Chapter 5 The Unspoken Truth

"Lucas"

Between Elena and myself, the atmosphere was tense, full of unsaid words and unresolved feelings. She picked at her meal as I watched, her eyes straying to the skyline of the city beyond the window. We were separated by a gap that seemed as great as the miles of city lights below.

I understood that she was making an effort to control her feelings and shield herself from the sadness that still existed between us. However, I could see right through her; she hadn't moved on as quickly as she would have liked to think.

That stillness was broken when I replied, "So, you've built an empire of your own." "Carter Luxe is doing well, isn't it?"

For a brief time, her eyes twitched, but she immediately covered them up. It has proven to be difficult. But difficulties are what I've always thrived on.

I nodded, appreciating her fortitude. I have always found it about you admirable. Your toughness.

She hardened her demeanor as we locked eyes. "Flattery won't make a difference, Lucas."

I leaned forward with a sigh. "Elena, I don't mean to be flattering. I'm only attempting to comprehend. How did we end up?

I saw the barriers rise around her for a second as her lips crushed together. You had been too preoccupied with your kingdom. I just became a victim of your desire.

The resentment in her words made my heart ache. "I didn't intend for you to experience that."

She scolded, "You didn't have to mean it." I felt like I was invisible because of you. As if I didn't matter.

I clinched my hands, feeling a twinge of remorse. I was a fool. I had no idea you were in such pain. I reasoned-

"You assumed I would wait for you all the time. Be there for you whenever you decide you need me. Her eyes were raw, and I could see it in her voice. Lucas, however, I was no longer able to accomplish that. I couldn't continue living in your shadow and hoping for sporadic displays of love that never materialized.

With the weight of her words pressing down on me like a thousand bricks, I swallowed hard. This had evolved beyond simple carelessness to include a loss that would never be made up.

"Do you believe that I don't regret that?" I said in a whisper. "Do you think that since our breakup, I haven't wished I could go back and make things right every single day?"

She blinked quickly and turned her head away. Lucas, I don't want you to feel bad. It doesn't alter what took place. It has no bearing on how you made me feel.

There was a lull between us, the tension becoming stronger by the moment. Elena eventually spoke again, but this time she spoke more quietly.

When I filed for divorce, I believed it might be the maximum tough issue I could ever must do. It wasn't, however. Releasing someone I previously believed I couldn't live without was the most difficult thing. I had to convince myself that I could get over this. I could survive without you.

I felt the weight of her words sink deep inside of me, like a blow to the stomach. She had released herself, something I had failed to accomplish. It was me who had been clinging to a relic from the past.

I murmured, "I'm sorry, Elena," in a voice that was almost audible. "I didn't want to harm you. I become too preoccupied with myself to look what become without a doubt important.

She checked out me with an expression in her eyes that I could not pretty identify." Now you want to make it right?"

I answered in a strong voice, "Yes." "I want to make it right. I want to live up to your expectations of me. I'll go to any lengths.

She gave me a lengthy, inscrutable look as she peered at me. Then, without warning, she got up.

She remarked in a shaky voice, "I can't do this." "I can't talk to you the same way again and over. All of my emotions are telling me not to fall in love with you again, therefore I can't keep acting like I don't feel anything for you.

She began to go, and my heart raced. "Please, Elena-"

However, she persisted. She didn't even make a movement.

"Elena"

I stepped out onto the balcony, leaning in opposition to the railing and staring at up on the night time sky, my breath coming in susceptible spurts.

Why was I doing this? Why had I allowed myself to be with him at dinner and allowed him to relive all those unpleasant memories? Why had I given him access, even for a little moment?

Because I nonetheless cherished him in my heart. I was not able to disregard it. However, I additionally needed to ensure I did not fall into that lure as soon as again.

"Elena."

When I heard his voice, I grew to look at his status immediately at the back of me, his eyes brimming with something I could not pretty make out.

My voice turned infrequently audible above a whisper as I replied, "You should not do this."

With a wounded voice, he said, "I understand I do not deserve a 2nd chance." Still, I'm requesting one. I'm not pleading with you for forgiveness just yet. Please allow me to show you that I have changed. Permit me to try, please.

My eyes were on the verge of tears when I closed them. You believe that's all that's required? only uttering the words?

"No," he replied quietly. "I believe it need time. and work. and demonstrating to you that the guy I was before I injured you has changed. Elena, I'm ready to go to any lengths. I just ask that you let me.

With the weight of his words weighing heavily on me, I shook my head. "I am unsure of my ability to."

"I'll wait," he replied, his voice almost audible. For whatever long it takes.

I then gave myself permission to think that there could be a possibility for us, for the first time in years.

As Elena struggles with the want to trust Lucas once again, the tempest within her heart continues to roar. Can she get beyond the wounds from their past, however, or will her dread of being harmed again prevent her from finding contentment?