ELENA’S POV:

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the spacious kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewead coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of baked goods. The kitchen was a symphony of sounds: the clinking of dishes, the gentle hum of the coffee machine, and the occasional chatter from Maria, the head cook, as she prepared breakfast.

Luca and I had just finished our morning routines and were making our way downstairs, drawn by the inviting smells. As we entered the kitchen, Maria greeted us with her usual warm smile. She was a petite woman with a motherly presence, her hair tied neatly in a bun. Her skill in the kitchen was unmatched, and her food always had a way of making us feel at home.

“Good morning, Elena, Mr. DeLuca,” Maria said cheerfully, setting a plate of fluffy pancakes on the table.

Luca curt nodded, taking his usual seat at the table. He looked relaxed, his earlier intensity replaced by the calm of a domestic morning.

I settled into my chair, glancing at the array of breakfast items laid out before us. “This looks amazing, Maria. Thank you.”

Maria beamed with pride. “You’re welcome, dear.”

As we began serving ourselves, the conversation turned to lighter topics. The morning felt like a precious break from the chaos of recent days, a moment to savor the simple joys of life.

This is it. I am scared to ask him, but no I have to do this.

I took a deep breath, knowing it was time to share my plans.

“Luca,” I began, my voice steady but cautious, “I’ve made a decision. I want to start my own architecture firm.”

Luca’s eyes widened, his coffee cup freezing midway to his lips. “Your own firm? Elena, that’s... unexpected.”

I nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. “I know it might seem sudden, but I’ve been thinking about this for a while. With my architecture degree and business masters, I’m ready for this step.”

Luca set down his cup, his expression a mix of pride and concern. “You’ve always been brilliant, love. I’m not surprised you want to put those degrees to use. But... a firm of your own? Have you considered the risks involved?”

“I know it is,” I replied, leaning forward. “But I’m ready for it. I want to create something meaningful, something that’s truly mine. The Queen position is truly amazing, Luca but I have to create something for me.”

Luca ran a hand through his hair, his internal struggle visible. “Elena, you know I want to support you. Your talent is incredible, and I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished. But I can’t help worrying about your safety. Running a high-profile firm... it could put you in danger.”

I reached across the table, taking his hand. “I understand your concerns, Luca. Really, I do. But I can’t let fear hold me back. This is something I need to do.”

He squeezed my hand, his eyes meeting mine. “I want to support you, Elena. God knows you deserve it after all your hard work. But the thought of you being out there, exposed... it terrifies me. I will appoint bodyguards for you.”

I pulled my hand away, frustration flaring. “Bodyguards? Luca, no. That’s completely unnecessary.”

“It’s not up for discussion,” Luca said, his tone hardening. “Your safety is paramount.”

I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. “Not up for discussion? This is my life, Luca! My career! I can’t have bodyguards hovering around me while I’m trying to work with clients or on job sites.”

Luca’s jaw clenched. “Elena, be reasonable. You know the risks. I’m just trying to protect you.”

“Protect me?” I scoffed. “Or control me? I’m not some fragile doll, Luca. I’m a grown woman with two degrees and years of experience. I can take care of myself!”

“This isn’t about your capabilities!” Luca shouted, standing up as well. “It’s about the dangers out there that you seem to be willfully ignoring!”

I slammed my hand on the table. “The only thing I’m ignoring is your paranoia! I won’t live my life in fear, and I won’t let you clip my wings before I even get a chance to fly!”

Luca’s eyes flashed with anger and hurt. “Paranoia? Is that what you call my concern for your wellbeing?”

“When it starts to suffocate me? Yes, that’s exactly what I call it,” I retorted, my voice trembling with emotion.

Luca took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself. “Elena, please. You have to understand where I’m coming from. My world... our world... it’s dangerous. I’ve made enemies. Powerful ones. You are Queen, try to understand how much of presence you have put yourself in. If they knew how much you mean to me-”

“So what?” I interrupted, my voice rising. “I’m supposed to live in a bubble? Hide away from the world because of your-our FAMILY Business? That’s not fair, Luca!”

He slammed his fist on the table, making the dishes rattle. “Fair? You want to talk about fair? It’s not fair that I have to worry every single day about losing you!”

I flinched at his outburst but stood my ground. “And it’s not fair that I have to give up my dreams because of your fears! I didn’t marry you to become a prisoner, Luca. I get it marriage was not at my choice, but my dreams, No way, I-”

His face paled at my words. “A prisoner? Is that how you see our life together?”

“Sometimes, yes,” I admitted, my voice softer but still firm. “When you try to control every aspect of my life, when you won’t let me pursue my own path... yes, it feels like a prison.”

Luca turned away, running both hands through his hair in frustration. “I’m trying to keep you safe, Elena. Why can’t you see that?”

“Because safety isn’t everything!” I shouted, tears stinging my eyes. “What’s the point of being safe if I’m not living? If I’m not fulfilling my potential?”

He whirled back to face me, his eyes blazing. “And what’s the point of all your potential if you’re dead?”

The harsh words hung in the air between us, both of us shocked by the intensity of the argument. We stood there, breathing heavily, neither willing to back down.

Finally, I spoke, my voice quiet but steely. “I’m doing this, Luca. With or without your support. I hope it’s with, but I’m prepared for it to be without if that’s what it takes.”

Luca’s face hardened, a mix of anger and fear in his eyes. “Fine. Do what you want. But don’t expect me to stand by and watch you put yourself in danger. I’ll be arranging security, whether you like it or not.”

With that, he stormed out of the kitchen, leaving me alone with the remnants of our ruined breakfast and the weight of our unresolved conflict.

OH MUYYY! THEY ARE ARGUING???!!!

How is the story so far?

Anyway, thought of changing the book name, any ideas?

I think I made the female lead more confident fierce and everything but also soft tender. I always wanted to portray as such. I hope I am doing well in it.