The Heiress He Underestimated novel Chapter 128

Chapter 128 A Broken Exit

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Drakonius turned to face her fully, his hands coming up to frame her face. “I know. I know you’re tired. But you’re also the strongest person I’ve ever met. And you’re not fighting alone anymore. I’m here. Frost is here. Clara is here. You have people who will fight for you, with you, whatever you need.”

“Why?” The question came out as a whisper. “Why do you care so much?”

“Because I love you.”

The words hung in the air between them, simple and devastating. He’d said it.

“You love me,” Elera repeated, her voice shaking.

“I love you. I think I’ve loved you since you climbed into that ice bath to save my life. Maybe even before. And I know this is complicated and messy and we’re in the middle of different crises, but I need you to know. I love you. Not as my doctor or as a convenient wife, but as you. Elera. The woman who built empires and saved my life and makes terrible action movies bearable.” .

“Drakonius, I…”

He leaned forward and kissed her.

It wasn’t like the public kiss at the literary gala, performed for cameras and crowds. This was private, real, just for them. His lips were soft but insistent, his hands gentle on her face. She melted into it, into him, finally letting herself feel everything she’d been holding back.

This was what she wanted. This man, this complicated, brilliant, formerly–dying man who saw all of her and loved her anyway.

They broke apart, both breathing hard. Drakonius rested his forehead against hers, his thumb stroking her cheek.

I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he whispered.

‘Me too.”

He pulled back slightly, and she saw conflict in his eyes. “But I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t want this, shouldn’t ask you for this.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I’m damaged goods, Elera. I was dying a month ago. I’m still recovering. I have enemies and complications and a family that’s a disaster. You deserve better than a broken man with an expiration date.”

“You don’t have an expiration date anymore. The Chimera Protocol worked. You’re healing.”

“But what if it doesn’t last? What if the rejection comes back? What if I relapse?” His hands dropped from her face. “I can’t ask you to invest your heart in me when there’s still a chance I won’t be here for the long

term.”

“That’s not your decision to make,” Elera said, frustration rising “I get to decide where I invest my heart.

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Chapter 128 A Broken Exit

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And I’m choosing you. I love you too, you idiot. I love you and I’m not going to stop just because there’s risk involved. Everything worth having involves risk.”

“You love me?” He looked stunned, like he genuinely hadn’t expected that.

“Of course I love you. How could I not? You’re brilliant and stubborn and you force me to take care of myself. You see me, really see me and all the complicated messy parts. You’re the first person who’s ever made me feel like I don’t have to hide.”

“Elera…”

“So don’t you dare pull away now. Don’t you dare try to protect me from myself. I’m a grown woman making a grown woman’s choice, and I choose you.”

He looked at her for a long moment, conflict warring in his expression. Then he shook his head. “We should get back inside. People will notice we’re gone.”

He turned and walked away, back into the ballroom, leaving her alone on the terrace.

Elera stood there, confused and hurt. He’d kissed her. He’d said he loved her. And then he’d run away.

What the hell?

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