Chapter 4 Revealing History

"Elena"

I hardly heard the clinking glasses and the whispered murmurs that filled the ballroom. My heart was pounding and my thoughts were racing. Charming, unyielding, and frustratingly conceited, Lucas Montgomery had once again become involved in my life.

In an attempt to have some alone time, I pushed past groups of people. Lucas always seemed to light a fire inside of me, and the fresh, crisp air outside the balcony was a nice change from the heat of the room.

I closed my eyes and attempted to calm my breathing while leaning against the decorative railing. It was not his place to be here.

"Elena."

When my eyes opened, Lucas was standing a few steps away, his hands in his pockets, and his face was inscrutable.

You never give up, do you? I lost it.

"Not with you," he replied quietly as he moved in closer.

I folded my arms and did all in my power to keep my cool. "Lucas, what are you after? To make me remember how you left me? How did you decide to put your empire before our marriage?

I briefly saw a glimpse of agony in his eyes as his jaw tensed. "Elena, I messed up. I'm aware of it. But I'm attempting to put things right.

"You can't simply reenter my life and expect me to forgive you," I murmured, becoming shaky. "I've moved on. I no longer need you.

His voice was firm as he responded, "Maybe not." "However, I need you."

His emotional remarks lingered in the air. I felt the barriers I had erected around my heart start to come down for a second. However, I couldn't allow him to enter again.

I responded, "I have no time for this," and turned to go.

"Hold on."

I hesitated because of something in his tone. When I turned around again, he was holding out a little package.

"What is that?" With caution, I inquired.

As he put it, "an invitation." "To supper." Only me and you. Nothing to do, no disruptions. Just a conversation starter.

As I gazed at the envelope, my emotions and head were at odds.

"You believe that one meal will resolve all issues?" I inquired sourly.

"No," he said. However, it's a beginning.

I paused, my fingers aching to grab the envelope despite my mind telling me to get out of there.

I eventually snatched it out of his palm and muttered, "Okay." "One meal. Don't anticipate more, however.

The guy I had fallen in love with all those years ago appeared briefly as his lips curled into a small grin.

I was left alone with my whirling feelings as he turned and walked back into the ballroom after saying, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Lucas"

A little win, Elena accepting my offer, was sufficient to restore the optimism I had been holding onto.

I couldn't stop replaying our chat in my head as I strolled through the busy streets of Manhattan that evening. The sharpness of her words and the fire in her eyes were both familiar and unique. She had developed strength and transformed.

I had to prove to her that I had changed as well.

When I got to the exclusive rooftop restaurant I had booked the next evening, I made sure everything was flawless. The aroma of fresh roses, the warm glow of string lights, and the stunning city vista all brought back memories of our evenings together.

I gasped when Elena showed in, wearing a sleek black outfit that accentuated her contours. Her confidence was like a light, and she was gorgeous.

She responded curtly, "Lucas," and sat down.

I answered, attempting to maintain a steady tone, "Elena."

The waiter left us alone after pouring wine, and we could feel the tension between us.

She said, "You went all out," with a neutral tone and piercing eyes.

I merely stated, "I wanted it to be special."

She looked at me for a moment, then sipped her wine. Talk, then. What would you want to say?

I inhaled deeply while looking into her eyes. I want to express my regret for everything. Because I didn't fight harder to retain you, because I placed my work above us, and because of the way I treated you.

Her look was impenetrable, and she didn't answer.

"I am aware that I am not worthy of your pardon," I said. "But I want you to know that I'm sorry for all I did wrong. My greatest life failure was losing you.

After her eyes briefly softened, she averted her gaze and traced the edge of the glass with her fingertips.

She said, "Lucas, words are easy." Actions, however, speak louder. You have already said all of this.

"Yeah," I said. "And for the relaxation of my life, I'll show you that I've changed."

She chuckled softly, bitterly. "We shall see."

Unresolved feelings erupt throughout the meal, and Elena makes an unexpected statement that leaves Lucas speechless. Will this realization cause them to gro