Chapter 153 CHAPTER 153: THE MORNING AFTER
~ Wayne and Elara's Pov~
The sunlight crept slowly through the curtains, painting soft golden lines across the room. Elara stirred first.
For a moment, she didn’t move.
She felt warmth behind her. Strong arms wrapped around her waist. Slow, steady breathing against the back of her neck.
Then it all came rushing back.
Her cheeks burned instantly.
Wayne.
Last night.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the bedsheet as she realized she was still tucked safely in his embrace, their bodies tangled beneath the covers. She had imagined their first night countless times… but nothing had prepared her for how intense, emotional, and overwhelming it had been.
She swallowed.
How was she supposed to face him now?
She tried to gently lift his arm from her waist, hoping to sneak into the bathroom before he woke up. But the moment she shifted, his grip tightened.
“Where are you running to, Mrs. Wayne?” his deep, sleepy voice murmured against her skin.
Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
“I–I’m not running,” she said quickly, her voice barely above a whisper.
He chuckled softly, the vibration of his laugh sending warmth through her.
“You’re shy.”
“I am not,” she protested, though she absolutely was.
He turned her slowly so she was facing him. Elara kept her eyes down, staring at his chest instead of his face. That large tattoo she admired last night was right there in front of her again, and it only made her blush harder.
Wayne gently lifted her chin with his finger.
“Hey,” he said softly.
She finally looked at him.
His expression wasn’t teasing or smug. It was tender. Almost… emotional.
“Good morning,” he whispered.
Her lips curved into a small smile despite herself. “Good morning.”
They stayed like that for a few seconds, just looking at each other. The intensity of last night had shifted into something softer. Deeper.
He brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. “Are you okay?”
She nodded shyly. “Yes.”
“Did I hurt you?”
Her blush deepened. “It was… new,” she admitted quietly. “But I’m okay.”
His eyes softened with relief. “If anything ever feels uncomfortable, you tell me. Always.”
That was Wayne. Even now. Even after everything they had shared, he still prioritized her comfort.
She reached up and placed her hand over his heart.
“I trust you,” she said gently.
The words seemed to mean everything to him.
He pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. “Last night wasn’t just about… that,” he said. “It was about us. I meant what I said. I love you, Elara.”
Her eyes stung slightly.
“I love you too,” she replied.
And this time, there was no hesitation. No shyness. Just certainty.
After a moment, she tried to sit up again.
“Now where are you going?” he asked playfully.
“To shower,” she said, covering her face. “And don’t look at me like that!”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re remembering everything.”
He grinned. “I am remembering everything.”
She grabbed a pillow and lightly hit him with it.
“Wayne!”
He laughed, catching her wrist gently and pulling her back down for a quick kiss on her forehead.
“You’re beautiful when you’re shy,” he murmured.
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop smiling.
As she slipped out of bed and wrapped herself in a robe, she felt his gaze following her not in a way that made her uncomfortable, but in a way that made her feel desired,Loved.
Before stepping into the bathroom, she turned back.
He was still lying there, watching her with that soft expression.
“What?” she asked.
“Nothing,” he said. “Just thinking how lucky I am.”
Her heart fluttered all over again.
She disappeared into the bathroom, leaning back against the door once it was closed. She pressed her hands to her warm cheeks and let out a small, breathless laugh.
She was married.
She was loved.
And for the first time, she truly felt like a wife.