Cole was refreshingly direct in his answer. “I’m not entirely sure how to explain it. Calling you Elliana just feels more natural somehow—warmer and more genuine.”
A gentle smile played at the corners of Elliana’s lips. Of course, it felt “genuine.” In their most intimate moments from their shared time, he had whispered that exact name against her skin countless times.
“I’d like that very much,” she said warmly, “but you’ll need to promise me something. You can only use that name when we’re alone together. Around other people, it still needs to be Lilah.”
Cole didn’t question her reasoning or hesitate for even a second. “Absolutely. I promise.”
The instant she gave her permission, he couldn’t resist trying it out. “Elliana.”
“Yes?” she responded naturally, the reply flowing out of her without conscious thought.
A brilliant smile lit up Cole’s entire face, and he felt an unexpected surge of pure joy fill his chest. Simply saying her real name brought him happiness. Elliana smiled back at him, understanding exactly why he looked so happy.
That contentment came from memories buried deep in his heart.
An hour later, their car pulled up to the elegant entrance of Harbor Hearth.
“I should go in by myself,” Elliana said as she prepared to get out. “If you have other things to take care of, you don’t have to wait around for me.”
Cole looked at her with steady eyes. “I’ll be waiting right here. Call me if you need anything at all. And… would you consider coming to my family’s home tonight?”
She had actually been planning to visit Ruben soon anyway, so she agreed readily. “I’d like that.”
With that settled, she stepped out of the car and walked through the restaurant’s impressive entrance alone.
The restaurant’s interior was an oasis of calm elegance. A well-dressed server led Elliana through the hushed dining room to a table positioned perfectly by a large window. There, a distinguished man with silver-white hair sat gazing thoughtfully out at the sea view.”
At the sound of approaching footsteps, the man turned toward her with a welcoming expression.
Elliana took a moment to observe him carefully before speaking. “Mr. Haynes, I presume?”
Davin’s entire face lit up with a warm, welcoming smile. “Yes, that’s me,” he said, rising slightly from his chair and gesturing enthusiastically toward the empty seat across from him. “Elliana, I’m so glad you could make it! Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Elliana moved gracefully around the table and settled into the plush velvet chair, taking in the carefully arranged setting before her. Check latest chapters at Find?Novel.net
The table had already been set with an artfully displayed selection of fresh seasonal fruits and crystal glasses filled with what appeared to be freshly squeezed juice.
Still beaming with pleasure, Davin personally poured a glass of fresh juice for her. “The drive here must have been tiring,” he said with considerate warmth. “Please, have something refreshing.”
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