me, and I won't do anything to break that trust. Now, all you need to do is wait for me. Wait until I can finally fight for you."
Lena swallowed hard, staring up at him. The coldness of the room gave her chills as a thought crept in her mind. "Lucian, your father wants to marry me next year. What if-"
"I'm graduating in less than five months," he was calm, like he already planned everything in his head. "I'll be back before he gets to marry you."
Lena shook her head. "I want to tell him about us when he comes back, Lucian. I want to be honest with him and refuse his offer of marriage. We're already disrespecting him by doing this. I don't want any more complications that will compromise us and my daughter's future."
Lucian took a deep sigh and slowly nodded. He gave her a gentle smile as he leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her forehead, so soft, gentle, and warm that made Lena shut her eyes.
"I'll be with you," Lucian whispered, his breath brushing against her skin, warm and delicate, as he pressed their foreheads together. "In every step of the way, Magdalena. You can count on me. We're on this together, baby. Together."
Lena pressed her lips together, letting herself believe him for a moment. But as the cold air crept along her skin, she knew promises were fragile things, easily broken, easily burned. However, she highly wishes for his promises to be as strong as his determination to succeed in life and prove his worth. Because if he breaks her heart, she doesn't know if she could raise again.