Chapter 103

~ Elara’s POV

Was I being too demanding? Taking advantage of his good nature? I thought to myself while I was in Rufus’s back.

But then I looked up at Rufus' face. His expression was pure joy, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He wasn't straining, he wasn't annoyed. He just seemed genuinely happy to be taking care of me.

Maybe, I thought, letting myself relax completely against him, that was part of love too. Accepting that someone wants to take care of you, even when it feels a little strange. So I snuggled in a bit closer, a contented sigh escaping my lips, and enjoyed the ride.

We finally reached home, laden with bags from our shopping trip. As I started unloading groceries, Rufus stopped me with a gentle hand. "Wait a sec," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. He reached for another bag, the one he had mysteriously appeared with earlier.

My heart thumped with a mix of excitement and curiosity.

What could possibly be in that bag? He carefully handed it to me, and as I peeke