29

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, his jaw tightening as he struggled to find the words. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to stay with me because of what happened... because of my accident. I know where your heart lies, and it’s not here with me,” he said, his voice breaking just slightly.

A tear escaped, trailing down my cheek. “But I love you… I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” I murmured, desperately trying to hold onto him.

He shook his head, smiling sadly. “No, Elena. You’re an amazing woman. So selfless, so strong, but your heart… it doesn’t beat the same way for me as it does for him. I can see it.” His gaze softened as he pulled me into a gentle hug, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.

The finality of his words hit me like a wave. I could feel the truth in them. “Take care of yourself, Lucas. I’ll still visit, but… I know what I have to do,” I whispered, my voice breaking as I finally let him go.

I left the hospital, my heart in pieces yet somehow feeling lighter. I had to see Jason. But what was the point now? I had rejected him, broken his heart in favor of Lucas. I doubted he would even want to speak to me. Still, I dialed his number that night, holding my breath with each ring. No answer. My heart sank, and I felt the weight of my choices pressing down on me.

The next morning, I woke to footsteps approaching my room. My door creaked open, and I sat up, barely able to process the sight before me. Jason stood there, looking impossibly handsome with a warm smile on his face.

“Jason? How did you get in here?” I asked, rubbing my eyes in disbelief.

“Your cousin let me in,” he replied, the grin on his face making my heart skip.

Just seeing him again brought a swell of emotions I could barely contain. “Jason, I’m so sorry about everything, about rejecting you in front of Lucas. I was wrong,” I began, words tumbling out before I could stop them.

He walked over, gently cupping my face in his hands. “Thank you for coming back, Elena. I know it’s complicated, but all I want is to make you happy.” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my forehead, and I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, as if I had finally come home.

“I have a surprise for you,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“A surprise?” I asked, my heart pounding.

He chuckled. “Yes. Come with me.”

He took my hand, guiding me out of the room and down a path outside. “Close your eyes,” he said softly, covering my eyes with his hands. I laughed nervously, my heart racing with anticipation.

“Okay, open them.” He removed his hands, and I gasped, my breath catching in my throat.

The garden was transformed into a wonderland, flowers everywhere, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Soft candles flickered on a beautifully set table, casting a warm glow over everything. My eyes drifted to a large banner decorated with delicate petals that read, *Will you marry me?*

A flood of tears filled my eyes as I took it all in. I could barely speak, overwhelmed by the love and care he’d put into this moment.

“This is so beautiful,” I whispered, tears spilling over. “I come to this garden often, and I had no idea…”

Jason smiled, a touch of pride in his expression. “It’s been set up just for today.” He knelt down in front of me, his hand sliding into his pocket to pull out a small box. Inside was the most dazzling diamond ring, sparkling like a tiny star.

He took a deep breath, his voice filled with emotion. “Elena, all my life I’ve followed my family’s wishes, made sacrifices for the sake of business, even put love aside. But then I met you. And for the first time, I wanted something for myself.”

He looked up at me, his eyes shining. “I don’t care about the past. Whatever you went through, whatever scars you carry… they don’t matter to me. I just want a future with you, Elena. Will you marry me?”

A sob broke free, and I nodded, unable to speak as he slipped the ring onto my finger. As soon as he did, he pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. It felt like my entire world had shifted, the ache in my heart finally healing as he held me close.

Suddenly, there was a burst of applause. I looked up in surprise to see my grandfather and Vincent, clapping and grinning from ear to ear.

“Grandpa! Vincent!” I laughed through my tears, a rush of happiness filling me as I hugged them both.

“Yes, yes! We knew all along,” my grandfather chuckled, his eyes warm with affection. “Congratulations, my dear.”

Vincent hugged me, laughing. “I’m so happy for you, sis. This is your moment.”

Looking around, it felt like a dream. A new chapter, a fresh beginning. Jason held me close, whispering promises of love and a future together.

"Now, we have a wedding to plan," he said, grinning at me, his eyes shining with excitement.

I looked up at him, my heart swelling. This wasn’t just a proposal; it was the beginning of a life I thought I’d never have, a second chance at love and happiness.