After having a warm dinner with her family for the first time in many years, Yelena was in her parent's room with her mother.

"Why didn't you want me to move back here? You always scolded me in the past for moving out." No matter how much she thought, Yelena couldn't understand her mother.

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She nagged at her all the time for living alone to the point where she used to feel suffocated. Then now, she finally decided to move back in, voluntarily; but her mother won't let her.

"You said that you cherished your freedom. From now on, I decided to not push you in anything. You can do whatever you want." Mrs. Arista said as she gazed at her daughter with a genuine smile.

It wasn't easy for her to give up on making her daughter her heiress, but she did and she didn't want to control her daughter anymore.

When she saw her only daughter fighting for her life in the operation room, she was reminded of how much she valued her daughter and at that moment, every other thing loses its value to her.

Now, she was fine with everything as long as her daughter gets to live happily and healthily.

Mrs. Arista slowly ran a finger through Yelena's hair and flashed a smile. "I won't ask for any other thing. Just be happy and don't get hurt again." She calmly said to her.

"I'm still a soldier, Mom. You cannot say that to me. As you know, nothing is guaranteed for a soldier." Yelena thought of words to console her mother when she saw her feeling a bit disheartened. "But don't worry. I will try to stay safe not to make you worry." Her words brightened up her mother's face once again.

Yelena realized that her love for her mother was still the same even after estranging herself from her mother for more than half a decade. Just like when she was a child, her mother's smile warm-up her heart.

After having a chat with her mother, Yelena went up to the rooftop as Felix told her to. Now that she was not surrounded by her family, she realized that the Prince would be returning to his homeland the next morning and the reality hit her hard. She had grown accustomed to seeing him next to her but thinking that he will be miles away after a few hours, it was hard to accept than she imagined.

With many different thoughts on mind, she quietly went up to the rooftop. Much to her surprise, the rooftop lit up as soon as she opened the door to the entrance.

Mesmerising lights of different colours brightened up the wide space and made it sparkle. Being a bit blinded by the sudden lights, she lifted her right hand to block the reflection and she saw Felix. He was standing there surrounded by the glittering lights.

Despite being dressed casually, the sparkling lights surrounding him made the Prince shine and with his handsome face armed with his dazzling smile, he resembled an angel that descended from heavens, if only he had a pair of wings!

Yelena's face instantly brightened up at the sight of him. "What is all this?" She asked as she slowly walked towards him.

"A small gift for you." He did the same so that they could meet midway.

"You know that I love you more than anything else, right?" Felix said as he holds Yelena's hand.

Yelena nodded her head with a genuine smile never leaving her face.

"Then be my fiancee." He made a deliberate paused to observed her reaction. Her expression showed that she was taken aback. Maybe it was so unexpected.

"I know that you still have many things to do and so do I. But I can wait for you and give you as much time as you need." He takes out a small ring box and opened it for her to see.

A couple ring was nicely placed there. Both were a platinum band designed and while the man's ring was simple, the ring for Yelena had small diamonds engraved throughout the outer part.

Felix glanced at the rings and explained to Yelena. "I know that women usually love a solitaire diamond ring but I choose a band ring for you. I want you to wear this ring all the time and such diamond rings could get in your way of work. It might trouble you while handling guns and all. That's why I chose this one so that -"

"It's pretty. I love a simple one rather than a lavish one." Yelena commented with a smile. She had no idea that he would be thoughtful to this point and he was right! Diamond rings were not appropriate while handling guns as it would only get in the way.

The Prince beamed when he heard her remark. He indeed put an effort in choosing this one because he wanted a ring which she could wear even while working.

The main purpose was to let suitors know that she was taken! Only then he could be at ease. What if some superior officers court her? Just the thought of it dampened his mood.

In his opinion, it was not just a ring. It's a weapon to chased other men away!

Yelena chuckled when she understood his intention. "You plan to bind me by this ring, don't you?" She stated with an amusing smile.

"It's great that you know. Never forget to wear this ring, especially while you are working." He firmly told her as if it was an order. He then put the ring on her ring finger and when he saw that it suited her perfectly, he nodded with a satisfying smile.

Yelena took the other ring and did the same. "The same goes for you. I hope that after you return, I wouldn't hear or read articles about you dating someone." She teased with a light chuckle.

He leaned forward to her and captured her lips with his but he pulled back right away. "That is a reassurance. You can trust me and live without a worry."

"Oops! So bad. I tend to do something crazy when I'm so free of worries." She teased him again. She had become addicted to it.

"Like what?" He asked right away.

"Like hanging out or partying and I might even go to a bar." She deliberately lied to him while putting up a nonchalant face. She never spent her time partying around and a bar never existed in her life. She was too busy with her missions!

His face turned gloomy at the thought her to visit a bar and getting hooked up with some strangers. "Do you want me to leave my men behind so that they could spy on you?" His voice and expression become very serious.

Did he really believe what she said? She laughed when she saw him getting all serious. "Why are you so easy to fool?" She chuckled. "Let me tell you. The moment I returned to the life of a soldier, my whole time will be spent doing missions after missions. It will be fortunate if I can talk with you once in a while." She informed him.

"Are you serious?" Felix gasped. To be apart was already hard enough but she wouldn't even have time to talk to him? He became very upset as if he was a little kid.

"Don't be so upset." She calmly said. "I will try my best to make time for you. But if I can't, I hope that you can understand me. After all, I'm still a soldier."

He nodded his head though he was still feeling displeased. He then realized that he still needs to ask her one thing. "Can you promise me one thing?"

"What Is it?" She immediately asked him.

"Promise me not to come to see me off tomorrow morning." He said in a very low voice.

"Why?" She surprisedly asked as the request was so unexpected.

"I'm afraid that I would change my mind. Counting all the time I spent in Belden and other countries, I'm already away from home for three months and I have many things to take care of, mostly work. But I'm afraid that I would change my mind while putting aside all that." He explained.

He was still a Representative of Royal Group and even his country, Edeladon. After being away for many months, there were already rumours circulating. It's understandable as it had been so long since he made a public appearance. He can't afford to postpone his return for now. After all, he was still a Crown Prince with many duties and responsibilities on his shoulders.

She truly wished to see him off yet she understood his standing. She was not the only one who needed him. His country and his people, his family and his family business; he had so much to take care.

After pondering for a while, she forced a little smile. "Okay. I will do that." Compared to all the things he had done for her, this small favour was nothing. She reminded herself.

The couple spent the whole night on the rooftop, gazing at the shining stars as they chat about their future and memorable stories from their past. When they finally went down, only an hour or two was left before sunrise.

After having some sleep in her room which was vacant for years, Yelena woke up and realized that the sun was already high up in the sky.

Having a slight headache due to the lack of sleep, she gradually rose and sat on her bed. She turned to the left and there she saw a letter placed on the table.

She read the content of the letter right away and feeling downhearted, she quietly touched and stared at the ring on her finger.

Felix who was now her fiance had left for Edeladon early in the morning.....