ELENA
A few years ago
“Hey babe.”
Braden’s usually deep voice that rumbled with energy, was dull and quiet, when I dropped a light kiss on his cheek, just as I came down the stairs.
He glanced up at me, his eyes taking in my immaculate white dress and neatly tucked-in blonde hair, a glint of disapproval shining in his eyes. “You’re off to work already?”
“Of course,” I replied cheerily, glancing at my wristwatch. “My God, look at the time.” I leaned down again to plant a kiss on his lips, but he caught my chin in his palm and paused my movement, holding my gaze with glazed eyes.
“Do you really have to keep working?”
I let out a sigh, sliding onto his lap. “Is this the reason you look so sullen?”
“Honestly, I can’t seem to understand why you’d want to work when you have me, who’s rea
