CHAPTER 32
Chapter 32 – The Depths of Forever
The night felt endless, wrapped in warmth and the quiet hum of love. Serena lay beside Elias, the soft glow of the city filtering through the curtains, casting golden streaks across his face.
She traced a lazy finger along his jawline, memorizing every curve, every sharp edge.
Elias caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. "Can't sleep?"
Serena smiled. "I don't want to. I don't want this night to end."
His grip tightened, his eyes dark with emotion. "Then it won't."
---
A Love That Demands to Be Felt
Elias rolled onto his side, propping himself on his elbow as he studied her.
"You've changed me," he murmured.
Serena arched a brow. "For better or worse?"
Elias smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "For both."
Serena laughed softly. "Honesty. I like it."
He ran a slow hand down her arm, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. "I've spent so much of my life building walls, keeping everyone at a distance."
Serena's smile faded as she listened.
"I never realized how empty it felt until you broke through them," Elias continued, his voice quiet but firm. "Now, I don't know how to exist without you."
Her breath hitched, emotions tightening in her chest.
"Elias…"
His fingers tilted her chin up, his gaze searching hers. "Tell me you feel it too."
Serena swallowed hard. "I do."
Elias exhaled, his forehead pressing against hers. "Then don't let go of me, Serena. Not ever."
Her heart swelled, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Never."
And then, he kissed her.
It wasn't rushed. It wasn't desperate.
It was slow, deep, filled with unspoken promises.
A kiss that didn't ask for forever—it claimed it.
---
A Morning of Unspoken Truths
When Serena woke, sunlight streamed through the windows, painting everything in soft gold.
She turned her head, expecting to see Elias beside her.
But the bed was empty.
Frowning, she sat up, pulling the blanket around her as she listened for any sounds.
Then, she heard it—soft music drifting from the other room.
Curious, she slipped out of bed, padding barefoot toward the living room.
And what she saw made her heart flip.
Elias stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, a cup of coffee in one hand, his phone forgotten on the table.
He was shirtless, his broad back illuminated by the sunlight, his posture unusually relaxed.
But it wasn't just the sight of him that made her pause.
It was the way he was staring outside, lost in thought, a look of quiet vulnerability on his face.
Serena hesitated, then stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him from behind.
Elias stiffened for half a second before relaxing, his free hand coming up to cover hers.
"Did I wake you?" he murmured.
Serena shook her head, pressing her cheek against his back. "You looked like you were thinking about something."
Elias exhaled, his fingers absently tracing patterns on her skin. "I was."
She waited, knowing he needed time to find his words.
Finally, he turned, facing her fully.
His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing gently across her skin. "I never thought I'd find this," he admitted. "Something real. Something that isn't built on power, or strategy, or obligation."
Serena held his gaze. "And does it scare you?"
Elias gave a dry chuckle. "Terrifies me."
She smiled softly. "Good."
His brow lifted. "Good?"
Serena nodded, stepping closer. "Because love should be terrifying. It should shake your world, make you question everything, and still be the one thing you can't walk away from."
Elias stared at her for a long moment.
Then, slowly, he smiled.
"You really are dangerous," he murmured, pulling her closer.
Serena smirked. "You wouldn't have me any other way."
Elias chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "No. I wouldn't."
---
A Future Written in the Stars
They spent the rest of the morning wrapped in each other, lost in laughter, in whispers, in touches that spoke louder than words.
And as they stood on the terrace once more, staring at the city below, Serena knew—
This was more than love.
This was destiny.
And they were just getting started.
To be continued....