He Signed My Freedom Now He Wants Me Back Chapter 21
After that, Elias and Chloe became regulars at the bookstore.
Every weekend, Chloe would sit on the little sofa by the window, reading picture books, while Elias picked out a Healer’s journal and sat nearby. They never interrupted my work, but their quiet presence brought a gentle warmth into the shop.
One bright Saturday, Elias invited me to go with them to the territorial fairground.
“She’s been talking about it all week,” he said. “If you don’t want to go, just say no. I’ll handle the disappointment.”
That made me smile.
Lucian had never asked if something was convenient for me. He was used to issuing orders and just as used to me taking care of everything that followed.
“I’ll go.”
At the fairground, Chloe held one of Elias’s hands and one of mine. She rode the carousel, played in the bumper cars, and then dragged us onto the observation wheel.
When we reached the highest point, she pointed at the clouds. “Does Mom live up there now?”
Elias lifted her into his lap.
“The love your mother left behind lives inside you. When you’re happy, she knows.”
Chloe nodded seriously, then turned to me.
“Can Evelyn be my new mom?”
The air went still.
“Chloe,” Elias said gently but firmly. “That isn’t something you can decide for someone else.”