Ella stood in the penthouse living room, the city lights twinkling beyond the windows like stars brought down to earth. Lucas’s words still echoed in her mind: I’m asking for a second chance. Days had passed since his public confession, days of quiet talks, shared meals, and tentative touches that rebuilt what had nearly broken.
She looked at him now, standing across from her with hope and fear in his gray eyes. The man who had once been so distant was completely open.
“I forgive you,” Ella said softly, the words freeing something deep inside her. “I’ve seen how hard you’ve fought to make this right. I love you too, Lucas. The real you.”
Relief washed over his face. He crossed the room in two strides and pulled her into his arms, holding her like she might disappear. “God, Ella. I don’t
