26

[Ragnar’s pov]

As I sat in bed, wide awake, Jade peacefully slept by my side. The soft moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on her serene and calm face. My mind wandered back to the day fate brought us together, and waves of emotion washed over me. Gratitude filled my heart, knowing how lucky I was to have her in my life.

The memory of our first meeting played like a cherished film in my mind. It was the very night before my marriage ceremony when she walked up to my room, where our eyes met for the first time, and an instant connection sparked between us. It was as if the universe conspired to bring us together, and from that moment, I knew Jade was someone special. My mate!

But alongside the joy of our love, there was a dark cloud of guilt that hung over me. Clara, the woman from my past, had cunningly plotted to come between Jade and me. She knew of my father's disapproval of our relationship and used it to her advantage. Clara approached my father, planting seeds of doubt and fear, creating a rift between us.

Looking back, I can't help but feel guilty for not seeing Clara's malicious intent earlier. I failed to protect Jade from the emotional distress she endured because of Clara's manipulative actions. I kept her in the dark, believing I could handle the situation on my own, and in doing so, I inadvertently caused her pain.

I could not fathom the times when Jade seemed confused and hurt, not understanding why our relationship was unravelling. I was torn between wanting to shield her from the truth and facing the reality of the situation. Regrettably, I chose the former, and she suffered emotionally without knowing why.

As I watched her sleep, a rush of determination to fix things and guilt surged through me. I vowed to be honest with Jade, to share my plans, fears, and vulnerabilities with her. She deserved to know the truth, to be included in my future plans. I couldn't bear to see her suffer again because of my misguided actions.

I reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Jade's face, and whispered a silent promise to protect her. I would mend the wounds I had unintentionally caused, for Jade was my heart. And together we would face whatever challenges lay ahead. With her by my side, I knew we could overcome any obstacle and grow stronger in the process.

As I continued to sit there, lost in my thoughts, I gently brushed a strand of hair away from Jade's face, cherishing the tender moment. Her presence brought a sense of calm and purpose to my restless mind. I couldn't help but marvel at the serendipity that had led us to each other, as if our souls had always been destined to find solace in one another's embrace.

In the quiet of the night, the memories of our journey together replayed like a vivid tapestry. From the early days of shy smiles and stolen glances to the moments of shared laughter and heartfelt confessions, each memory held a special place in my heart. It was a love that had grown stronger with every passing day, a love that transcended the barriers of time and circumstance.

As the soft rhythm of Jade's breathing filled the room, I found myself grappling with the guilt that still clung to me. I realized that I had underestimated the depth of my father's disapproval and the lengths to which Clara would go to sabotage our love. It was a painful realization, but I knew that dwelling on the past would not undo the mistakes I had made.

Feeling a renewed sense of protection, I decided to wake Jade gently, to share with her the truth that had been hidden for too long. I needed her to know that I had been trapped, that my love for her had never wavered despite the painful misunderstandings.

As she stirred from her slumber, I whispered her name, and her eyes fluttered open, revealing the warmth and affection that had always drawn me to her. I took a deep breath, gathering the courage to reveal the truth that had burdened my heart for so long.

"Jade," I began, my voice tinged with emotion, "there's something I need to tell you, something that I should have shared long ago." I took her hand in mine, seeking the strength in her touch.

As I recounted the events that had transpired, the lies and deceit that had threatened to tear us apart, I watched a mix of surprise, sadness, and understanding flicker across her face. Her eyes never left mine, and I could see the depth of her love and compassion shining through.

"I am so sorry for not trusting you enough to share this burden," I confessed, my heart laid bare before her. "I let you suffer through the emotional turmoil without knowing the truth, and for that, I can never forgive myself."

Jade's soft touch caressed my cheek, and I felt a wave of comfort wash over me. "Ragnar," she said gently, "we all make mistakes, but what matters is that we learn from them and grow stronger together."

Her words were like a balm to my wounded soul, and I realized that Jade's love was a force that could heal even the deepest of scars. With her by my side, I felt a newfound sense of hope and resilience.

As the night turned into dawn, we stayed embraced in each other's arms, sharing our fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities. In that moment, I knew that I had found not only my lover back but a true partner who would stand beside me through the darkest storms.

From that night on, we faced the challenges that lay ahead with unwavering unity and transparency. Our love had weathered the storm of deceit, emerging stronger than ever before. And as the sun's first rays painted the sky, I knew that our hearts were forever entwined, bound by a love that could withstand any test of time.

My heart swelled with love and gratitude, realising the depth of Jade's compassion and understanding. She didn't judge me for my past mistakes; instead, she embraced me with unwavering acceptance and forgiveness. With tearful eyes, I looked into her soulful gaze, feeling the weight of guilt slowly lifting from my shoulders.
"Jade," I said, my voice trembling with emotion, "you are the anchor that keeps me grounded, the light that guides me through the darkest nights. I promise you, from this moment on, I will never keep anything from you, and I'll cherish your trust as the most precious gift."

Her fingers gently caressed my cheek, and a soft smile graced her lips. "Ragnar," she replied, her voice filled with tenderness, "we all have our flaws and make mistakes. What matters is how we choose to learn and grow from them. Together, we can overcome anything, and our love will shine brighter because of the challenges we've faced."

Her words resonated deep within my soul, and I knew she was right. With Jade by my side, I felt an unwavering strength, a newfound sense of purpose. She had seen the darkest corners of my heart and loved me still, inspiring me to be the best version of myself.

As the sun's first rays painted the sky with hues of gold, we held each other tightly, knowing that our love had survived the trials of the night. The world outside might be unpredictable, but within the embrace of our love, we found solace and certainty.

"Ragnar," Jade whispered, her voice soft like a gentle breeze, "no one is perfect, and we've all made mistakes in the past. What is important is that we've learned and grown together. I love you, and I believe in us."
Touched by her unwavering support, tears of happiness welled up in my eyes. "And I love you, Jade," I replied, my voice choked with emotion. "You have given me the strength to confront my past and build a future with you. I promise to be honest with you always."
With a tender smile, she leaned in and pressed her lips against mine, sealing our promises with a kiss that spoke volumes of love and understanding. In that moment, the world around us faded away, and all that mattered was the unbreakable bond we shared.
Every moment with Jade was a reminder of the love that had saved us both, and I vowed to cherish her for eternity. Through all the ups and downs, we remained inseparable, and our love story became a tale of strength, resilience, and unyielding devotion.

And as we laid there peacefully into each other’s arms gracefully together, I thanked the stars above for bringing Jade into my life, turning our unexpected chance encounter into a lifetime of love and happiness. And I could not fathom taking her back to my pack and kicking Clara out. I knew I had to fix things.