Victory!

He kissed the top of her head, finally allowing himself to relax.

“It went well,” he murmured into her hair. “We got it done, Ella. The company’s going to be okay.”

She pulled back just enough to look up at him, her eyes shining with pride. “I knew you could do it. I’m so proud of you, Max.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” he admitted, his voice soft. “You were right. I needed the team, and I needed you.”

Ella smiled, her hand coming up to cup his cheek. “You don’t always have to be the one carrying everything on your shoulders, Max. We’re a team, all of us. And I’m always here for you, no matter what.”

Max leaned into her touch, feeling a rush of gratitude for the woman who had stood by him through everything. “I know. And I’m so lucky to have you.”

She grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You sure are. Now, come on, let’s get you out of those work clothes and into something comfortable. You deserve a break.”

Max chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. “That sounds perfect.”

They spent the next few minutes in companionable silence, Max changing into the spare clothes he kept at her place while Ella made some tea. When he joined her in the living room, she was curled up on the couch with two mugs in hand, waiting for him.

He sat down beside her, pulling her close again as she handed him a mug. The warmth of the tea and her presence made everything feel right. They sat like that for a while, sipping their tea, content in each other’s company.

As the night wore on, Max felt his eyes growing heavy. He set his mug down on the coffee table and pulled Ella even closer, her head resting on his chest.

“Thank you,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head again. “For everything.”

Ella looked up at him, her eyes soft and full of love. “You don’t have to thank me, Max. I love you, and I’m always going to be here for you.”

Max smiled, feeling a deep sense of peace. “I love you too, Ella. More than anything.”

They settled into a comfortable silence, the weight of the night finally lifting. Max knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as he had Ella by his side, he could face anything. And with that thought, he closed his eyes, letting himself drift off to sleep, his heart full and his mind at ease.

Max drifted into sleep, the weight of his accomplishments and Ella’s love easing him into a peaceful rest. The future, once daunting, now seemed brighter, more manageable with her by his side. As they lay there together, the world outside faded, leaving only the warmth of their shared bond.

Max woke the next morning to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. Ella was still asleep, her hand resting gently on his chest.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***