Chapter 179: Mine, Forever.
She nodded, and his hands moved to the laces of her gown—slow, careful, trembling. As if asking her again, silently, for permission.
She kissed him.
That was his answer.
When her dress slid from her shoulders and pooled at her waist, his eyes darkened—but he didn’t move to touch her yet. He just looked.
As though seeing her was the most sacred thing he’d ever done.
"You’re so beautiful it hurts," he said, voice thick. "And I don’t know how I ever became a man who could hurt you."
His words settled over her like silk, both soothing and unbearable. Olivia’s throat tightened, and for a moment, she couldn’t speak. She simply looked at him—at the man whose hands shook as he touched her like she was something sacred, something he feared might vanish again.
"You didn’t know me then," she whispered, brushing her fingers along his cheek. "And I didn’t know this version of you either. Maybe... that’s why we never had a chance."
His hand moved to rest gently over her heart. "Then let this life be our chance."
Tears blurred her vision, and she kissed him to hide them. This kiss was different—slower, filled with the ache of years lost, the weight of truth and forgiveness. His mouth moved with reverence against hers, like he was trying to breathe her in.
His hands caressed her skin like it was parchment, something fragile, his thumbs tracing along her ribs and waist, learning her. Every part of her he touched was done with silent awe, as though he were making a vow with his fingertips.