Chapter 25

There was a faint bitterness in Luke's voice. "When you went abroad for those three years, I followed you right away. Not for any other reason, just because I liked you, Eleanor. I've liked you since we were kids, so much that it hurt." The words flowed into Eleanor's heart like a quiet warmth. She stared at him, caught by the open tenderness and uncertainty in his eyes. She remembered everything he had done for her over the past three years. He had helped her through her loneliness in a foreign country, stood by her when her career faltered, and stayed up all night when she was sick. He had respected every choice she made, never once pressuring her. His presence had always been steady, gentle, and genuine. Luke took her hand, his palm warm and dry. "Elean, I know you're still healing and that you haven't fully let go of the past. I can wait. I'm not asking for anything more right now—just a chance. Let me be with you properly. Let me protect you, as your boyfriend." There was n