Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Elena: POV

I stared at Ethan’s phone, at the images of Rossi Atelier glowing on the screen-elegant gowns, impeccable tailoring, a whole world waiting across the

ocean.

Milan. A fresh start. A way out.

My throat tightened with something that felt dangerously close to hope.

“Ethan…” I looked up at him, at his earnest expression, at the genuine kindness in his eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you. This is-this is more than I

could have asked for.”

He smiled, setting his phone down on the small table between us. Milo stirred in my lap, stretching his front paws and yawning widely.

“You don’t have to thank me,” Ethan said. “I’m just connecting two talented people. Isabella would be lucky to have you.”

*Still.” I kept my hands on Milo, focusing on the cat’s soft fur. “This means everything. You have no idea how much.”

His hand moved toward mine, reaching across the small table.

I pulled back instinctively, my hands tightening on Milo.

Ethan’s hand froze mid-air, then slowly withdrew.

A flicker of hurt crossed his face before he masked it with understanding.

“Elena.” His voice dropped lower, and when I met his eyes, I saw something shift in his expression. Something vulnerable. “If there’s any way I can help you –with the move, with your portfolio, with anything-you just have to ask.”/

“I will.” I kept my focus on Milo, unable to meet Ethan’s gaze directly. “I really appreciate everything you’re doing.”

‘I know the timing is terrible,” Ethan continued, and I could hear him choosing his words carefully now. “But I have to at least try. Elena, would you give me

Could

you consider… us?* a chance? Not now, I know you need space. But after everything settles. After you’re free.

My chest tightened.

“Ethan-

“I’m not asking you to jump from one relationship into another,” he said quickly, misreading my hesitation. “I’m just asking you to think about it. When you’re ready. Whenever that might be.”

I looked up at him then-at this kind, patient man who deserved so much better than what I could offer.

“I can’t,” I said quietly but firmly. “Not now. Not after. I just… I can’t,

Ethan.”

His expression fell. “Because you’re still married?”

“Because I need to be alone.” The words came out more forcefully than I intended. “Even after the divorce, I don’t think I’ll be ready for anything like that. I

2:04 pm

Chapter 79

MA

need in fecus on myself.”

On raising this baby alone. On healing from three years of being treated like nothing.

Ethan was quiet for a long moment, his dark eyes searching my face.

“I understand,” he said finally, though his voice carried disappointment. “And I respect that. But Elena…” He paused. “I can wait However long you need-

“Don’t.” I cut him off, my voice gentle but firm. “Please don’t wait for me, Ethan. You deserve someone who’s ready. Someone who can give you what you

deserve. And that’s not me.”

‘Elena-

“I mean it.’ I scratched behind Milo’s ears, heeding something to do with my hands. “You’ve been nothing but kind to me. You’ve helped the when no one else would. And I’m grateful-I really am. But that’s all this can be. Gratitude. Not… anything else

The re ection hung between us, heavy and final.

Ethan leaned back, creating more distance, his jaw tightening. “Is it him? Are you still in love with Julian?”

2

The question hit harder than I expected.

Am 1?

“It doesn’t matter what I feel for him,” I said quietly. “What matters is that I can’t be what you need me to be. Not now. Maybe not ever.”

Milo shifted in my lap, pressing his head against my palm as if offering comfort.

“I’m sorry,” I added, meeting Ethan’s eyes.

Ethan nodded slowly, his expression unreadable now. “I get it. I do.” He stood, brushing cat hair off his jeans. “But the offer still stands-about Isabella and Milan. That’s not contingent on… anything else. Just professional. Okay?”

“Thank you.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

“And Elena?” He paused at the edge of the table. “Promise me something.”

“What?”

“Stay away from Julian.” His voice turned harder, protective. “After the divorce. After you leave. Don’t let him pull you back in. Guys like him–they don’t change. They just get better at making you think they have.”

The warning hit home. Because wasn’t that exactly what had been happening? Julian’s recent tenderness, his refusal to let me go-wasn’t that just another

form of control?

I see,” I said quietly.

Ethan studied my face for a moment longer, clearly wanting to say more. But he just nodded and walked away, leaving me alone with Milo and my spiraling. thoughts.

2:04 pm

Chapter 79

MA

Left the cafe twenty minutes later, Ethat’s words still echoing int my head. The October air bit at my face as I walked back toward Sophia’s place, my mind

spinning

Milan. A job opportunity. A real chance at starting over.

Could I really do it? Could I just pack up and leave everything behind?

My hand moved to my stomach, pressing gently against the sight curve that was just starting to show through my hoodie.

Yes. For this baby, I could do anything.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify