No Strings Attached

When the first light of dawn crept across the sky, Elle finally fell asleep in his arms, exhausted. That was the night they gave themselves to each other for the first time. From then on, they started living together.

Looking back, Anders felt an indescribable mix of emotions. It was both sweet and bitter.

If only he had understood Elle better and known how much she had put up with for him, he wouldn't have proposed a breakup. He wouldn't have inflicted such pain on Elle.

Anders gently caressed Elle's lips, reminiscent of their first time together, murmuring an apology, "Elle, I'm so sorry."

Elle's tears flowed silently, tasting bitter as they found their way into her mouth. All her grievances and resentments were encapsulated in those tears.

Her pride had kept her from ever telling Anders how difficult her life had been after they parted ways. She was afraid to tell her family about her pregnancy and did not want Anders' pity. She had no choice but to go through the pregnancy alone and was attending classes while preparing for the baby.

She wanted to tell him, "Anders, I'm carrying your child. I'm in so much pain. Can you come to see

pride to be with him, only for him to leave her in the end. She couldn't bring herself to reach out to him a second time. So, she

the middle of the

time the ambulance arrived,

she gave birth to Orin, but the delay caused significant blood loss. At the brink of death, she

of everything and be with him again, but the wound from before ran deep. Even healed, it left a profound scar. Every glance at that scar reminded her of Anders'

go, holding her tenderly. He kissed her, forehead. "Elle, I know how much you've suffered and how heartless I was to you. I don't ask for your forgiveness, only that you let me stay by your side and take care of you and our children, please." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on

in her eyes, Elle looked at him. She

little blanket. His bright eyes

as the atmosphere

was interrupted, leaving