The long way to us

Chapter 2

A Love Rekindled

The soft hum of conversation in the café was like a balm to Leah's raw heart. The morning light slanted through the large windows, casting a golden glow that illuminated the tiny imperfections of the space she called her sanctuary. Leah stood behind the counter, her hands busy with cleaning a mug, but her mind was elsewhere, replaying the encounter with Elijah over and over. The ache was a dull thrum in her chest, familiar but unwelcome.

The sound of laughter from a nearby table cut through her thoughts, reminding her of how easily moments of happiness could slip through her fingers. Elijah's face had been etched into her mind since she saw him last. The dark circles under his eyes, the way his hands fidgeted with the silver bracelet on his wrist—it was all too familiar. A part of her still ached for the boy who once made her laugh until she cried. But that boy was long gone, replaced by someone who was a shadow of himself. And yet, Leah couldn't shake the memory of the way he'd whispered her name, full of desperation, as if he still believed there was a chance.

"Leah," Clara said, pulling her out of her thoughts. Clara was the closest thing she had to a sister, someone who'd been there from the beginning. With her eyes that held an understanding that most couldn't fathom, Clara was one of the few who knew Leah's pain. "You should take a break. You don't have to carry all of this alone."

Leah's smile was thin, but it was there. "I'm okay, Clara. Just... it's a lot today." She glanced around the café, taking in the soft morning light that filled the space, the gentle clinking of coffee cups, and the warmth of familiar faces. This was her world, a place that offered solace when the outside world was too chaotic.

Clara raised an eyebrow, a challenge that said, *Don't lie to me.* Leah didn't respond, but the look in her eyes said enough. Clara stepped closer, lowering her voice. "He's still here, you know. And he's not going anywhere until he gets what he wants."

Leah's eyes flicked to the door, where Milo stood with a coffee in one hand and a look of pure, unfiltered love on his face. The sight of him, so unwavering and warm, made her chest ache with both gratitude and fear. He'd been here for her, every step of the way, even when she didn't realize she needed him. And she knew that seeing Elijah today had only reinforced that, even though it was a secret she kept close to her heart.

Milo caught her eye and smiled, the kind of smile that lit up a room. It was the smile that had first drawn her to him during their time on *Divine Rivals*, the one that had become an unspoken promise over the years.

Leah's fingers tightened around the mug, the ceramic cool against her skin. She wanted to run to him, to let him pull her into the safety of his embrace, to feel that warmth that only he could give. But part of her still held back, uncertain whether she deserved it.

"Leah," Milo said softly, his voice pulling her out of the moment. "Can we talk?"

Leah's smile faltered, but she nodded, following him to the small, secluded corner of the café. The low hum of the music, the faint smell of fresh pastries, all faded as he stood in front of her. His eyes, as deep and intense as she remembered, locked onto hers with a mix of love and concern.

"I know you're still dealing with everything, Leah. But I need you to know something." He paused, searching her face as if trying to find the right words. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here, no matter what. You don't have to carry this alone anymore."

Leah's throat tightened, and she could feel tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. How did she get so lucky? How did she deserve someone who was so unwavering in his love? Milo had always been the one who understood her without her needing to say a word. He was her rock, her constant, and in that moment, she knew she'd been blind not to see it sooner.

"I trust you," she whispered, the words falling from her lips like a promise. The knot in her chest loosened, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Leah felt as if the storm inside her had stilled.

Milo smiled, a small, genuine smile that made the corners of his eyes crinkle. "Then that's all I need," he said. He leaned in, brushing his lips against her temple in a tender kiss that spoke of years of unspoken feelings and unrelenting hope.

Before either of them could say anything else, Clara popped into the room, eyes wide with a mix of relief and worry. "Leah, there's someone here to see you," she said, glancing nervously at the entrance.

A wave of dread washed over Leah as she caught sight of a familiar figure standing by the door. His silhouette was unmistakable, even from a distance. Elijah. The weight of his presence made her knees weaken, and she instinctively turned to Milo.

Milo's expression hardened as he met her eyes. There was no anger there, only a quiet resolve. "Don't worry," he whispered. "I'm right here."

Leah nodded, drawing strength from his steady presence. She didn't want to face Elijah, not when she finally felt as though she was moving forward. But the past had a way of finding its way back, and there was no escaping the storm that was brewing between them.

Elijah's eyes found hers, and for a moment, they were the only two people in the room. His expression was unreadable, a mix of regret and desperation. His voice, when he spoke, was quiet, tinged with a sadness that broke Leah's heart.

"Leah," he said, the name slipping from his lips like a prayer. "Can we talk?"

Leah's hands clenched at her sides, her heart pounding. She stole a glance at Milo, who stood his ground, his jaw clenched, waiting. She knew that what came next would determine everything.

"I think we need to," Leah said, voice steady but low.

Elijah's eyes softened, but there was an edge to them that made her uneasy. The way he stood there, so broken and lost, reminded her of the Elijah she once knew—the boy who loved her fiercely and left a mark on her soul.

But that boy had long since been buried beneath the weight of his father's expectations and his own self-doubt. And the man in front of her now was someone she didn't recognize.

"I never wanted this, Leah. I never wanted to hurt you," Elijah said, his voice cracking as he spoke.

Leah's breath caught, and she felt a pang of sympathy that she tried to suppress. "Elijah, it's too late for apologies. I'm with someone who makes me happy, someone who loves me without conditions."

His eyes flared, but before he could respond, Milo's voice cut through the tension, clear and strong. "She's right. And you need to leave her alone. It's over, Elijah."

Elijah's eyes met Milo's, and for the briefest moment, Leah thought she saw a flicker of respect there. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by a look of defeat.

"Leah, I... I made a mistake. I see that now. But please, don't let him keep you from me," Elijah whispered, stepping closer.

Milo's hand found Leah's, grounding her, reminding her that she wasn't alone. "You're not the one she wants, Elijah. It's me." His voice was calm, but there was an unyielding strength behind it that left no room for doubt.

Elijah's face fell, and for a moment, Leah saw the boy he used to be—the one who loved her with every broken piece of his heart. But that boy was gone, buried under layers of regret and guilt. The man standing before her was a reminder of everything she'd fought to leave behind.

"Leah, I'll always love you," Elijah whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "But if this is what you want, I'll let you go."

The silence that followed was deafening. Leah felt the weight of his words pressing against her chest, but she didn't respond. She couldn't. The past had its place, but the future was with Milo. And for the first time in what felt like forever, she was ready to embrace it.

Elijah turned and walked away, leaving Leah standing there, breathless and uncertain. Milo's arm slid around her waist, pulling her close.

"I'm here," he whispered. "Always."

Leah closed her eyes, leaning into him. The storm inside her had calmed, and for the first time, she felt like she was home.