?Chapter 677:

    Far away from the constant demands of daily life, the two of them shaped a little world all their own. The hours drifted past unnoticed, and their days stretched on without any need for schedules or ns. They shared quiet conversations that carried them deep into the night, savoring each moment together.

    When morning finally arrived, Elliana was the first to wake. Her eyelids fluttered open and, for a quiet moment, she watched Cole sleeping peacefully beside her.

    Doing her best not to wake him, Elliana turned onto her stomach and rested her chin in her hands. She gazed at him with a gentle, loving expression. Sleep had…

    been stolen from Cole for days by the relentless grip of Psychephrenia. That all changed after he received his first dose of the Elysian Elixir just yesterday, and the difference was almost miraculous. Gone was that worn-out, ghostly pallor. In its ce, his cheeks glowed with healthy color. Relief swept over Elliana in a powerful wave. The elixir’s effects were clear. Happiness filled her as she took in every sign of Cole’s improvement.

    Time seemed to stand still as she watched him like that for nearly an hour, unable to look away. Eventually, he began to stir, and his way ofing to was nothing like hers.

    Elliana usually surfaced slowly from sleep, taking a moment to adjust to her surroundings. Cole, on the other hand, responded purely by instinct. His eyes stayed closed while his hand reached over, searching the bed beside him. The instant his fingers met her skin, he pulled her into his arms. Eyes still shut, he held onto her as if she were nothing more than his favorite pillow, breathing softly while trying to hang onto whatever dreams lingered.

    Elliana nearly lost her breath at how tightly he was holding her. A softugh rose up in her chest, and she gently pushed against his chest. “You’re awake now,” she whispered. “Don’t think about drifting off again.”

    He showed no signs of letting go, holding her with arms that felt as strong as iron. Not even a hint of movement came from him, and his eyes stayed closed. With a sigh, Elliana tried a different approach. She leaned forward, brushed a tender kiss against his lips, and gave his pajama cor a yful tug. “Coley, can you loosen up a little? I need to breathe here,” she said with a pout.

    Hearing that old nickname, which she had not used since the divorce, sent a sudden jolt through him. His eyes flew open, and the look he gave her was as soft and hazy as the dawn. He fixed his gaze on her, voice rough and low. “What did you just call me?”

    Elliana knew exactly what he wanted from her. With a teasing smile, she leaned in once more, kissing him deeper this time. “Good morning, Coley.”

    She might have hoped that would be enough for him to let her go, but she would be disappointed.

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    Instead, Cole’s arms tightened, and he imed her mouth in a kiss that was fierce and possessive.

    Though divorce had once drawn a line between Cole and Elliana, the moment they reconciled, that line vanished like mist in the morning sun. They slipped seamlessly back into their old rhythm—no hesitation, no awkward silences—only the effortless closeness of two souls who had never truly let go.

    They drifted to sleep entwined in each other’s arms, their final moments of wakefulness steeped in tender, unhurried kisses. Morning greeted them in much the same way—with a kiss that deepened and lingered until they were both left breathless and warm.

    “Honey,” Cole murmured, his voice a husky caressced with familiarity, “are you going to tell me now? What’s this ‘painful yet wonderful’ thing you said you’d need my cooperation for?”

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