Chapter 10
Actually, Helen owed Carter some thanks–he had destroyed any chance. of turning back.
When the heartbreaking news of his ‘death‘ reached her, she broke down completely. Sometimes, she even mistook ‘Caleb‘ for her late
husband.
דיי
To help her let go for good, Carter made a public vow, promising that he would only ever belong to Freya. He even went so far as to destroy every piece of evidence that could prove he had ever been Carter, claiming it would help her move on and accept that her husband wast truly gone.
So, no one could prove he was Carter-not even himself.
If he tried to prove his identity, people would either think he was crazy and lock him up or accuse him of fraud and send him to jail.
Either way, his future was ruined.
But for Helen, it meant she’d never have to deal with him again.
When Elliott heard that, a sense of relief finally settled over him.
In his mind, Carter was still a decisive and thoughtful man. He never imagined Carter would shoot himself in the foot for some so–called. love.
But it was better this way. Carter had no way of getting Helen back
anymore.
Cheuter to
J
From now on, she belonged to Elliott.
The thought made Elliott smile again, and he held her hands even tighter.
“Elliott, since I’ve chosen to marry you and start fresh, I’ve let go of the past, and I won’t turn back for anyone. But I hope that after we’re together, you won’t hurt me. You know me. If you do, I’ll leave and never come back. I’ll-”
Before she could say more, Elliott pulled her into a hug. The clean
scent of his shirt, like soap and sunshine, filled her nose, and she suddenly felt calm.
“Helen, I’ve loved you for a decade and waited through all these years. I understand better than anyone how hard it was for you to let go and take a step forward. All I want now is to love you the right way–to make you feel safe and never bring you pain.
“I get that you’re not ready to trust me fully. You’re still learning who I am. I won’t ask for all your love right away. But we’ve got time. I’ll use it to show you how much I truly care.”
His voice stayed calm but steady, filled with certainty.
It felt like a warm hand slowly melting the ice inside Helen’s heart, bringing something back to life.
Her eyes began to sting, but she said nothing. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his back and held him a little tighter.
Just then, the ship at the dock blew its horn, calling for those still on land to board.
Elliott gently let go of Helen, took her hand, picked up their bags, and
36804
gave her a warm smile.
“Let’s go.”
He was ready to start over with her.
“Okay.” Helen replied, smiling back.
They walked onto the ship together with the other passengers.
Another whistle echoed, and dark smoke rose from the front chimney, like a shadowy hand waving goodbye.
People crowded near the railings, waving at their families on the shore. reluctant to say goodbye.
Helen and Elliott simply leaned into each other, quietly watching the port fade into the distance until it was gone.
000
Chapter 11
