The Edge of Light ✔️

Chapter Thirty Seven

N I K O L A I 

My eyes were trained on Elena as she danced in the garden. The silks of her white dress moved with her like water. It was an ethereal look. She moved so freely, so effortlessly. Each movement more elegant than the last. The song she had played was slow and light, like the song of a butterfly.

A smile played on her lips, her eyes sparkling as she looked at me. She inched closer, grabbing my hands and forcing me out of my chair. Unsure of what to do I held onto her wrist and made her twirl twice. The sound of her giggles filled the air. I couldn't hold back the smile growing on my own lips.

I pulled her closer, pressing her chest to mine. She gasped, tilting her back and looking at me through her lashes. I brushed her bangs out of her face, my brows scrunched. "How can you dance? What about your injury?" I asked. The question had been swirling in my mind ever since she started dancing so freely. Her smile lit up even more.

"My back is getting better. Unbelievable I know, but I met this very nice therapist and she works with ancient methods and herbal therapy. She showed me some stretches and exercises to help with the pain and now I can move a little better. Apparently she suffered from back pain after an accident as well, but now she moves as if that accident never happened. It helps me a lot, too." she explained. Her finger danced on my chest and her eyes never left mine.

I wrapped my arms around her securely as I felt a wave of protectiveness flood over me. Suddenly a question coursed my mind but I didn't dare voice it. Her back had nothing to do with the ability of her getting pregnant. It was no secret that I wanted to have children with Elena. Before I had met her the idea of having my own family was no such thing in my life but now that she is in my life, I wanted nothing more than a family with her.

"I'm going to drink some lemonade, would you like some?" she asked as she wiggled out of my hold. I hummed, proceeding to follow her into the kitchen. I leaned against the counter and crossed my arms. Elena moved swiftly as she filled two cups with ice cubes and poured some freshly made lemonade inside.

"Here," she said, handing me my cup. I thanked with a kiss on the cheek, taking a sip of the too sweet beverage. She didn't seem to mind the sweetness at all.

Elena took a seat on her significant chair outside and I joined her. It felt so domestic, all of this. How fast I had gotten used to her daily routine. How I was now part of it.

Elena drove a hand through her short hair. "Do you talk to Emilio, now that my father is dead?" she asked. She spoke so lightly about the death of her own father. She didn't flinch nor did sadness cross her face. She seemed so neutral about it.

"Not really. After Antonio...passed away I cut all ties to the Italians. Especially after...you left." I spoke slowly, picking my wording carefully. She nodded slowly, taking another sip of her drink.

"Has he come to see you?" I asked and she nodded her head.

"Not me specifically, but when he's in Italy he stops here to see me. He's now the head of the mafia as you know, barely has time anymore. He's different now, resembles my father a lot." her voice was strained.

"And your mother?" I asked. She shrugged.

"Still the same, calls every now and then, haven't seen her since the funeral." she answered simply. I followed with a nod. I wanted to ask so much more but I didn't want her to feel like we were strangers. Didn't want to remind her how much I had missed out on during our time apart.

"I lost my ring." she whispered, staring at the empty spot on her ring finger. I followed her gaze, humming. It was the first ring I had gotten her. Back then things were different. It was forced and rushed. She hadn't wanted this for herself. It made me wonder if she felt differently now.

"I could get you another one if you'd like. This time you can choose a model you like." I offered and she smiled, still not looking at me. Then finally she looked up from her hand and looked into my eyes, "I'd like that very much. Please."

"Then we'll do that." I nodded and instantly pulled out my phone. I ignored all the unread messages and calls from In-su and Alexei. I handed it to her.

"Choose whatever you like and I'll buy it for you." I said and she smiled, grabbing my phone.

The next few hours passed with her showing me different rings and I forced her to put all of them into the basket. She could just switch between them however she liked.

I didn't mind the cost, as long as she was happy, as long as she was willing to wear my ring.