Chapter 26 Leaving Behind Shadows

Eleanor glanced at the time, a pang of guilt evident in her expression. "I completely forgot that you had to be at your office by morning, and here I am, compelled to bore you with my remorseful past." Lucas shook his head, a reassuring smile gracing his lips. "Don't worry about me. If you want to rest, we can talk tomorrow." Despite his words, there was an eagerness in his eyes, a desire to hear the rest of her story. Eleanor's lips formed a tight line, a mixture of resolve and vulnerability shining in her eyes. "Actually, I couldn't sleep until I told the whole story." Lucas, holding her hand as he listened intently, leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on it. "Then continue." As Eleanor continued, a shift occurred between them. The physical connection, the touch of their hands—brought an unexpected sense of comfort and peace. It was a sensation unfamiliar to both of them—a closeness that had never transpired between them before. During the time she was talking about her troubled