Love is never an easy thing. The beautiful tale of a princess and a prince living happily ever after is nothing more than a bedtime story. In reality, it’s not as simple as expressing one’s feelings and everything falling into place with joy.
No, it’s never that easy. Velia and Lucas have proven that. They were bound by a past that constantly tried to separate them. Resentment was deeply rooted in their hearts, ingrained in every breath they took, intertwining with their journey through life.
They knew that suffering and anger would not easily fade away with a single apology. Realities and misunderstandings would forever remain as a chain of mysteries.
Risk. A tremendous gamble. Velia and Lucas could have chosen to distance themselves as if they never knew each other. However, the love that grew between them had taken strong and deep roots in their hearts.
There was no turning back. And even as they continued forward, destiny, with its whimsical ways, brought them back to the path they were meant to follow.
Once again, they met. Once again, they fell.
They surrendered. If they were not fated to be truly separated, then did not that mean they were meant to be together?
As promised, Lucas married Velia despite the absence of Sandra’s approval. They did not let it discourage them and chose to focus on the immense support they received. One criticism means nothing compared to the thousands of prayers that accompany them, especially when they come from loved ones.
Jeff always saw Velia as the desired daughter-in-law. He saw her as a source of comfort during times of grief, especially with a growing and developing fetus.
The reasons multiplied. Perhaps, behind all the tragedies, they still had their share of luck.
Let the past remain behind. Hope and the future waved at them in the form of marriage, family, and a child waiting to be embraced with happiness.
Without resentment. Without tears. Velia and Lucas would endure all the suffering themselves. They promised to always be together, no matter the circumstances.
They would love each other. Take care of each other. Cherish each other.
“How do you feel? Are you still feeling nauseous?” Lucas asked, his gentle touch caressing Velia’s head. She closed her eyes and smiled.
“No, I haven’t felt nauseous for the past two days,” Velia replied.
Lucas felt relieved. He had been worried about Velia’s health. He could not calm down, but there was nothing he could do. Business trips could not be postponed.
“Diana took good care of me. So, you don’t need to worry. I’m healthy again now,” Velia assured him.
It seemed to be true. Velia’s bright face and sweet smile provided the answer Lucas wanted without words.
“So…” Velia shifted slightly, creating a small distance to show her growing belly. “… don’t you want to say hello to someone here?”
Of course, he did. After ensuring his wife’s well-being, Lucas would express his longing to their little one.
“Hello, Champ. How are you? Behaving yourself?”
According to the examination, they would welcome a son in about four months. He was healthy, although he sometimes made Velia feel nauseous.
“No, he’s not a naughty child. Maybe he’s just missing his daddy,” Velia replied.
Lucas smiled. A gentle caress on Velia’s belly ended and was followed by a kiss filled with longing.
Lucas’s smile landed on Velia’s belly. He closed his eyes, feeling the serenity that enveloped his soul.
It was perfect. The serenity and tranquility overflowed. Once again, it assured Lucas that he was doing the right thing. Fortunately, it was exactly what he was doing.
Regret would always be with Lucas. The label of a disobedient child was attached to him. But if fate were to happen a second time, he would choose the same path. He would still investigate Vlora’s words, search for the truth about Dean, ensure security with Neil’s equipment, request protection from Carter, and place a bug on Sandra’s armchair. He would do it all.
Whatever it took, Lucas would ensure Velia’s well-being. He would make sure that this time, he fulfilled his promises as he should. He would protect Velia.
His eyes opened. The kiss of longing ended. Lucas lifted his body and his gaze fell on a string of jewelry hanging around Velia’s neck.
The diamond pendant looked beautiful there. It shimmered and sparkled under the lamplight.
Just as Lucas wanted. Velia never took off that necklace. She always wore it.
It was another form of proof of Lucas’s commitment. As long as Velia wore that necklace, Lucas would be by her side. To protect her.
Lucas would know Velia’s whereabouts. He would hear the conversations around Velia. No matter how small or insignificant, nothing would escape him. While Velia remained completely unaware of it until now.
A gentle stroke on his cheek caught Lucas’s attention. He blinked and looked at Velia.
“I miss you,” Velia said softly, causing a loud thump in Lucas’s heart. He knew. He knew more than Velia could imagine.
Every night, Lucas listened to Velia’s longing whispers when they were separated by a few short days. He restrained himself from contacting her too often, afraid of disturbing Lucas.
“I know,” Lucas smiled and rose. That was why he stood up and extended his arms.
Velia moved closer. She sank into Lucas’s embrace with a profound sense of peace. It was a lightness that could not be expressed in words.
“I miss you too,” Lucas whispered, his kiss landing on the top of Velia’s head. He added an extra touch of tranquility, making Velia’s emotions float even higher.
Velia pulled back. After satisfying their longing thirst, she untangled herself from the hug to gaze at Lucas more closely.
Two pairs of eyes locked in a straight line. For a few moments, they were silent. Everything felt real even without words.
Velia felt deeply loved. Like a cup, she was overflowing. Whether with tears or laughter, she realized that the path they had chosen was the right one. The decision they made was correct.
It was not difficult for Velia to imagine how her life would be if they were not together now. Amidst the suffering and wounds of the past, she would still suffer while walking into the future.
Fortunately, Velia chose the opposite path. With Lucas, there was always a reason to smile. No matter how difficult the situation, they would always find happiness.
“Thank you,” Velia’s voice sounded soft. With a flutter of her long lashes, she spoke, “Thank you for never letting go of me.”
Lucas smiled, not only on his lips but also in his eyes. Happiness had merged into his soul and body. In the end, everything he had done and risked brought more than he could have imagined.
And Lucas did not need a thank you. It was what he should do, after all. It was not difficult, and the reason was simple. Because…
“I love you.”
Countless times, Lucas had expressed his feelings. Thousands of times? Perhaps. But it was never enough. He would always, always, and always say it at every opportunity.
“I truly love you.”
Velia was the same. Her love for Lucas was greater than anticipated. Even distance and time had no control over extinguishing the feelings that had grown.
“I love you too.”
Velia cupped Lucas’s cheek. She smiled with overwhelming emotions and sweetly expressed the same sentiment.
“I love you too.”
It was not just words. It was also a kiss on the lips.
*