Chapter 232: The last goodbuy

Several months later...

Elena’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen.

A message from Noah.

’I’m going to the Middle East to expand my business. I don’t know when I’ll be back. It may take a few years. Or maybe I’ll decide to settle there. Could you please have dinner with me before I leave? Just once.’

Elena stared at the message for a long moment. Then she placed the phone aside and looked out the window.

’I have nothing to do with you anymore. What you do with your life is no longer my concern.’

"Look, Mommy is waiting for you." Elias’s voice came from behind her.

Elena immediately put a smile on her face and turned around.

Elias walked into the room carrying their two babies. "We are tired and hungry after our evening walk."

Elena laughed softly. She reached for the baby boy, while Elias kept their daughter in his arms.

"Who is hungry?" She glanced at Elias playfully. "The babies or their daddy?"

"The babies, of course," Elias answered without hesitation. "Feed them and put them to sleep." Then he gave her a suggestive look. "After that, take care of my hunger."

Elena’s cheeks immediately turned pink. She tried to move away, but Elias wrapped his free arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

His voice dropped to a husky murmur.

"It has been so long, Elena." His eyes darkened with longing. "I can’t stay away from you anymore."

Elena smiled bashfully. Ever since she had become pregnant with the twins, the doctor had advised them to avoid intimacy.

Elias had never complained. He had been patient throughout her pregnancy, taking care of her and making sure she and the babies were safe. He kissed her often and held her close, but he had never crossed the line.

Now their babies were a few months old. And Elias’s patience was clearly running out.

Elena could see it in his eyes. "Don’t be impatient."

Elias let out a low groan. "I’ve been patient for months. But I don’t think I can be patient anymore."

Elena gently pushed him away. "Stop it. Let me feed them."

She sat on the bed and began breastfeeding their son.

Across the city, Noah was waiting for her reply. But none came.

He stared at his phone before letting out a bitter smile.

"She doesn’t even want to see me." His eyes dimmed. "Not even to say goodbye."

He picked up his phone and called his assistant.

"Come to my office."

The assistant arrived shortly afterward. "Sir?"

Noah handed him a sealed envelope. "Go to Elias Rowan’s residence. Hand this directly to Elena. Understood?"

The assistant glanced at the envelope, his expression troubled. "Are you sure you are doing this?"

Noah gave him a hard look. "Just do it as I say."

The assistant nodded slowly. "I’ll deliver it personally."

Once the assistant left, Noah leaned back in his chair. His eyes drifted toward the window.

"I hope you forgive me someday."

~~~~~~~~~~~

At Elias’s residence...

The babies were finally asleep.

Elena stood beside the crib, holding its edge as she watched her sleeping children. Her eyes were filled with pure adoration.

"Sweet dreams, my little pies."

Two strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist.

Elena inhaled sharply. She subconsciously clutched the edge of the crib tightly.

Elias rested his chin lightly against her shoulder. "Your entire attention is on the babies." His voice carried a hint of complaint. "You don’t have any time for me."

"Are you jealous of your own children?"

"Yes." Elias didn’t hesitate. "My wife used to give me her undivided attention. But now, all she sees are the babies."

He pouted deliberately. "She doesn’t even look at me."

Elena tried to suppress her laughter. Then she turned toward him.

"So..." She raised an eyebrow. "How can I make it up to you?"

"You know how," he whispered the words close to her ear.

Elena’s cheeks burned. She slipped her arms around his neck and gently nibbled his earlobe.

"Then let me take care of you tonight."

That was all Elias needed to hear. In the next moment, he lifted her off her feet and carried her toward the bedroom. He kicked the door shut behind them and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

"Elias... slow down."

He breathed against her lips. "I can’t. This distance between us has been killing me."

He kissed her again and gently lowered her onto the bed. He had barely started removing his shirt when the door knocked.

They both froze.

"Madam?" A maid’s voice came from outside. "There is a man here to see you."

The interruption instantly darkened Elias’s expression. "What man? Who allowed him inside?"

"Relax." Elena placed a gentle hand against his chest. "Let me go and see."

She got out of bed, smoothed her dress, and walked toward the door.

Elias gritted his teeth. "Who came here to disturb us?"

He quickly put his shirt back on and followed her out. Down the hallway, he saw a man handing Elena something.

Elias recognized him immediately. "Noah’s assistant?" His eyebrows drew together. "What is he giving Elena?"

He walked toward them, but before he could reach them, the assistant turned and left.

Elias watched him disappear through the doorway. His frown deepened.

"Why was he here?"

"He came to deliver this." Elena held up the envelope.

"What is it?"

"I don’t know."

She tore it open. Inside was a letter and several documents.

’Elena, I’m leaving. I’ve transferred all my shares to you.

I know they mean nothing to you, but this is what I owe you. This is the only thing I can do for you now.

Please forgive me if you can.

Goodbye.

Noah...’

Elena stared at the letter for a long moment. Then she picked up the documents.

Noah had transferred all his shares in Sinclair Group to her.

For several seconds, she couldn’t move. She had never thought that he would do something like this.

Elias took the documents from her and examined them. His expression changed.

"Is he insane? He transferred everything he owns to you."

Elena let out a weary sigh and sank onto the sofa. "I don’t need anything from him. This means nothing to me."

Elias looked at her. "What are you going to do? Are you going to return the shares?"