Chapter 8 - The Day Elias Took Off His ArmorMonths passed.
The twins grew.
Elise started smiling whenever Elias entered the room.
Jonah grabbed his tie whenever he held her.
His terrifying reputation meant nothing to them.
To them, he was simply Daddy's friend.
One evening, I found him sitting on the nursery floor.
Both babies were asleep against his chest.
I leaned against the doorway.
“You look comfortable.”
He looked up.
“I'm trapped.”
I laughed.
“They have you exactly where they want you.”
He smiled.
Then his expression became serious.
“Ava.”
“Yes?”
“I don't want to be their guardian forever.”
My heart stopped.
He stood carefully.
“I want to be their father.”
I stared at him.
“And you?”
He stepped closer.
“I want you to be my wife.”
I couldn't speak.
He reached into his pocket.
There was no diamond the size of a mansion.
No cameras.
No grand ballroom.
Just a simple ring.
“I don't have a perfect life to offer you.”
He looked at me.
“But I can offer you a safe one.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“I don't need perfect.”
“I know.”
“I need honest.”
“I can give you that.”
“And my daughters?”
He smiled.
“They're already mine in every way that matters.”
I laughed through my tears.
“That's not how biology works.”
“No.”
He touched my cheek.
“But love isn't biology.”
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Then I kissed him.
For the first time, I wasn't afraid.
