Elise Don's face was streaked with tears as she held him tightly, her makeup-free eyes revealing a faint line of double eyelids slowly smoothing out.
Oliver Bloom gazed at her tenderly, embracing her from behind, lightly kissing the top of her head.
For her protection, he gave up his past dreams, his future, and new dreams, now holding her in his arms as she cried herself to sleep.
Oliver had sobered up significantly, gazing at her small face, long black eyelashes still adorned with tears, watching until the tears dried.
He softly called her, "Lily."
"Retirement is not a sacrifice, nor giving up love, because..."
"You are my life's love."
...
Elise Don woke up early, moved a bit, and realized an arm was beneath her neck and a firm chest behind her, creating a protective embrace that made her heart inexplicably race.
