Chapter 77

Chapter 77
After the simple but hearty dinner, Elena began to clear the table. She carried a pile of dirty dishes to the kitchen, while the children's laughter could be heard from upstairs. One by one, Olivia, Katty, Delya, and Alva went to their respective rooms. The apartment was finally quiet again.

Nathan stood in the doorway of the kitchen, watching the busy Elena. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Elena..." he called softly.

Elena turned her head, smiling tiredly but warmly. "Hmm?"

Nathan stepped closer without making much noise. In an instant, he was hugging Elena from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. The warmth of Nathan's body made the cold night air feel lighter.

Elena froze for a moment, then breathed a sigh of relief and let herself lean back into the embrace.

Nathan took a deep breath, as if holding back something he had been meaning to say for a long time. "Let me ask you something else..." he whispered in Elena's ear.

Elena was silent, waiting for his question.

Nathan tightened his embrace. "After this is over... after the storm you're going through has passed, will you really accept me?"

Nathan's voice sounded deep, slightly quivering. Like he had prepared himself for any eventuality, including rejection.

Elena closed her eyes for a moment. She felt his sincerity, every breath he took.

After what seemed like an eternity, Elena turned in his arms, looking up at Nathan's expectant face.

Elena smiled a little, then nodded. "Yes, Nathan. I want to."

Nathan's eyes widened, as if in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Elena laughed softly. She raised her hand, caressing Nathan's cheek gently. "Seriously. Once this is all sorted out... let's get married."

Nathan seemed to forget how to breathe. His gaze didn’t flicker from Elena, as if afraid that this was just a dream.

Elena continued, her voice shaking slightly with emotion. "The kids need a daddy too. And I think you're the perfect person for that."

Nathan looked at Elena deeply, as if he wanted to carve those words into his heart. But he still looked hesitant, as if waiting for Elena to retract her words.

Seeing that hesitation, Elena smiled wider. She lifted Nathan's face and gently kissed his lips. A simple kiss, but full of meaning.

Nathan responded awkwardly at first, as if he couldn't believe that Elena really wanted him. But within seconds, he was lost in the feeling, pulling Elena closer.

Elena giggled a little between their kisses, feeling relieved and happy in Nathan's arms. The air between them grew warmer, overcoming the chill of the night.

In one gentle but determined movement, Nathan bent down slightly, then lifted Elena into his arms.

"Elena, I won't let you go tonight..." he murmured.

Elena wrapped her arms around Nathan's neck, smiling gently. "I don't want you to leave either."

Nathan led Elena into the living room, and with great care, laid her down on the sofa. He gazed at Elena like she was the most precious treasure in the world.

Unhurriedly, Nathan bent down, kissing Elena again, this time deeper, more slowly. It was as if he wanted to keep every inch of that moment forever.

Elena kissed Nathan back soulfully, her hands playing in his hair, feeling every touch, every beat of his heart in her chest.

They were in no hurry. There was nothing to hunt for.
Just the two of them.
The quiet night.
And the feelings that had finally found their place.

Nathan touched Elena's cheek, then down to her jaw, his fingers trembling lightly with emotion. He pulled back slightly, looking at Elena with eyes filled with love.

"I promise..." he whispered, voice hoarse with emotion. "I will always take care of you and the children for the rest of my life."

Elena smiled, rubbing Nathan's temple with her thumb. "I believe you, Nathan. I believe in you."

They sank back into a warm kiss, letting the night embrace them like a cozy cloak.

No bombastic promises.
No big words.
Just feelings.
Simple, but real.

That night, Elena Queen, who had spent years standing alone against the world, finally found a place to come home to.
In Nathan's arms.

After a few moments on the couch, Nathan slowly lifted his face from their kiss. He looked down at Elena who was still lying there, her cheeks flushed, her eyes gleaming in the dim living room light.

"Let's go upstairs," Nathan whispered softly, as if afraid to disturb the beautiful silence.

Elena bit her lip, her heart pounding violently. But she gave a small nod.

Nathan smiled warmly, then lifted Elena's body again in his arms. Elena gently stroked Nathan's shoulder, stifling her laughter as he led her up the stairs to her room. Every step Nathan took felt steady, as if the world belonged to just the two of them.

Reaching Elena's room, Nathan pushed the door open with his shoulder. The cold air of the air conditioner immediately greeted them, making her shiver even more—either because of the temperature or because of the feelings raging inside her chest.

Nathan set Elena down slowly on the side of the bed. Elena stood awkwardly, hands shaking slightly as she tried to smooth her messy hair.

Nathan saw that, smiling a little. "Nervous, huh?"

Elena snorted softly, looking away, embarrassed. "Not really... maybe a little," she half-lied.

Nathan laughed softly, stepping closer, making Elena hold her breath. He lifted her chin with two fingers, forcing her to look up at him.

"You don't have to be afraid," he whispered. "I'm right here."

Elena nodded slowly. In her heart, she knew... she wanted to. She needed Nathan.

Nathan's hand touched Elena's waist carefully, giving her room if she wanted to back away. But Elena didn't move. Instead, slowly, she rested her forehead against Nathan's chest, listening to the calm, steady beat of his heart.

Nathan stroked Elena's hair gently, patiently waiting. He didn't want to rush her, didn’t want to make her feel forced.

Slowly, Elena looked up, staring at Nathan in the dimness of the nightlight. Her cheeks were red, but her eyes shone with conviction.

"I want you, Nathan..." she whispered, barely audible.

Nathan's eyes darkened, a great emotion stirring there. But he remained calm, patient. He slowly turned her around and hugged her from behind, just as he had in the kitchen.

Elena shivered a little, but not from fear. She felt comfortable.

Nathan leaned down and lightly kissed her shoulder, smelling the sweet, clean scent of her skin. Elena closed her eyes, letting herself drift into the touch.

"You're so sweet, my Queen," Nathan murmured, his voice low and heavy.

Elena chuckled, shy but not pulling away.

Nathan slowly guided Elena onto the bed, laying her down gently. He looked at Elena for a long time, as if he wanted to remember every detail.

"Are you sure?" asked Nathan once more, his eyes searching for the final answer in Elena's eyes.

Elena smiled a little, her hands tugging at the collar of Nathan's shirt, bringing the man closer. "If I weren't sure, I wouldn't be here."

Nathan breathed a sigh of relief, then leaned down, kissing Elena's lips again, deeper, more flavorful. Elena kissed back, bolder now, her arms wrapped around Nathan's neck.

Tonight, in silence, Nathan could finally truly embrace Elena—not by force, but by love and trust.

Under the dark sky, behind the closed bedroom d
oor, two long-wounded hearts finally found their home. And Elena Queen... finally allowed herself to be loved.

Continued...