Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Maya was happy to see her sister. Just like I had promised her to bring her back, I have fulfilled it. I left them alone, so Elmira could rest and go to the balcony. I was lost in deep thought but was jolted back to reality when someone touched me. It was Maya. "Damien" she cooed. I turned to face her. She smiled. "Thank you, Damien". I rolled my eyes. "For everything. For always keeping your promise of keeping my sister safe"

I smiled. "It's a promise I had made, which needed to be kept"

She hugged me. "Thank you so much. I can't imagine what our lives would have been like without you. I love you, Damien"

I smiled. "I love you too"

She chuckled and released herself from me. "Not the love like the main love though. It's the brother-in-law and sister's, love"

I chuckled. "I wasn't thinking about that"

She chuckled and placed her hand on the balcony. "Nice view". I nodded in agreement and she sighed. "I can't believe everything is over. No more fear of Arden". I nodded and she sighed again. "I wish I could celebrate my birthday now that everything is over". I chuckled. I think I know what to do. I yawned. "You look so tired, you should get some rest". I nodded. "I should leave then" she cooed.

After she left, I went back to my room to get everything ready. The surprise birthday party will still hold, irrespective of how sober I am.

**

It took me less than an hour to get everything set and ready. I had to invite Maya's friends to help me keep her away from the dining. Elmira was awake and offered to help. When it was time to bring Maya down, I sent Gary to call her.  She walked down the stairs with her friends and froze at her spot. She batted her lashes and I laughed. She looked so surprised. "Oh, mine!!. She ran to me jumped on me. "Thanks, Damien".

"My pleasure honey" I replied and pecked her cheeks. She chuckled.

She hugged Elmira. "Thanks, sis"

Elmira smiled. "Anything to make my baby sis, happy"

I was happy to see her smiling. "I never thought I will celebrate my birthday again. I thought it was late. Thank you"

I smiled. "Your happiness is our happiness"

We gave her the gifts we had for her and the rest of the day was fun. That night, Elmira told me the reason she had been seeing Arden. He had threatened to hurt me if she doesn't come. She also told me the reason she followed him that day, was because he said he was going to hurt me and Maya if she doesn't accept being his mate. I was so angry but decided to put the past behind me. I made her promise not to keep any more secrets away from me. Even after hearing want Arden had done, I still felt guilty for his death but what made me happy was Maya, who for days, wouldn't stop talking about how surprised and happy she was on her birthday. I was happy to be able to put a smile, not just on her face but the face of her sister too.

**

SOME MONTHS LATER

Arden's death was a blow to me. It took me time to heal and even after some months, whenever I remembered, I was the cause of my friend's death. My once best friend. I still feel sober. Elmira had tried so many times to make me understand it wasn't my fault, but it didn't work. She said he would have killed me if I didn't do anything. But I still couldn't take it. All I know is that he died because I didn't listen to Elmira. if I had not attacked him that night, he would have been alive. Apart from the guilt I feel, every other thing has been fine and peaceful. Maya is getting better and having more friends. Mom no longer disturbs us for a grandchild. We've agreed to let Elmira finish her school before we talk about babies. Eunice does visit often. She was happy when she heard Elmira and I are getting to know each other.

Today, I've decided to let Elmira know how much I love her. All through these past few months, I have used it as a time to checkmate myself and be sure it was love. Right now, I can't deny the fact that I've fallen helplessly in love with her. I set the balcony for a light dinner and decorated it with rose flowers. I placed the pictures I painted all over the places with sweet love quotes. Maya helped me out with the love quotes and a few other things. Well, you can't blame me. I'm not too good with love.

I invited her over. She was surprised. She was more surprised when I told her how much I love and cherish her and wished to spend the rest of my life with her. We had great fun with each other and I did not regret telling her how I felt.

**

Every word I said that night to her, came right from my heart. I did not regret saying it. Cause every day spent with her was a dream come true. Her face is the face I want to wake up seeing and her face is the last I see before I sleep. Her smiles are intoxicating to my heart. As I watched her sleep, I smiled. So funny how the once cold-hearted beast has fallen deeply in love with his beauty. From his pet to his rejected mate and now, his wife and the queen of his heart. I smiled. Last week, we renewed our vows. I was happy to do it, cause I was able to spill out my mind. I sighed and touched her face. "Now, Elmira, everything looks peaceful. I could sit for days looking at your beautiful face. But we can only think of the present and can not say what the future holds". I sighed. "I hope when the going gets tough and tougher, and our love for each other needs to pass through a test. I hope we will be able to overcome it and prove to the world that put love is stronger than they imagine. And that our love can pass all the tests of time. I love you so much, Elmira. And I know you love me too". I spent down to kiss her lips. These days I steal kisses from her always. I smiled. The story of the beauty and the beast that started with cold-heartedness is now filled with love and happiness. I promise to love her not just now but for as long as I live cause she's the reason I know and appreciate love!!.

THE END