Chapter 823
Chapter 822:
Seeing the steel in her eyes, Milton felt a surge of pride, almost leaving him breathless. He reached over and patted her head, but this time, he did it with respect. He realized he still hadn’t seen everything Elliana was capable of. Her presence practically filled the car, hinting that she was a force to be reckoned with—perhaps even more formidable than he could ever imagine.
Even though Milton recognized the fire that burned within Elliana, his instinct was to shield her from every shadow, to promise she’d never face pain again.
He reached for her hand, his voice steady but gentle. “Elliana, you don’t have to walk this road by yourself anymore. From here on out, you’ve got a family that’s not going anywhere. There’s Dad, there’s me—you’re ours. And as long as we breathe, nothing and no one will ever hurt you again. Got it? Whatever you need, whenever you need it, just say the word. That’s my responsibility. All I want is to see you happy, living like the princess you were always supposed to be p>
Regret clung to him—the years they missed out on weighed heavily, but he was determined to make every moment count now.
Most people had no idea, but what Milton had wanted his whole life was to play the part of the devoted older brother, fierce and unwavering. That wish had taken root before Elliana ever drew her first breath. Back when their mother still carried Elliana, he’d imagined it all—perching her on his shoulders, introducing her to the wild freedom of horseback rides, chasing sunlight and laughter through open fields, and spoiling her with every good thing he could find.
However, his plan had been shattered the night their mother vanished, spiriting away before Elliana entered the world.
Twenty years he’d waited, and now that he’d finally found Elliana, he was ready to protect her like he’d always dreamed. He couldn’t stomach the idea of her facing hardship alone, of her having to fight the jerks who had mistreated her. From now on, he promised, her world would overflow with joy and safety.
Meeting Milton’s unflinching gaze, Elliana was floored by the depth of his care. For so long, she’d been forced to survive by her own wits, to outlast cruelty with cunning and resolve. Having someone so openly devoted to her happiness brought on a wave of joy so strong that she nearly trembled.
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Part of her wanted to cling to that feeling forever. Still, the thought of living passively, as someone sheltered and delicate, didn’t sit right with her. She’d learned to stand her ground and fight back, to turn every challenge into a triumph. Power had never been a burden; it was her birthright.
“Thank you for wanting to keep me safe,” she said, her tone matching his sincerity. “But I can’t just sit back and be protected, Milton. I need to fight my own fights. I never wanted a glass slipper—I’d rather hold the sword. Being a warrior is who I am p>
Every day since her mother’s departure had been a struggle for survival. Letting her guard down, even once, could have ended her. The idea of trading that edge for comfort made her uneasy, like trading freedom for a gilded prison.
Milton listened closely, his attention unwavering. When her words faded, his smile was slow, understanding. He reached out, affectionately tousling her hair. He understood her completely. Wanting to shield her was his instinct, but he finally saw that true love meant letting her rise, not holding her back.
“Then be as fierce as you want,” Milton answered, quiet but resolute. “I won’t stand in your way. All I ask is that you remember—I’m here. Always. You’ll never have to face anything alone again, not as long as I’m around p>
A quiet note of agreement slipped from her lips, and a real, unguarded smile lit up her face.