Chapter 68: I can wait, no matter how long it takes.

Elena’s heart began pounding wildly. A warmth she couldn’t explain spread across her chest.

Elias stepped even closer, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I know there are wounds inside your heart that haven’t healed yet." His voice carried an unusual tenderness. "But I believe time will heal it. You will let go of the past one day and accept me wholeheartedly."

Elena’s heart ached. She felt it was unfair for him.

Elias was a good man. He deserved someone who loved him genuinely.

And she... Wounded from her past relationship, she wasn’t sure if she could become that person.

"I can wait, no matter how long it takes." He caressed her face, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Because once I’ve chosen someone, I don’t let go."

The simple gesture sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach.

"You don’t have to force yourself to move on overnight." His fingertips lingered against her cheek. "You don’t have to pretend, okay, when you are not. If you want to cry and complain about something, just do it without hesitation."

Emotions surged through Elena. Nobody had ever said such things to her.

She had always pretended to be strong, hiding her true emotions. She used to smile even though she wasn’t feeling good, just to make others happy. Every time, she had put others over herself.

And Elias was telling her to express her feelings unguardedly. A thin layer of tears gathered in her eyes.

"If you are afraid, lean on me. If you are hurt, let me know. Let me carry the burden with you. Don’t ever shut me out."

A tear finally slid down her cheek. For so long, she had endured everything alone. And at that moment, she felt as though she no longer had to.

And for the first time since their marriage, Elena felt the walls around her heart begin to crack.

Elias frowned and wiped her tears away. "I don’t like to see you cry. Your tears made me feel like I failed you."

"I am not crying." A faint smile formed on her lips. "I am just happy that you are with me."

He cupped her face. "You are my wife. I’ll never leave your side."

Hearing his words, she couldn’t stop her heart racing. His deep, unwavering gaze seemed to hold her captive.

She couldn’t look away.

The sincerity in his eyes stirred something inside her chest, making her heart race uncontrollably.

As he continued to stare at her, the desire he had been suppressing threatened to break free.

"Elena," he whispered.

The way he said her name sent shivers down her back.

"You are beautiful."

His thumb softly touched her lips.

Elena clasped her dress on the sides, her breathing becoming rapid and shallow.

The atmosphere between them suddenly changed. Everything around them seemed to fade away.

She could feel his gaze on her lips. Her heart thundered in her ears.

His familiar scent enveloped her completely. The warmth of his body, the intensity of his gaze, and the intimacy of the moment made her body ache with desire.

She closed her eyes. The anticipation of his lips against hers was almost unbearable. Her skin tingled, and her lips parted slightly.

But the kiss never came. What came was his hoarse voice.

"There is an ice cream shop a little farther down the road. If you want, we can go there."

Elena’s eyes flew open. For a moment, she only stared at him. Then she realized how close their faces were.

Her cheeks flushed instantly. She looked away, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"I love ice cream," she said, her breath trembling.

"Then let’s go."

They resumed walking. The tension lingered between them.

Their hands brushed against each other. The contact sent tiny sparks through her body.

Elena didn’t dare look at him.

His gaze was far too intense, consuming. She was afraid she might drown in them.

They arrived at the ice cream shop. "Which flavor do you want to have?" he asked.

"Strawberry," she replied.

Something flickered in the back of his eyes when he heard strawberry. It disappeared so quickly that Elena missed it.

He turned to the shopkeeper. "Two strawberry ice creams."

Elena was surprised. "You are getting strawberry too?"

"I’ll have whatever you like."

Elena couldn’t help but feel warm. For the first time in a very long time, someone genuinely cared about what she wanted.

All those years, her life revolved around Noah. She remembered everything about him—his favorite food, his favorite places, and things he liked to do.

She had adjusted herself again and again to fit into his world. And at some point, she had neglected herself.

She had foolishly believed that loving someone meant sacrificing everything, that as long as Noah was happy, she would be happy too.

But she was wrong.

The woman she used to be disappeared slowly. Looking back now, she realized how much she had lost.

She wouldn’t repeat that mistake. She would live for herself and would do whatever she liked. She wouldn’t sacrifice her happiness for others. Instead, she would pursue her own happiness and protect her heart.

Their ice creams were delivered. They started eating.

"You know," he started. "When I was young, I used to come here."

He looked around the small shop. A distant look appeared in his eyes.

Memories flooded his mind.

He and his sister used to sit side by side in this very shop and have ice cream. His sister liked the strawberry flavor, and he used to have the chocolate flavor.

Everything flashed in his mind. They would laugh and tease each other while eating. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Sometimes she would smear ice cream on his face. Sometimes he would steal hers. Back then, life had been simple and carefree.

But everything had changed after that incident. He had stopped coming here.

His grandfather had eventually moved them away, hoping it would make them feel better. Years later, he was sent abroad to study.

Time passed, but the memories remained etched deep inside him.

Elena noticed he wasn’t eating. "What’s wrong?" she asked.

Elias looked up at her, snapping out of his reverie.

"You haven’t touched your ice cream."

Before he could answer, she started again, "I understand. You don’t like strawberry flavor, do you? That’s why you are not eating. I’ll order something for you."

"No... Don’t..." He stopped her instantly. He lowered his gaze to the pale pink ice cream. "It’s just... I wasn’t paying attention."

He picked up the spoon, scooped the ice cream, and ate. It tasted unexpectedly good.

When he was younger, he had never liked the strawberries. He hated anything related to strawberries. He had even mocked his sister for eating strawberry candies, ice cream, and cake.

Years later, he found himself enjoying it.

He smiled as he mouthed the last scoop. Then he looked up, and his whole body stiffened.

The pinkish cream smeared at the corner of her mouth. The sight affected him more than it should have.

Her lips looked soft, and she looked breathtakingly tempting.

A wave of heat swept through him. He swallowed.

Elena noticed his stare. "What?"

Without a word, he reached toward her and wiped the corner of her lips.

Elena stiffened, a jolt crossing through her. "Elias!"

"Shh..." He continued wiping her lips.

Neither of them looked away. Suddenly, he leaned closer and closer.

Elena’s heartbeat nearly stopped.

His face was only inches away. His breathing fanned across her skin.

At that reckless moment, he forgot where they were. The urge to kiss her shattered his self-control.

His lips almost brushed hers when she stopped him, her hands pressing against his chest.

"Wait..."