Chapter 90

Chapter 90


Dusk had just fallen when Damian stood in front of Elena's apartment door. He raised his hand to knock, hesitated, lowered it, then finally braced himself and knocked twice.

Soon, the door opened. Elena stood on the threshold in a simple white T-shirt and beige trousers. Her hair was pulled into a loose bun; she wore no makeup. Yet the calm in her eyes radiated a strength that reminded Damian why he had ever loved her—and why he had betrayed a woman as beautiful as Elena.

"Elena..." His voice was hoarse. "I need a moment. Just five minutes, if you please."

Elena nodded slowly. "Come in."

Damian stepped in, nerves tight, his gaze sweeping the room.

"Would you like something to drink?" Elena asked politely. Her voice was flat, but not cold.

"No need. I just want to talk."

They sat in the living room. Damian rubbed his damp palms together. Elena waited without interrupting.

"I canceled the custody hearing," Damian said at last. "I won't fight you for Alva anymore."

Elena looked mildly surprised, but she didn't overreact. "Why?"

"Because I realize you're the best place for Alva right now." Damian met her eyes. "I've lost control. I almost did something crazy. I couldn't—didn't deserve—to take that right from you."

Elena exhaled softly. "That's a big decision, Damian."

"I also came to apologize," Damian added quickly. "I misjudged you. I was too quick to believe the rumors, too quick to blame. When the public attacked you, I pushed it—I didn’t protect you."

He lowered his head. "I'm so sorry."

Elena looked at him steadily. "I know you're sorry. And I forgave everything a long time ago. But time can't be turned back."

Damian nodded. "I'm not asking us to go back. I know you're with Mr. Nathan now. He's a good man."

Elena smiled faintly. "He accepted me with all my wounds, Damian. He accepted my three daughters without discrimination—something you could never do back then."

Damian dropped his gaze, as if slapped.

"I know," he whispered. "I used to care only about sons—about inheritance, the family name. I was too blind to see what I needed was family, not ego."

Elena nodded slowly. "You lost a lot because of that mistake."

"I know," he repeated, voice low. "And I didn't come here to take you back. I just want a chance to be a father to Alva—and a father to my three daughters, Olivia, Katty, and Delya. I'll accept whatever rules you set. Whenever you allow me, I'll come. If you don't, I'll step back."

Elena studied him for a long moment before answering. "I won't keep Alva or my three daughters from you. But you have to start from scratch. Your four children need time to trust you again."

Damian nodded, eyes slightly wet. "Thank you."

"Only one condition," Elena added. "If you start repeating your old behavior—imposing your will, discriminating among the children—I won't hesitate to cut it off."

"I understand. And you have every right to."

Silence settled. From down the hall came the sound of children laughing. Damian glanced toward it and caught a glimpse of a small figure slipping past the corridor. Elena stood and quietly closed the corridor door.

"Alva's not ready to see you tonight," she said softly. "But... maybe tomorrow."

Damian held his breath, then gave a faint smile. "Tomorrow... that will be more than enough."

Elena nodded and walked him to the door.

As Damian stood on the threshold, he turned back. "I know it won't be easy. But I’ll be patient—for the sake of my four children. And... to prove to you that I'm not the same old Damian."

Elena looked at him. "A second chance from me is precious, Damian. Don't waste it."

He answered with a steady nod, then walked away.

Behind the closed door, Elena stood with her eyes shut for a moment. Relief settled in her chest—though a faint sting lingered.

She knew this was the first step toward peace. Not only for Damian. For herself.

After the door closed and Damian's footsteps faded down the hallway, Elena remained where she was, breathing slowly as she tried to absorb the conversation.

Another door opened. Light but steady footsteps crossed the floor behind her. Without a word, Nathan wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin settling on her shoulder, his warmth surrounding her instantly.

"All done?" he asked softly, his voice deep and calm.

Elena nodded, still staring at the door she had just closed. "Damian canceled the trial," she whispered. "He also apologized."

Nathan didn't answer. He only held her tighter, steady and wordless.

After a few seconds, he leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "You're tired. Let's go to the room."

Elena gave a small gasp, her cheeks flushing as she turned her head. "Nathan, I... I haven't showered yet. Besides, I..."

"We're married, Elena," Nathan said gently, meeting her eyes with quiet affection. "Since that day you've been busy—caring for the kids, facing court, facing the past. I understand. But tonight, let me be part of your peace."

Elena lowered her gaze, her face burning. "I'm embarrassed..."

Nathan smiled and, without warning, bent and lifted her into his arms.

"Nathan!" she breathed, startled.

"Relax," he murmured. "I just want to hold you closer. Not out of lust, but because I love you. And because I'm your husband."

Elena was speechless. She hid her face against his chest, her heart racing.

Nathan carried her into the bedroom with steady steps and laid her gently on the bed. He sat beside her, watching as if to promise that every move came from love, not force.

"If you're not ready, I'm still here. I'll stay with you. I won't touch you until you pull me to you yourself," he said honestly.

Elena bit her lower lip, then reached up to touch his cheek. "I... may not be perfect. But tonight, I want to be enough. For you."

Nathan took her hand and kissed it lightly. "I love you, Elena."

"I love you too, Nathan..."

Continued...