Four years later... The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the city streets as Nate and Crystal strolled hand in hand. The air was filled with a gentle breeze, and the city's rhythm harmonized with the beating of their hearts. Crystal's eyes sparkled with a mixture of affection and a subtle secret as she gazed at Nate. The city lights began to flicker, mirroring the playfulness in her expression. "I love you, Nate," she uttered, her words hanging in the air like a sweet melody. Nate, abruptly stopping in his tracks, looked at her with a frown. "Why are you being like this? Why? Did something happen?" A mischievous smile played on Crystal's lips as she shook her head. "No, I just wanted to tell you that." A sense of relief washed over Nate's face, and a warm smile replaced his initial concern. "I love you too, Crystal. I love you so much." The sincerity in his voice resonated with the city's evening breeze, and their shared smiles deepened. As the warmth of the
Back at the province, Marianne's life had settled into a comforting routine. The serene surroundings provided a stark contrast to the bustling city life she had once known. Her days were dedicated to taking care of Zoey, who had blossomed into a lively and curious five-year-old. Zoey's laughter echoed through their quaint home, filling it with an infectious joy that brought a sense of completeness to Marianne's world. "I love you, sweetheart," Marianne uttered with a smile and planted kiss on her cheeks. While the province offered a peaceful sanctuary, Marianne couldn't escape the occasional thoughts that tugged at her heart. Emma headed to their direction. "How's our princess doing?" she asked and then looked at Zoey. Zoey smilingly headed to her grandmother and then hugged her. "I am fine, grandma." "Oh, how sweet of you, my dear," Emma uttered and then carried her. Felix remained unaware of the existence of Zoey, and Marianne had chosen to keep this part of her life hidd
Felix's arrival at the village hospital was met with a mix of confusion and concern. His eyes met Marianne's tear-streaked face, and the gravity of the situation began to settle over him. "What happened? Who got hospitalized?" he asked, his voice reflecting the urgency of the moment. Marianne, still grappling with her emotions, looked at him with teary eyes. "Felix, please save her," she pleaded, her desperation evident. "What are you talking about?" Felix pressed, his confusion deepening. Marianne hesitated, taking a deep breath before revealing the truth. "Please save our daughter." The revelation hung in the air, and Felix's eyes widened with shock. He couldn't comprehend the sudden revelation that he had a daughter, and she needed his help. "What do you mean? Our d-daughter?" "I can explain it later. Please save her," she begged. As the medical team prepared for the transfusion, a tense silence settled between Marianne and Felix. The beeping of machines and the distant vo
Felix's face lit up with a warm smile. "I'm so sorry I missed your birthday, Zoey. But I'm here now, and I promise we'll celebrate together." Zoey beamed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Mommy said we can have a belated birthday party when you come back! Can we, Daddy?" Felix nodded, touched by Zoey's excitement. "Sweetheart. We'll have the best belated birthday party ever. What kind of cake do you like?" Zoey's eyes widened, contemplating her favorite. "Um, chocolate cake with lots of colorful sprinkles!" Felix laughed, "Chocolate cake it is, with a mountain of sprinkles! I'll make sure it's the most delicious cake you've ever had." After dinner, as the evening settled into a gentle calm, Zoey tugged at Felix's hand. "Daddy, can you stay a bit longer? I want to show you my drawings." Felix grinned, unable to resist Zoey's charm. "Of course, sweetheart. Lead the way." Zoey led Felix to her room, where colorful drawings adorned the walls. She eagerly picked up her sketchbook an
One week later... Felix had planned to have a family picnic with Marianne and Zoey. He had set everything; the place, the food; and everything. "Woah, this place is so beautiful, Daddy!" Zoey exclaimed as her eyes roamed around the place. Felix smiled pride rising in his heart at Zoey's enthusiasm. "I'm glad you like it, sweetheart. I thought it would be the perfect spot for our picnic." Marianne looked around, a soft smile gracing her lips. "It really is beautiful, Felix. Thank you for bringing us here." Felix saw her and grinned. Felix broke up the awkward moment between them when he said, "Anything for my girls." "Now, let's find a nice spot to set up our picnic blanket." "Here, Daddy! Let's sit here!" Zoey suggested while pointing at the place near an oak tree and near the riverside. Felix nodded, "Alright, Sweetheart. I think this is the best spot we got." Felix laid out the blanket under the oak tree's cover, the soft sound of falling leaves creating a calming atmosphe
As Marianne stood in the kitchen, she noticed Felix and Zoey playing hide-and-seek in the living room. Their laughing filled the house, bringing a sense of comfort that had been missing for far too long. Marianne, unable to resist, went forward and leaned against the doorframe. "You're getting warmer, Zoey!" Felix exclaimed, and Zoey giggled as she scurried beneath the couch. "Where are you, Daddy?" Zoey's voice was full of enthusiasm. Felix chuckled, his tone humorous as he pretended to hide, "You'll have to search harder than that!" Marianne smiled as she watched them. "Looks like you two are having a blast," she said with a chuckle in her voice. Zoey peeked out of her hiding place, grinning from ear to ear. "It's so much fun, Mom! Daddy is really good at this game." Felix grinned at Marianne. "I've had a lot of practice," he said, his eyes flashing with malice. Marianne chuckled gently, her heart filling with warmth. "Well, it's great to see you both having fun," she responde
Marianne experienced a rush of emotions following Felix's sincere confession. She couldn't deny her longing for the connection they once had. With a heavy but hopeful heart, she peered into Felix's eyes, seeing vulnerability and yearning reflected in his gaze. "I miss us too," Marianne acknowledged, her voice barely audible. "I miss the laughter, the intimacy... I miss everything about what we had." Felix reached out and gently cupped Marianne's cheek as he drew in closer. "Then let's try to find our way back to each other," he said softly, his breath warm against her skin. Marianne's heart fluttered at Felix's words, her pulse quickening with anticipation. Marianne's heart beat with worry and want, and Felix's touch sent a rush of warmth through her. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be fully immersed in the moment, in the loving embrace they shared. Felix's lips brushed across hers in a soft caress, rekindling a spark that had long been dormant within her. Marianne's brea
Felix woke the next morning as the first rays of sunlight shone through the curtains. He looked over at Marianne, who was still sleeping soundly beside him, her features softened by the lovely light. With a sweet smile, he leaned in and kissed her forehead lightly, relishing the moment. He grinned and said, "How pretty," as he looked at the woman lying beautifully on the bed. Felix quietly slipped out of bed and tiptoed into the kitchen, eager to surprise Marianne with breakfast in bed. As he gathered pantry supplies, he couldn't help but think about what had happened the night before. With a faint hum, Felix began his work, the repetitive sounds of chopping and sizzling filling the air. He stirred the eggs gently, adding herbs for flavor. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, mixing with the scent of sizzling bacon and warm, buttered bread. "Woah, what is that, Daddy?" her daughter, Zoey asked while smelling the aroma. Felix looked around, a warm smile spread