My mysterious fiance

Previously

…He met her gaze, his own smile warm and genuine. "You did this, Elara. You found your strength. I just… helped you see it." As they walked on, the city unfolding before them, Elara felt a sense of hope she hadn't dared to entertain before. The gilded cage was broken, its bars long gone. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, she felt truly free to choose her own way, with Liam by her side, a partner in the unfolding adventure of a life finally her own.