Don held Elle close, his arms steady around her as he began to notice subtle shifts in her demeanor.
Her embrace, once hesitant and delicate, now had a quiet confidence. She tightened her grip against him, not in an overpowering way, but with a certainty that was unmistakable. It was a far cry from what he was used to with her.
Usually, Elle's interactions were defined by a timid reluctance that took time to fade, but here and now, she seemed completely at ease. Her head rested gently against his chest, her breaths calm and even.
"Don…" she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "My Don… you really came back."
The words were spoken without her usual stutter or hesitation. The softness in her tone felt more clear, even self-assured.
