Chapter 21
Elena stood at the window of her office, watching the city below. The skyline had become a kind of heartbeat to her—a symbol of motion, progress, and grit. Just like her. Things had moved fast in the past few months. Her foundation was gaining traction, media attention was picking up, and women from all walks of life were reaching out for help. But with success came pressure. Meetings, interviews, board members wanting more from her. And though she handled it all gracefully, there were moments when the weight felt like too much.
Today was one of those days.
“Everything alright?” Sebastian stepped in, his presence always managing to soften her tension.
She turned and offered a tired smile. “Just… everything.”
He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Then let’s disappear. Just for a few days.”
“Disappearing sounds irresponsible.”
“Disappearing sounds necessary,” he corrected. “You give to everyone, Lena. Let someone take care of you for once.”
The way he said her name—it always sounded like a promise. She didn’t answer right away, but the idea lingered in her mind. Maybe it was okay to rest. Maybe it was okay to breathe.
A few days later, they left the city behind. No press. No charity meetings. No talk of Andrew or his drama. Just a quiet cabin tucked in the hills and the scent of pine trees in the air.
Elena hadn’t realized how much she needed silence until it wrapped around her like a blanket.
They cooked together—Sebastian burnt the toast, and she laughed until her sides hurt. They hiked until sunset, lay under the stars, and talked about everything. His childhood. Her fears. The strange peace of starting over.
One evening, as the fire crackled and she sat curled against him, Sebastian held her hand tightly.
“I used to think I’d never have this,” he said quietly. “Not love. Not peace. My family made a mess of everything.”
“And now?” she whispered.
“I have you.”
She looked up at him. His eyes were steady, serious.
“You’re it for me, Elena,” he continued. “And I don’t care about what anyone thinks—Andrew, the press, the whole damn city. I’ll shout it from every rooftop if I have to.”
Her heart thudded in her chest.
“I love you,” he said, simply.
It took her a beat. She hadn’t expected it. And yet, deep down, maybe she had. Because she wasn’t scared when she heard it. She didn’t flinch. She didn’t run.
“I love you too,” she breathed.
He kissed her like it was the first time—and the last time—and every time in between. There, in that cabin surrounded by nothing but stars and silence, Elena finally understood what it meant to be chosen. Not for what she could give. Not for her name or her past.
But for who she was.
And in that quiet moment, Elena knew this wasn’t just a detour. This was the life she had fought for.