Chapter 44

In that moment, he knew… his heart was falling. Not because Elena was beautiful, but because she was strong. And her wounds had never changed the way she loved the world.

“I’m going to propose to her, Mom,” Nathan murmured finally, his voice deep but firm.

Sonia smiled with satisfaction. “Good. And don’t wait until tomorrow. A real man doesn’t delay when he knows what he wants.”

Nathan nodded slowly. Inside his chest, something began to ignite again. The courage long buried by doubt slowly emerged.

Nathan immediately approached Elena. “Elena…” Nathan called out.

Elena turned her head. “Mr. Nathan, are you here too?”

Nathan nodded. “Elena, I—”

Nathan’s voice was almost drowned out by the noisy conversation inside the restaurant, but his eyes radiated something Elena couldn’t ignore.

Elena frowned, confused by the man’s expression. “What is it, Mr. Nathan?”

Without answering, Nathan grabbed Elena’s wrist and pulled her gently but f