Chapter 83

Damian’s eyes began to shine. He looked up at her, almost disbelieving. “You mean... you’ll let me see them?”

Elena nodded. “With conditions. You can’t just show up. Everything has to be gradual—starting with Olivia, because she’s the most mature. You have to prove you’ve changed, Damian. This isn’t a second chance for me. It’s a second chance for the children.”

Damian wrung his hands on the table. “Yes. I’m willing to do that. I didn’t even dare hope you’d allow it. Elena, I’m not trying to fix our relationship. I know I wasn’t a good father. But I want a chance to repay, even a little, what I ruined.”

Elena met his gaze calmly. “The children will have someone with them when they see you—me, or Nathan. They’re not ready to be alone with you yet. And if, someday, they decide they don’t want to continue, you have to accept that.”

Damian looked down. “I understand. I promise I won’t force them. I just want to make up for lost time, even if only a little.”