Chapter 41

"Elena, I'm not asking you to love me. A guy like me… I don't deserve it. I just want to be able to see you every day. That's all. I won't push anything on you, alright?" Emmanuel's voice was low and almost pleading. His eyes were full of cautious hope, like he was worried one wrong word might ruin everything. To him now, Elena was the most precious thing in the world. He couldn't afford to mess up again. "Emmanuel, I just want to stay with my parents right now. I haven't done enough for them. I owe them that much. As for Lucas… I won't give him to you, but I won't stop you from visiting him. Can we agree on that?" "Of course—of course I agree! Elena… thank you. Thank you for staying…" Emmanuel's eyes widened like he couldn't believe what he just heard. Did this mean she was staying? Overcome with emotion, he pulled her into a tight hug. Tears slid down his cheeks, landing hot against Elena's neck. This was a side of him she had never seen—the proud, unshakable Emmanuel, now so vulnera