[Elena's POV]

Noah pulled back. His deep blue eyes locked onto mine. "You choose," he stated, his voice carrying no room for argument. "Pick the color. Pick the cut. Whatever you actually want to wear. It is your choice, Elena. Not the kind I usually have prepared."

The tension in my shoulders melted completely. It was a simple sentence, but for a man who used to control every breath I took, it was a massive, profound surrender. He was giving me my autonomy.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"Don't ...