Chapter 27

Elena’s POV

I couldn’t help but be swept up in the warmth of Jason’s lips against mine. Every tender kiss made my heart flutter, as if each touch was melting away years of sorrow and regret. We were so close, I could feel his heartbeat in time with mine, a steady rhythm that gave me hope, that maybe this time I had chosen right.

But then, suddenly, he paused. I felt his hands tense around my waist as he drew back, looking at me with those dark eyes, serious, almost pained. My heart skipped a beat. “Elena,” he began, his voice barely above a whisper. He helped me gently off his lap and made me kneel beside him, his gaze piercing and tender at once.

“Elena, I don’t want us to get lost in love’s illusions,” he said, his hand softly caressing my cheek. His words were gentle but firm, like he was breaking a delicate truth to me.

“Lucas, what do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling as I tried to read the sadness on his face.

He took a deep breath, hi