The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft, golden light across the room, reflecting off the dark wooden furniture. Alina sat by the window, her eyes tracing the city skyline, lost in the gentle hum of the night. She could still feel the weight of the past week, the intensity of Lucas and Natasha’s deaths, and the flood of emotions that followed. Though she knew they had received what they deserved, a part of her still felt a hollow ache, a bittersweet reminder of everything she had been through.Anton’s presence behind her was quiet, yet commanding. He approached slowly, his hands gently grazing her shoulders as he leaned down, brushing his lips against the nape of her neck. “Are you still thinking about them?” he whispered, his voice low and soothing.Alina closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. "It's hard not to," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I know I should let it go.""You should," Anton agreed, his hands sliding down her arms, pulling her closer. "They
In the theme park, sounds of laughter, rides whirring, and children’s squeals filled the air. Alina looked up at the towering Ferris wheel, a grin tugging at her lips as she squeezed Anton's hand. “I can’t believe you convinced me to come here,” Alina said, chuckling. Anton smirked, pulling her along toward the entrance. “It’s about time we had some real fun. No scheming, no drama, just us. Besides, I wanted to see that smile on your face.” Alina rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t suppress the grin that followed. “Well, I do love theme parks.” “Good,” Anton said, stopping in front of a booth. “Because I’m not letting you leave until we’ve been on every ride.” “Every ride?” Alina raised an eyebrow. “Including the ones that spin and make you nauseous?” “Especially those,” Anton teased, wrapping his arm around her waist as they joined the line for tickets. “I want to see if you can handle them.” “Oh, I can handle them,” Alina shot back, laughing. “The real question is, can you?
The vibrant colors of the artworks adorned the walls of the Golden Leaf Art Gallery, each piece telling its own story through strokes of paint and canvas. Alina stood in the center of the room, a wave of excitement and nerves swirling within her. It was the night of her exhibition, and everything had to be perfect.“Are you ready?” Natalie asked, adjusting the collar of her dress as she stepped beside Alina. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Alina replied, taking a deep breath. “I just hope people like my work.”“They’ll love it,” Natalie assured her. “You’ve put so much heart into these pieces. They’re incredible.”“Thanks, Nat.” Alina smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude for her friend’s support. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”“Just wait until you see Anton. He’s been bragging about you all week,” Natalie teased, nudging Alina playfully.“Anton’s just being nice,” Alina said, her cheeks warming at the thought of him.“Nice? No, he’s genuinely pro
The atmosphere inside Natalie’s apartment was electric, a vibrant celebration of Alina’s successful exhibition at the Golden Leaf Gallery. The living room was adorned with colorful balloons and streamers, remnants of the party decorations that had transformed the space into a festive haven. Alina, Anton, and Natalie had decided to keep the momentum going after the gallery, inviting a few close friends over to continue the festivities.“Cheers to Alina and her incredible exhibition!” Natalie exclaimed, raising her glass of sparkling wine high into the air. “Cheers!” Anton echoed, clinking his glass against Natalie’s and then Alina’s, who wore a radiant smile.“I still can’t believe how amazing tonight was,” Alina said, her cheeks flushed with happiness. “I feel like I’m on cloud nine!”“You deserve it all, Alina,” Natalie said, beaming at her friend. “You’ve worked so hard for this moment. It’s just the beginning!”“Thanks, Nat. I couldn’t have done it without your support,” Alina rep
The atmosphere in Natalie’s apartment was charged with excitement as the group continued their game of Truth or Dare. The laughter and banter had warmed the room, and everyone was in high spirits, ready for whatever crazy challenges lay ahead. The music played softly in the background, setting the perfect tone for a night filled with secrets and playful dares.“Alright, who’s turn is it next?” Alina asked, leaning back on the couch, her heart still racing from her dance with Anton.“I believe it’s Natalie’s turn!” Zack announced, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Natalie, I dare you to tell us the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on a date.”Natalie’s eyes widened in mock horror, and she felt her cheeks heat up. “Oh no, do I have to?”“Yes! It’s part of the game!” Anton encouraged, leaning forward, clearly invested in her story.“Fine! But you all have to promise not to judge me too harshly,” Natalie said, rolling her eyes. “So, there was this one time I
After the lively and playful night at Natalie’s apartment, Anton and Alina returned to their shared home, the city’s night air cool and serene as they walked hand in hand. There was a sense of comfort and closeness between them, a deeper connection that had grown stronger over the months. The evening had been fun, but Anton had something special planned for Alina—something more intimate.As they entered the house, Alina smiled, thinking about how much fun the night had been. She kicked off her shoes, her feet aching pleasantly from the evening’s excitement.“That was a good night, wasn’t it?” she asked, turning to Anton with a contented smile.“Yeah, it was,” he replied, his eyes gleaming with something more. “But the night isn’t over yet.”Alina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean?”Anton smiled, leaning down to kiss her softly on the lips. “You’ll see. Just give me a few minutes.”With that, Anton disappeared down the hallway, leaving Alina curious but excited. She could
The days following the success of Alina’s art exhibition were filled with joy, laughter, and a deep sense of accomplishment. Yet, amidst all the celebrations and happiness, a thought kept tugging at Alina’s heart. It had been so long since Anton first proposed to her. At that time, she had declined, not because she didn’t love him—she did, more than anyone—but because the scars of her past life still haunted her. The betrayal, the pain, the heartache. She had been afraid that history might repeat itself, and she wasn’t ready to trust in marriage again.But now, as she looked around her life—the life they had built together—Alina realized something had changed. Anton had never pressured her. He had been patient, kind, and loving, giving her the space to heal, to trust, and to love freely. He had stayed by her side through every obstacle, understanding her fears and soothing her wounds. The love they shared had deepened with every passing day, and finally, after all this time, Alina kn
*Few days before*Alina couldn't help but smile as she sat in the kitchen, sipping her tea while Barbara, Francis, and Lucy bustled around Anton’s house. Ever since she moved in with Anton, the three women had grown close to her, often filling the house with laughter and warmth. They treated her like family, always teasing and joking in ways that made her feel at home.Barbara, the oldest of the three, wiped her hands on a towel as she leaned against the counter, eyeing Alina playfully. “So, when are we getting that wedding invitation, huh?” she asked, her lips curling into a grin.Alina blushed, her fingers tightening around the cup. “You three are never going to let me live this down, are you?”Francis, always quick with a sharp comment, laughed from her spot near the stove. “Oh, come on! After the way Anton looks at you? Girl, you’ve got him wrapped around your finger. It’s only a matter of time.”Lucy, the youngest, bounced over to the table with a mischievous smile. “I heard that
The villa was a picture-perfect scene of Christmas cheer. Twinkling lights adorned the exterior, casting a warm glow over the snow-dusted garden, while a large Christmas tree stood proudly in the living room, its ornaments glinting in the soft light. The scent of fresh pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of friends and family. Alina held her one-month-old daughter close, cradling the tiny bundle in her arms as guests arrived. She smiled, watching as Linton and Gabriel practically hovered around her, peering down at the baby with wide-eyed wonder. “Is she really my sister?Sometimes it feels like a dream mommy.” Linton asked for the tenth time, his voice filled with awe. Alina chuckled softly. “Yes, sweetheart. She’s really your sister. You got exactly what you asked Santa for last Christmas.” Linton beamed, reaching out a cautious hand to touch his sister’s tiny fingers. “Hi, baby sister,” he whispered. “ I’ll always protect you.” Gabriel,
The doorbell rang, and Alina smiled, knowing exactly who it was. A few moments later, Linton’s excited voice echoed through the hall as he raced toward the door to greet his best friend, Gabriel. “Gabriel!” Linton yelled, throwing the door open and giving his friend a high-five. Gabriel grinned as he stepped inside, holding a little gift bag in his hand. “Hey, Linton! Hi, Aunt Alina!” Gabriel greeted, his eyes wide with excitement as he approached her. “How’s the baby?” Alina chuckled, patting her belly. “Getting bigger every day, Gabriel. And she’s quite active today.” Linton immediately perched himself beside his mom, his eyes sparkling with interest. “Can I talk to her again, Mommy?” he asked with a shy smile. “Of course, sweetheart.” She smoothed down her shirt and leaned back so the boys could get closer. Gabriel scooted onto the couch beside Alina, looking both curious and excited. He handed her the little gift bag, inside of which was a small stuffed bunny with floppy ea
Alina rested on the couch, a blanket draped over her legs and her hand resting on her rounded belly. At seven months pregnant, her baby bump was unmistakable, and it was a joy to see how much it had become a part of the family’s daily life. From Anton’s frequent hand resting over her belly to Linton’s fascination with “talking” to his baby sibling, the whole house seemed to radiate warmth and anticipation. Linton, bursting with excitement, had clambered up onto the couch beside her, his small hands gingerly placed over her belly as if holding a fragile treasure. He leaned in close, his expression serious as he started whispering to the baby. “Hi, baby sis,” Linton said, his voice soft but filled with excitement. “It’s me, Linton, your big brother! I can’t wait to meet you, and I’m gonna teach you everything I know. We’re gonna play so many games, and I’ll teach you how to draw dinosaurs and superheroes. And… and I’ll share my toys, too!” Alina chuckled, resting her hand over his.
Alina gently ruffled Linton’s hair, nudging him awake. Anton was already up, sipping his coffee in the kitchen, as she whispered to their son, "Wake up, Linton. I have a surprise for you today." Linton’s eyes fluttered open, and he rubbed them with his small fists, his face brightening instantly at the word “surprise.” “A surprise? Where are we going, Mommy?” Alina smiled. “You’ll see soon enough. Go get dressed, and we’ll be on our way.” As Linton scrambled out of bed and rushed to get ready, Alina made her way to the kitchen. She kissed Anton on the cheek, feeling a surge of excitement about the secret she was about to share. She had been working on a special painting for weeks, pouring her heart into every brushstroke, and today, she would finally reveal it. “Where are we off to this morning?” Anton asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity as he sipped his coffee. “Just a little outing to the gallery. I have something special to show you both,” Alina replied, her eyes twin
Alina and Anton pulled into the driveway of David and Isabella’s home. Their hearts were light, filled with the warmth of their recent trip to Paris and the excitement of reuniting with their little one. As they stepped out of the car, Linton’s energy was palpable; he bounced on his feet, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he saw his parents getting down the car. "Mom-dad I missed you so much." Linton hugged their legs. Anton picked him up in his arms. “Are we ready to see Gabriel?” Anton asked, ruffling Linton’s hair. “Yes! I want to show him the new toys you brought!” Linton exclaimed, practically dragging his parents toward the front door. Alina chuckled at her son’s enthusiasm. “Hold on, buddy. Let’s not rush too much. We’ve got to make sure we greet everyone first.” They rang the doorbell, and moments later, David swung the door open, a wide grin lighting up his face. “Welcome back, you guys! We missed you! Literally ever since Linton got to know you are coming he h
Steam filled the bathroom, the warm mist clinging to the glass walls of the shower as water falling softly. Alina leaned against the cool tiles, her body relaxing under the hot spray. She felt a gentle touch at her waist, and without opening her eyes, she knew it was Anton. "Mind if I join you?" his deep voice rumbled softly in her ear, a smile evident in his tone. Alina smiled and turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "Of course sweetheart. You never need permission." Anton chuckled, stepping closer, his hands slowly trailing up her arms, pulling her back against his chest. The heat of his body mixed with the warmth of the water, enveloping her in comfort and safety. "I thought I’d be polite today so I was asking for permission," he teased, his lips brushing against the side of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. Alina leaned her head back, resting it against his shoulder. "You? Polite?" she teased back, the warmth of his breath tickling her skin. "Hey, I c
David's house was alive with the sounds of giggles and shuffling papers as Linton and Gabriel sat side by side at the large wooden dining table, their books spread out before them. “Got it!” Gabriel declared triumphantly, holding up his math workbook. Linton, still scribbling away on his own page, glanced at him with a smirk. “You think you’re fast, huh? Let me check that.” He leaned over, playfully scrutinizing Gabriel’s work. “Hmm... looks right, but I bet I can finish mine faster.” “Oh, it’s on!” Gabriel grinned, and they both dove back into their homework with renewed energy. Isabella stood at the kitchen counter, watching the boys with a fond smile. She was whipping up pancake batter for their afternoon snack, the aroma of freshly made batter already filling the air. The kitchen was warm and inviting. She glanced over her shoulder at David, who was reading on the couch, occasionally glancing up to chuckle at the boys' competitive banter. “I love how determined they are,
The next day, Paris greeted us with a warm breeze and a clear blue sky.Anton was already up, sipping on his coffee by the window as he admired the view. I walked over to him, still in my pajamas, and leaned against his arm, taking in the sight of the Eiffel Tower standing tall in the distance. “We’re really doing this, huh?” I asked, smiling as I looked up at him. Anton grinned, setting his cup down on the table. “Absolutely. Are you ready for a day of cliches and tourist photos?” I laughed, nodding. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” An hour later, we were standing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and despite the crowds around us, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement bubbling up inside. Anton had his camera ready, capturing moments before we even started climbing. Every few steps, he’d stop, turn to me with that teasing smile, and snap a picture—of me laughing, of us together, of the view. "Okay, one more,” Anton said, holding up his phone, getting us both into the fram
Anton’s hand brushed softly against the small of my back as we entered the suite, his touch lingering just a little longer than necessary. I looked around, taking in the breathtaking view from the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city of Paris. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance. Everything about this place felt perfect—luxurious and romantic. The door clicked shut behind us, and the sound echoed in the quiet, intimate space. I placed my purse on the plush chair near the window and took a deep breath, letting the atmosphere of the city sink in. “We’re really here,” I said softly, more to myself than to Anton. Anton chuckled behind me, his arms sliding around my waist. “We are. No distractions. No meetings. Just you, me, and Paris.” I leaned back against him, closing my eyes and enjoying the warmth of his embrace. For the first time in what felt like forever, we had no obligations pulling us in different directions. Just us. I turned in his arms, looking up a