Chapter 24: A New Beginning

The next morning, Lani found herself walking downstairs, her mind still heavy with thoughts of Elias. She knew she had to talk to him—really talk. No more avoiding, no more pushing him away. If he was willing to stay, then she needed to make sure he knew he wasn't alone.

As she entered the kitchen, the sound of laughter caught her attention.

Lily, Luca, and even Leo—who was visiting for the weekend—were all sitting around the kitchen counter, watching as Elias prepared breakfast. He was flipping pancakes with expert precision, a small smirk playing on his lips as the kids clapped each time he landed one perfectly.

"You're like a chef!" Leo said, eyes wide with admiration.

Elias chuckled. "I'm just good with my hands."

Lily beamed up at him. "Mommy says you're good at everything!"

Lani, who had just stepped fully into the room, froze.

Elias turned, arching a brow at her. "Oh, she does, does she?"

Lani quickly crossed her arms, ignoring the heat rising to her cheeks. "Don't get used to it."

Elias only chuckled, sliding a plate of pancakes onto the counter. "Eat up, troublemakers."

The kids cheered, grabbing their forks eagerly.

Lani leaned against the counter, watching as Elias moved around the kitchen effortlessly. He seemed… at peace here. Like he belonged.

And for the first time, she wasn't afraid of that thought.

After breakfast, Lani found Elias outside, leaning against the garden railing, sipping his coffee.

She hesitated before walking up to him. "Hey."

He glanced at her. "Hey."

She crossed her arms. "I want to talk to you."

Elias sighed. "If this is about me staying—"

"It's not just that," she interrupted.

He turned fully to face her, waiting.

Lani took a deep breath. "You told me about your heart condition. And I know you think you're handling it on your own, but you don't have to."

Elias tensed. "Lani—"

"No," she cut in firmly. "Listen to me. You're not just some employee. You're family now, whether you like it or not."

His jaw clenched. "I don't want to be a burden."

She took a step closer. "You're not a burden."

His eyes searched hers, and for the first time, she saw something vulnerable there. Something raw.

"I don't know how much time I have," he admitted quietly.

Lani felt her heart clench. "Then let's make the time you do have count."

Silence stretched between them, heavy and filled with something unspoken.

Finally, Elias exhaled and nodded. "Okay."

It wasn't much. But it was enough.

For now.

And as Lani looked at him—really looked at him—she realized she had made her choice.

She wasn't going to let him go.

No matter what.

After their conversation, Lani and Elias walked back into the house together. The kids had finished breakfast, and now they were sitting in the living room, playing a game on the TV.

Leo, as energetic as always, was the first to notice them. "Hey, Elias! Can you play with us?"

Elias smirked. "Only if you're ready to lose."

Lily giggled, climbing onto the couch beside him. "No way! We're the best team."

As Elias settled in, Leo tilted his head, looking between Elias and Lily. A mischievous grin spread across his face. "You know… you guys kinda look alike."

Lani froze.

Elias raised a brow. "What?"

Leo laughed. "I mean, just a little! The hair, maybe? Or the way you both smile sometimes."

Luca, who had been quietly observing from his spot on the floor, frowned slightly. He had noticed it a long time ago, but it was never this obvious. Maybe it was the way Elias and Lily interacted, or the way her usual pigtails had been replaced by a single ponytail today. Something about it made the resemblance stand out even more.

Lani quickly composed herself, forcing a chuckle. "Leo, don't be ridiculous. They don't look alike."

Leo shrugged. "I dunno, I think they kinda do."

Luca's sharp gaze flickered between Elias and Lily again, his mind piecing things together that he didn't fully understand yet. But one thing was clear—something didn't add up.

Lily, completely unaware of the sudden tension, simply smiled and leaned into Elias. "Well, Elias is my favorite person ever, so maybe we're just meant to match!"

Elias chuckled, ruffling her hair. "That must be it."

Lani watched them closely, her heart pounding for reasons she couldn't explain. She knew this was just a coincidence. It had to be.

Didn't it?

Luca, however, wasn't so sure. And for the first time, he wasn't just going to let it go.