Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 310

Chapter 310

Elena’s POV

“You better,” Lila said with all the seriousness a four-year-old could muster, then yawned hugely. “I’m tired, Mommy.

Within minutes, she was asleep in my arms, her head heavy on my shoulder. I shifted carefully, trying not to wake her, and Julian’s hand found mine again.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“I haven’t forgiven you,” I said quietly, but without the sharp edge my words might have carried before. “And I’m not making any promises. But… I’m willing to see if you mean what you say.”

“I do.” His eyes were fierce despite his exhaustion. ‘I swear to God, Elena, I’ll spend every day proving it.”

The next morning, Adrian appeared at the door looking characteristically unruffled despite the early hour. He carried a sleek shopping bag and what looked like a brand-new phone box.

“Ms. Vance,” he said with a slight bow. “Mr. Sterling asked me to bring these for you.”

.

I blinked, still groggy from another night of fitful sleep in the hospital chair. “What?”

“He noticed you didn’t have your phone,” Adrian explained, setting the items on the small table. “And he thought Lila might enjoy these.”

I peered into the bag to find an elaborate dollhouse set, complete with tiny furniture and a family of dolls. The kind of toy that cost more than my monthly

rent used to.

“Adrian, this is too much-

“Mr. Sterling was quite insistent.” Adrian’s expression remained neutral, but I caught the hint of amusement in his eyes. “He said, and I quote, ‘Get her the best phone they have and something to keep Lila busy so Elena doesn’t have to worry.””

Despite myself, I felt warmth bloom in my chest. This wasn’t the Julian I remembered-the one who’d barely looked up from his laptop when I’d tried to talk to him about my day.

Julian was awake now, propped up slightly in bed and watching us with an expression I couldn’t quite read. Vulnerable. Almost… hopeful.

“Thank you,” I said to Adrian. “For everything.”

He nodded and left, and I turned to find Julian looking entirely too pleased with himself.

“You didn’t have to do this,” I said, gesturing to the gifts.

“I wanted to.” His voice was still rough, but stronger than yesterday. “Come here.”

I approached cautiously, stopping just out of reach. “Why?”

୮

“Because I want to thank you properly.”

Before I could react, he’d caught my wrist and tugged me closer. His lips brushed against mine-gentle, questioning, nothing like the demanding kisses I

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12:40 pm PPP

Chapter 310

remembered from before:

I jerked back, my face flaming. Talian!”

“What? I’m just saying thank you.” His eyes sparkled with mischief despite the pain lines around his mouth. ‘Is that so wrong?”

“Yes! You can’t just-we’re not-” I stammered, flustered. My heart was facing, and I hated that some traitorous part of me had missed this-missed him.

“Your expression says otherwise.” He was grinning now, and I hated that it made my traitorous heart skip. “You liked it.”

“Don’t push your luck,” I warned, trying to sound stern and failing miserably.

His grin faded into something softer, more vulnerable. Fear flickered in his eyes-real, raw fear. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t assume-* His voice cracked slightly. “I know I don’t deserve… I know you could leave again, and I—”

“No, you shouldn’t.” But my voice had lost its edge. “You’re supposed to be resting, not… not whatever this is.”

“This is me trying to be less of an idiot,” he said quietly. “Elena, I can’t lose you again. I can’t lose her.” His eyes drifted to Lila, who was arranging her new dolls with intense concentration. “I’ve already missed so much. Her first words, her first steps… God, I don’t even know what her favorite bedtime story is.”

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