The next morning, Marianne felt the heaviness on her head. She gently massages her head as she slowly got up from her bed. As the past events came back to her, her eyes widened, thinking about that night she shared with Felix. "Wait... was that real? Or a dream?" she asked herself, and then she looked at her body. She found that she was wearing another dress. Marianne's heart raced as she looked around the room, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. The familiar surroundings of her bedroom offered no immediate answers. She felt a mix of confusion and disbelief, wondering if what had transpired between her and Felix was indeed real or just a product of her imagination. As she was about to walked towards the door, the door creaked opened, and her eyes widened. "Oh my! You startled me," she uttered in shock. Felix, on the other hand, stared at her with confusion. "Are you okay? How are you feeling? You get drunk last night-" "I know," she cutted his sentence. "
The rhythmic sound of crashing waves provided a comforting backdrop as Marianne strolled along the shore, the golden hues of the sunset reflecting on the water. The beach held a special place in her heart, a sanctuary where the vastness of the ocean seemed to absorb her worries and grief. As Marianne walked, she couldn't help but recall the countless childhood memories spent with her father by the sea. He used to build sandcastles with her, teach her how to skip stones, and share stories of his own youth. The beach, once a place of joy, now held bittersweet nostalgia. With each step, Marianne felt a subtle transformation within. The gentle lapping of the waves and the distant calls of seagulls created a soothing melody, inviting her to let go of the pain that clung to her heart. She found a secluded spot and settled down on the warm sand, staring out into the horizon. A soft breeze carried the scent of saltwater, and Marianne closed her eyes, allowing herself to be enveloped by the
The warm water from the shower cascaded down, providing a momentary escape for Marianne. The rhythmic sound of the rain outside merged with the soothing flow, creating a cocoon of tranquility. Yet, beneath the surface calm, her thoughts swirled in a tempest of confusion. As Marianne emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a plush towel, she found Felix sitting on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the rain-kissed window. The atmosphere in the room had shifted, a subtle tension lingering in the air. Felix turned to her with a soft smile as she entered. "Feel better?" Marianne nodded, unable to decipher the myriad of emotions coursing through her. The intimate setting, coupled with Felix's unexpected playfulness, left her feeling both vulnerable and intrigued. Felix stood up, gesturing towards the bed. "Here are some clothes I bought earlier, get changed." he said and then he walked towards the bathroom to take a shower. Marianne, still wrapped in the towel, watched Felix disapp
Marianne's eyes widened in astonishment at Felix's unexpected declaration. The word "wife" hung in the air, and she felt a mix of confusion and surprise. The intensity of Felix's gaze and the firm grip on her hands sent a subtle message—a message that went beyond the facade they had crafted for the evening. Emily's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered, her eyes flickering between Felix and Marianne. "Oh, I didn't know. Congratulations," she said, her tone carrying a hint of forced enthusiasm. Felix nodded, acknowledging Emily's words, though his eyes never left Marianne's. The air in the restaurant had shifted once again, and Marianne couldn't quite decipher the emotions playing across Felix's face. "Thank you," Felix replied, his voice steady. Emily, sensing the change in dynamics, excused herself gracefully, mentioning something about needing to catch up with other friends in town. Marianne secretly smiled as she knew that Emily just embarrassed herself in front of t
She could see how Marianne was hurting despite the fact that their relationship is built by an agreement. She knew that Marianne is doing all of those things for her mother's medication and for them to survive. Ethel knew that her friend is willing to do everything for her mother.Ethel smiled, her eyes filled with empathy. "That's the spirit, Marianne. You deserve someone who sees you for more than just a part of an agreement. Focus on yourself, on your dreams and aspirations. And remember, I'm here for you whenever you need to talk."As days turned into weeks, Marianne tried to distance herself emotionally from the complexities of her relationship with Felix. She threw herself into work, finding solace in the familiar routines and goals she had set for herself. The city's hustle and bustle provided a distraction, a way for her to keep moving forward."Marianne?" Felix called her and then she went straight to his office. "Yes, Mr. Anderson?" she asked. Felix raised his head and loo
The following day, Marianne found herself engrossed in her work, trying to maintain the professional distance she had intentionally created. The office was buzzing with activity, but the air between her and Felix remained charged with unspoken tension. As Marianne focused on her tasks, an unexpected email from Ethel popped up on her screen. It simply read, "Coffee, later?" Marianne hesitated for a moment, contemplating the invitation. Despite her initial reluctance to share her inner turmoil, she realized that confiding in a friend might provide the solace she needed. With a determined nod, she replied to Ethel's message, "Sure, let's meet. I could use a break." Later that day, Marianne and Ethel found themselves in their favorite corner of the coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped them as they settled into their seats. Ethel looked at Marianne with concern in her eyes. "How are you holding up? Anything new with Felix?" Marianne sighed, stirring her coffee abs
As Marianne left the restaurant and walked through the quiet streets, she couldn't shake off the mix of emotions swirling within her. The evening with Sam had provided a temporary escape, but the lingering thoughts of Felix and their complicated dynamic persisted. Meanwhile, Felix was there. He saw everything what Marianne and Sam do. He clenched his fists while looking at her; the way she laughed, the way she smiled at Sam, it makes him angry at her. His jaw tightened as he watched Marianne from a distance, his emotions in turmoil. The sight of her with someone else, even if it was just a setup, stirred a strange sense of possessiveness within him. He hadn't anticipated feeling this way, and it fueled the frustration he had been trying to contain. As Marianne walked away from the restaurant, Felix found himself conflicted. He wanted to confront her, to understand why she was seeking companionship elsewhere, but at the same time, he knew he had no right to question her choices. Thei
As Marianne stumbled alongside Felix towards his car, the weight of the night's events seemed to press down on her. The air was thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. The alcohol coursing through her veins intensified the turmoil within, making every step feel heavier. Felix, silent and stoic, guided her into the car. The drive home was a tense silence, broken only by the distant hum of passing traffic. Marianne stared out of the window, her mind a chaotic mess of anger, confusion, and a lingering sadness that she couldn't quite articulate. Upon reaching the house, Felix helped her out of the car. The night seemed to close in around them as they ascended the stairs to her door. Marianne fumbled with her keys, frustration evident in each shaky attempt to unlock the door. Felix, despite the tension between them, took the keys gently from her hand. The door swung open, revealing a dimly lit room that mirrored the shadows dancing in Marianne's troubled mind. As they enter
A month later... Marianne and Felix's daily routine included sleepless nights and shared parenting challenges. Despite their tiredness, their home was filled with the soothing sounds of baby coos and Zoey's laughing. "I could never been happier. I couldn't wish for more, Marianne. This family we had build together? This is perfect. This is what I am dreaming of." When the evening arrived, Felix and Marianne had been thinking about taking a family photo together to post on the wall for display and memories. "Felix, what do you think about having a family photo? Something we can hang in the living room, a snapshot of our life together despite all the challenges?" Marianne said, her eyes bright with joy. Felix grinned warmly, since he had always been supportive of Marianne's ideas. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Let's capture these precious moments." He smiled as he gazed at his wife and two children. "Thank God for giving me these beautiful souls. I couldn't ask for more."
In the hospital room, the air was filled with a gentle warmth as Marianne cradled their newborn son. Felix, still beaming with pride, leaned down to place another tender kiss on her forehead. The soft melody of their baby's first cries echoed in the room, a sweet symphony of new beginnings. Just as the new parents were settling into the quiet joy of their family, the door softly creaked open. Zoey, Felix and Marianne's eldest daughter, burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. She had just turned six, and her anticipation to meet her baby brother had been palpable. "Mommy! Daddy! Where's my baby brother?" Zoey exclaimed, bouncing on her toes with uncontainable enthusiasm. Felix, with a warm smile, gestured towards Marianne, who was still nestled in the hospital bed. "Zoey, meet your little brother." Zoey's eyes widened with awe as she approached, her gaze fixated on the tiny bundle in Marianne's arms. "He's so tiny! Can I hold him?" Marianne nodded, her heart swelling w
Five months had passed since that memorable family outing, and the Anderson household was brimming with anticipation as Marianne's due date approached. The journey of Marianne's pregnancy had been a mix of joy, excitement, and challenges, making each day a testament to their unwavering love and support for each other. On the morning of the day that would forever change their lives, Felix and Marianne stood in the soft glow of the sunrise, the city gradually awakening outside their window. Marianne, her radiant glow juxtaposed against the delicate hues of dawn, took careful steps while Felix walked by her side. "How are you feeling?" Felix inquired, his eyes filled with concern and love. Marianne offered a tired but genuine smile. "I don't know, Felix. It's a mix of everything. But I can't wait to meet our little one." The journey had indeed been challenging for Marianne. The sleepless nights, the physical changes, and the emotional roller coaster were all part of the intricate tap
The following day dawned with a sense of anticipation in the Anderson household. Felix's plan for a family picnic, featuring Ramon and his two sisters, Crystal and Daisy, was met with enthusiastic agreement from everyone. Marianne, fully supportive of the idea, smiled as Felix shared the details of their day. "Make it the happiest day for him. Enjoy your day," Marianne encouraged, her eyes reflecting the love she felt for Felix and the entire family. Felix grinned, his heart warmed by Marianne's support. "Thank you, love. I love you." With Marianne's blessing, Felix set the wheels in motion for a memorable family outing. The Andersons gathered their picnic essentials – a checkered blanket, a basket filled with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and a sense of excitement that permeated the air. As they arrived at the chosen park, a picturesque haven with sprawling greenery and the gentle murmur of a nearby stream, Felix couldn't help but marvel at the perfect setting for their family
The following month proved to be challenging for Marianne. The demands of pregnancy, coupled with the absence of Felix during long working hours, left her feeling weary and alone. With Zoey and Emma at school, the once lively house now echoed with a sense of solitude that weighed heavily on Marianne's shoulders. As she moved through the rooms, each filled with memories of laughter and shared moments, Marianne couldn't shake off the pangs of loneliness. The pregnancy, though a joyful occasion, had taken a toll on her energy, leaving her more susceptible to emotional waves. One quiet afternoon, the house seemed particularly empty. Marianne stood in the living room, gazing out of the window at the swaying trees. The gentle rustle of leaves seemed to underscore the stillness around her, intensifying the feeling of solitude. A wave of emotion washed over Marianne, and she found herself sitting on the couch, her hands resting on her growing belly. The silence pressed in, and she longed f
As the day unfolded, the sun painted the sky with hues of warmth, casting a golden glow over the family picnic. Marianne, Felix, Zoey, and Emma found themselves surrounded by nature's embrace, enjoying the simple pleasures of each other's company. A checkered picnic blanket adorned with an array of delicious treats lay spread out beneath the shade of a towering oak tree. Zoey, her laughter echoing in the air, chased butterflies and picked wildflowers, her enthusiasm adding a touch of joy to the scene. Felix, ever the attentive father, set up a small grill for a spontaneous barbecue, filling the air with the tempting aroma of sizzling delicacies. Emma, sitting on the blanket, couldn't help but marvel at the picture-perfect moment unfolding before her. As Marianne leaned back, taking in the beauty of the day, she felt a gentle squeeze on her hand. Felix, his eyes filled with warmth, whispered, "Are you feeling okay, my love?" Marianne nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I'm
As the stars twinkled above, casting a soft glow over the small family gathered at the cemetery, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Marianne, despite the emotional richness of the day, began to feel a dull ache in her head. She discreetly rubbed her temples, trying not to draw attention to the discomfort. Felix, attuned to Marianne's subtle signs of distress, noticed the furrow forming on her brow. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay, Marianne?" She offered a small smile, trying to dismiss the growing pain. "I'm fine, just a little headache. It'll pass." Emma, ever perceptive, observed Marianne's discomfort. "Sweetheart, if you're not feeling well, we can head back. We've had a beautiful time here." Zoey, still full of the innocence of a child, chimed in, "Mommy, you should tell Grandpa about your headache. He'll help you feel better." Marianne's heart swelled with both gratitude and warmth at Zoey's concern. "Thank you,
A few weeks after the joyous beach wedding, Marianne, Felix, Zoey, and Emma found themselves standing in front of Marianne's father's grave. The cemetery was peaceful, with the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds adding a gentle melody to the air. Zoey, their vivacious five-year-old daughter, clutched a small bouquet of wildflowers in her tiny hands. Her eyes sparkled with innocence as she looked at the headstone, adorned with fresh flowers. "Hi, Grandpa," Zoey chirped, her smile illuminating the somber surroundings. Emma, who had played the role of both mother and grandmother to Marianne and Zoey, felt tears welling up in her eyes. She gently placed a hand on Zoey's shoulder, her voice filled with a mix of love and longing, "I missed you so much, my love." Marianne, holding back her own tears, managed a tender smile. "I missed you too, Father." Felix, ever supportive, greeted the grave with a gentle smile, "Hello, Father. It's nice to see you again." The a
After spending some time at the hospital, Felix, Marianne, and Zoey made their way back home. The drive was quiet, filled with a sense of relief now that they knew Marianne and the baby were going to be okay. Zoey, nestled in the back seat, held onto a small stuffed animal, finding comfort in its familiar presence. As they entered their home, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The living room, once bustling with wedding plans, now felt serene and welcoming. Felix, still carrying Zoey in his arms, glanced at Marianne, his eyes reflecting a mix of love and concern. "Let's get you settled, Marianne," Felix suggested, guiding her towards the sofa. Ethel, who had been waiting at their home, stood up, her eyes filled with worry and guilt. "I'm so sorry, Marianne. I didn't mean for any of this to happen." Marianne offered a tired but genuine smile. "Ethel, it's not your fault. These things happen. And I already told you that it's not your fault."Ethel nodded, her eyes still reflecting the