Timeless Legacy

Confrontation

After the family day call, Elina left the school with a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She walked with purpose towards the meeting spot where Ben was already waiting for her. As soon as he saw her approaching, a bright smile spread across his face, lighting up his features.

"Hey, Ben," she greeted him with a gentle smile, her earlier frustrations momentarily forgotten.

"Hey, Elli," Ben responded with a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

Elina raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Elli?" she echoed, intrigued by the new nickname.

Ben nodded enthusiastically, clearly proud of his creation. "Yeah, it sounds cute, right?"

Elina laughed, the sound light and genuine, easing the tension she had been carrying. "It's not bad," she admitted, her smirk softening into a warm smile.

Ben chuckled, pleased with her reaction. "I'm glad you like it. I've been thinking about it for a while, you know."

"Have you now?" Elina teased, enjoying the easy banter between them.

"Of course," Ben replied, his tone playful but sincere. "I mean, a special name for a special girl."

Elina felt a flutter in her chest at his words, her smile growing wider. "Well, I guess I'm stuck with it then," she said, pretending to be resigned but unable to hide her amusement.

Ben grinned, clearly enjoying their exchange. "I think it suits you."

They continued walking together, the atmosphere between them comfortable and light, a welcome contrast to the intensity of the past few days. For a moment, it felt like they were just two normal teenagers, enjoying each other's company without the weight of their responsibilities looming over them.

As they sat together under the starlit sky, the warmth of the fire casting a soft glow around them, Elina felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Ben's arm around her shoulders felt comforting and secure, and for a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the simplicity of the moment.

"I hope we could stay like this," Ben murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Elina looked up at him, curiosity and something deeper in her eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice equally quiet.

Ben hesitated, searching her face for any sign of hesitation or doubt. "Well, I hope that maybe we can go on more dates and, I don't know... be together?" He paused, his tone uncertain as he continued, "I mean, I know it's early for love... but I really like you, Elina, and I want to see where it goes."

Elina's heart fluttered at his words. It was strange and exhilarating to hear someone speak so openly and honestly about their feelings for her. She turned her gaze to the sun, its light reflecting her thoughts. A small, genuine smile touched her lips—a smile that was rare for someone who had grown up in a world of schemes and secrets.

Just as she was about to respond, Ben quickly added, "I don't want to rush you or anything. I just wanted you to know how I feel."

His nervousness was endearing, and Elina found herself nodding, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "I would like that... yeah," she replied, her voice steady and sincere.

Ben's face lit up with relief and happiness. "Does that mean you'll accompany me to my coronation?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Elina laughed, nodding. "Sure," she said, her smirk hidden beneath her words. Little did Ben know that everything was falling into place perfectly, just as Mal had planned. But as she sat there beside him, Elina couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, not everything was as simple as it seemed.