CHAPTER 29

Chapter 29 – A Love Unbreakable

The world outside moved at its usual relentless pace, but within the walls of Elias's penthouse, time slowed. The air between them crackled with something deeper than passion—something unshakable.

Serena lay curled against Elias on the couch, his arms draped protectively around her. The scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the warmth of the morning sunlight spilling through the windows.

It felt… right.

For the first time in a long time, Serena wasn't questioning, wasn't doubting. She was simply existing in a moment that belonged to them alone.

Elias brushed his lips against the top of her head. "You're quiet this morning."

Serena tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. "I'm just… happy."

Elias's expression softened. "Good." His fingers traced small circles on her arm. "I want to keep it that way."

A small smile played at her lips. "That's a dangerous promise, Mr. Carter."

He chuckled, his voice low and smooth. "I don't make promises I can't keep, Miss Harper."

Serena's heart fluttered. He had a way of making her feel like the most important thing in the world—like nothing else mattered when he was holding her.

But the reality was, their world wasn't just this penthouse.

They had responsibilities, careers, lives beyond these stolen moments.

Serena exhaled, resting her chin against his chest. "What happens now?"

Elias's fingers tangled gently in her hair. "Now? We live. Together."

She swallowed, searching his eyes. "You really meant it? You want me here… every day?"

Elias's gaze darkened with something fierce, something unwavering. "I don't just want you here, Serena. I need you here."

Her breath hitched.

She had spent so long keeping her heart guarded, convincing herself that love was fleeting, that nothing was permanent.

But with Elias…

She wanted permanence.

She wanted forever.

A Step Forward

Later that afternoon, Serena stood in her apartment, looking at the life she had built before Elias.

The place was small but cozy, filled with the remnants of a woman who had once convinced herself she was safer alone.

Elias leaned against the doorframe, watching her with quiet intensity. "Regretting your decision?"

Serena turned, shaking her head. "No. Just… saying goodbye to an old version of me."

He stepped forward, slipping his hands around her waist. "Good. Because the new version of you? The one who wakes up in my arms, drinks coffee with me in the mornings, and steals all the covers at night—"

She laughed, rolling her eyes. "I do not steal the covers."

Elias smirked. "Oh, you absolutely do."

Serena swatted his arm, but her heart was soaring.

Because this was them.

Playful, real, effortless.

Elias cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "Come home with me, Serena."

She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a moment before whispering, "I already am."

An Unexpected Gesture

By the time they returned to Elias's penthouse, the sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.

Serena set her bags down, exhaling. "Well, that's it. I officially live here."

Elias smirked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

She turned to him, crossing her arms. "It's just… a big step."

He took a slow step forward, then another, until she was pressed against the cool glass of the window. His hands rested on either side of her, caging her in. "I like big steps."

Serena's pulse quickened. "Do you?"

Elias's gaze dropped to her lips before returning to her eyes. "I do."

Then, to her surprise, he pulled something from his pocket—a small key.

She frowned. "What's that?"

Elias took her hand, placing the key in her palm. "It's yours."

Serena stared at it. "You're giving me a key to the penthouse?"

Elias chuckled. "You live here now, remember?"

She swallowed hard, looking up at him. "I know, but… this feels so real."

Elias's expression turned serious, his fingers threading through hers. "It is real, Serena." He lifted their joined hands, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "You and me? We're real."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

Because for the first time, she believed it.

She believed in them.

She believed in love.

Her fingers curled around the key, her heart swelling. "Then I guess it's official."

Elias's lips twitched. "Official?"

Serena grinned. "You're stuck with me, Carter."

Elias laughed, pulling her into his arms. "Good. Because I don't plan on letting you go."

And as the city lights twinkled around them, Serena knew—

She had finally found where she belonged.

With him.

To be continued....