Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE TO STAY
Lena recovered slowly.
Her injuries healed.
Her strength returned.
And the twins grew.
Rose became louder.
Lily became curious.
The mansion changed.
There were toys in the living room.
Baby bottles in the kitchen.
Tiny socks beneath furniture.
And laughter in rooms that had once been silent.
One evening, Lena found me in the library.
“Elias.”
I looked up.
“Yes?”
She hesitated.
“I've been thinking.”
My stomach tightened.
“About leaving?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
I looked down.
I had known this moment would come.
She deserved freedom.
A home of her own.
A life without the shadow of my past.
I swallowed.
“I'll help you find somewhere safe.”
She smiled softly.
“I know.”
Silence.
Then she continued.
“But I don't want to leave because I'm afraid.”
I looked up.
She stepped closer.
“I want to stay because I choose to.”
My heart stopped.
“Lena.”
She smiled.
“Yes?”
“Are you sure?”
May you like
She nodded.
“I'm sure.”
