“So what do you think about my suggestion?” Elena asked anxiously, pulling Oliver back from his thoughts.

Oliver hesitated, his mind racing to find an alternative solution. He didn’t want to give up on the idea of being together with Elena, not even for a single day. “Is there no other solution to this problem?” he questioned, his voice filled with hope. “Can’t we find another way?”

Confusion etched across Elena’s face as she tried to grasp his train of thought. “What do you mean?” she asked, genuinely perplexed.

Oliver took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he continued. “Can’t you transfer to a college in New York? And what about your company?” he suggested eagerly, a glimmer of possibility in his eyes. “There are plenty of renowned colleges and entrepreneurship opportunities in New York. By transferring, you can continue pursuing your dreams while being by my side.”

A flicker of excitement crossed Oliver’s face as he awaited Elena’s response, hoping that she would consider his proposal.

Elena’s expression softened, touched by his optimism and willingness to find a solution. “You’re right, Oliver. There are indeed exceptional opportunities in New York,” she conceded.

“But it’s my last year in college, and transferring right now could greatly impact my studies. Besides, my family is here, and I want to spend as much time with them as I can before venturing out on my own.”

Oliver felt a pang of disappointment but understood the weight of her reasons. He couldn’t deny her the chance to cherish these moments with her loved ones. “I see,” he replied, a tinge of sadness lining his voice. “I didn’t consider the impact it would have on your studies and your family. And I understand how important they are to you. I just... I don’t want to be away from you, even if it’s just for a year.”

Elena’s eyes softened with understanding as she searched for a way to ease his concerns.

“Oliver, I know it’s not easy for you, and it’s not easy for me either,” she said gently. “But this is just for a year. Once my college is completed, I promise I’ll come to New York to pursue my career, to find you. Can’t you wait for me? Can’t we endure this temporary separation and reunite stronger than ever?”

Oliver couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt as he watched Elena’s sorrowful expression and her puppy dog-like eyes pleading with him. He had never been able to resist her charms, and it seemed that even now, her manipulative tactics were working their magic on him.

Oliver’s heart ached at the thought of being apart from Elena for such a long time, but he also knew the importance of her education and the connection she shared with her family. He wanted to support her dreams, even if it meant temporarily sacrificing his desires.

Feeling dejected, he decided to go along with her suggestion, thinking that something was better than nothing.

“Okay, I am okay with a long-distance relationship, but I have some conditions too,” Oliver finally spoke, his voice betraying the struggle within himself. Beside him, his wolf, Roy, growled softly, upset with his decision. The primal creature within him urged him to take drastic measures - to kidnap Elena and keep her locked away so she couldn’t run away from them.

Elena, however, remained oblivious to the conflict within Oliver as she encouraged him to continue. “Which is,” she prompted, her eyes searching his face for any sign of hesitation.

Clearing his throat, Oliver began to outline his conditions. “My first condition is that while we are in a relationship, you will stay clear from other boys when I am not here,” he stated, his tone firm and unwavering.

Nodding in agreement, Elena assured him, “That goes without saying, next is...”

Oliver continued, determined to establish the terms of their arrangement. “You will call me every day, no matter what, and make sure you pick up my call every time I call you,” he requested, the concern for maintaining constant contact evident in his voice.

“That’s okay with me, but make sure you don’t call me while I am attending my lectures,” Elena replied, understanding the importance of her academic commitments.

Oliver’s gaze bore into Elena’s, his expression stern as he uttered his final condition. “And the last one is to promise me that you won’t go to pubs and clubs with your friends,” he said, his voice holding an edge of authority.

Elena’s brows furrowed in disagreement. “That is something I can’t promise you, and you also know why. It’s impractical, Oliver,” she whined, her frustration creeping into her voice.

Finding himself unwilling to compromise on this matter, Oliver’s reply was firm. “Fine, just promise me that you won’t wear revealing clothes, stay clear of boys, and don’t drink too much alcohol,” he said, his tone determined.

A mischievous smile played on Elena’s lips as she replied, “Now, that is something I can do.”

Seeing that smile on her face, Oliver couldn’t help but feel a mixture of amusement and worry. He knew deep down that Elena was not one to easily adhere to rules or restrictions. Yet, he didn’t argue with her, fearing that any resistance would drive her away from him once again. Instead, he resolved to find a way to make her stay without inciting her resentment.

As their conversation continued, Oliver and Elena found solace in each other’s company, savouring the delicious dinner at the restaurant. The clinking of cutlery and the harmonious symphony of their laughter filled the air, momentarily enveloping them in a bubble of tranquillity. After paying the bills and bidding farewell to their cosy corner table, they ventured out into the night, drawn to the allure of a leisurely walk in the park.

Parking their car near the park, their eyes were immediately captivated by the sight of an ice cream truck parked nearby. Oliver couldn’t resist the temptation and decided to treat himself to a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Sensing Elena’s preference, he purchased a chocolate chip ice cream cone for her, a small yet thoughtful gesture to brighten her spirits.

With their frozen delights in hand, the couple strolled hand-in-hand through the park, their laughter mixing with the soft rustling of leaves under their feet. The cold breeze gently caressed their faces, a reminder of the changing seasons. They spoke fondly of their friends and family, sharing stories and anecdotes, their chatter juxtaposed against the serene backdrop of nature.

At that moment, their worries about the conditions they had discussed over dinner seemed to dissipate. Instead, they chose to focus on the precious time they had together, allowing the pure joy of the present moment to envelop them.

The leisurely walk eventually led them back to reality as they approached Elena’s dormitory. Oliver, not ready to part with her just yet, suggested that she stay with him at the hotel, longing for a few more stolen moments together. However, Elena gently declined, mentioning an urgent assignment that demanded her attention that evening. Nevertheless, she promised to spend weekends with him at the hotel, a spark of anticipation twinkling in her eyes.

With a lingering kiss on Oliver’s lips, Elena bid him farewell and swiftly made her way towards her room, her heart aflutter with thoughts of him. Oliver watched her go, a mix of longing and contentment swirling within him, already counting down the days until their next meeting.