Mag-log in“Ryan…”Ryan parked and grabbed her hand, leading her up the steps. “Welcome home,” he said softly. “Our first home. I thought it was only fitting that we start our marriage here.”Tears of joy filled her eyes. “It’s perfect.”He came around and helped her out of the car, then, in one swift motion,
The morning of the wedding day dawned clear and bright, the sky a perfect, cloudless blue. Elena stood before the full-length mirror, her heart beating a frantic, joyful rhythm against her ribs. Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted the thin veil over her hair.Today was the day. Her heart p
“Mom,” Ryan said, his voice unusually gentle. “There’s something I want to tell you.”Anna tilted her head, studying him. “You look too serious for this early in the day.”His lips curved faintly. “I wanted to tell you that Elena and I, we’re getting married.”Anna’s hand flew to her mouth. For a mo
The silence in the car as they drove away from her father’s house was different from the furious tension of the afternoon. Elena leaned her head against the cool window, watching the familiar streets of her old neighborhood blur past. Her hand rested loosely in Ryan’s, their fingers entwined as if n
That evening, Ryan led Elena to the Carter residence. She was quiet on the drive, her mind buzzing with apprehension. When they arrived, the lights were on inside, casting a warm, welcoming glow that felt like a lifetime ago to Elena. Her stomach was a tight ball of nerves. Ryan, sensing her anxiety
Elena’s sobs shook her shoulders as she stood in the living room. Ryan listened carefully, silent at first, giving her space to pour everything out. When her cries softened to ragged hiccups, he didn’t respond with words. He rose from the chair and with two long strides, he closed the distance betwe
She wanted to argue, to tell him that being there for him was more important than any lecture. But she saw the stubborn set of his jaw, the look in his eye that said this was his way of protecting her. She sighed in defeat.“Fine. I’ll go. But I’ll be back Friday evening.”“Good,” he said softly. “T
The morning felt heavier than it should have. Elena sat at the edge of Ryan’s bed in his penthouse, staring blankly at the city skyline beyond the tall glass windows. Today was supposed to be one of the happiest, most important milestones of her life, her first day at university. Instead, Elena fel
He flicked his eyes toward her, then back to the road, his lips pressed so tight they looked bloodless. She reached across the console, slipping her small hand over his. His fingers twitched but didn’t pull away this time. “He’ll be fine,” she whispered.“Uncle is strong and you’re going to him now
Hours later, the house was cloaked in silence. Dinner had been prepared, but when Elena went to call Anna, she found her sitting on the bed, untouched food tray in front of her.Elena took charge. Her heart ached at the sight. She picked up the tray and sat beside her. “Mrs. Johnson?” Elena said so







