The girl looked at him with a complicated look. She understood what Nicolae meant and she realized that from the first time they met, he had been harboring a crush for her.
His feelings did not change in years, not even after everything that had happened in the past.
Now, he was not only in love with Aleksis, but also with her two children.
Aleksis knew that her parents and Lauriel all hoped that she and Nicolae could be bound in marriage, but they would never force her.
Nicolae also never forced his love for her. He remained faithful to her and gave her as much space as she needed to heal. He only hoped that one day she would open up her heart.
Aleksis realized, everyone was right, that she would never find a man better than Nicolae. The man was very loving, very loyal, he had a kind heart and a pleasant and warm personality. He also had repeatedly proven himself ready to defend Aleksis even with his own life.