Michael’s POVThe penthouse feels too pristine today, too quiet, as I lay out the final details of our escape to Norway. Emma's sitting across from me, her body language screaming reluctance but her voice barely above a whisper. "We're leaving next week," I announce, trying to mask my own unease with a tone of finality. "New identities, a whole new life.""How did you manage all that?" Her question is faint, but the fear in her eyes is loud and clear."I had some help... from Laura," I admit, watching her closely for her reaction."Laura? But she's my friend..." Emma's voice cracks, the betrayal etching deeper lines into her already strained face.I chuckle darkly, enjoying the control. "Everyone has their price, Emma. Laura's no different. She's looking out for her own interests."The conversation is cut short by a buzz from my phone. A message from Jessica, or so it claims, saying she knows about the poisoning and has proof. It's absurd. Jessica's supposed to be in a coma, yet here
Emma‘s POVThe heavy door swings open abruptly, crashing against the wall with the force of a storm. "Emma!" Daniel's voice, a lifeline in the tempest of my captivity, cuts through the dense air. My heart leaps and hammers against my ribs, each beat a chaotic symphony of hope and fear.He rushes towards me, the distance between us collapsing under the weight of our shared longing and desperation. As his arms wrap around me, the world, once a prison of despair, cracks open, letting in a sliver of light. His embrace is both a shield and a sanctuary, the warmth of his body a stark contrast to the cold dread that had seeped into my bones."I've got you," he whispers against my hair, his voice thick with emotion. Tears escape my eyes, not of sorrow, but relief—relief that sings through my veins, loud and resonant."We're safe now, Emma. I promise," Daniel assures me, his presence grounding me in the reality of my rescue.—-Outside, the aftermath of my rescue paints a vivid picture of swif
Michael‘s POV In the grim confines of my cell, the air hangs thick with despair. The stark, gray walls echo the chilling stillness that surrounds me, a constant reminder of my isolation. Yet, amidst this dreary solitude, my status ensures a degree of untouchable authority—courtesy of my old friend, Officer Jenkins. His subtle nods and discreet passes of extra comforts affirm that, even here, my influence lingers, warding off any potential threats or discomforts from less sympathetic inmates. The abrupt call to the interrogation room shatters my temporary peace. As I'm led down the cold, echoing hallways, the door swings open to reveal Moses Hampton, his presence as formidable as ever, yet his eyes betray a storm of fury and betrayal. The tension in the room is palpable, a thick veil that could be sliced with the mere clatter of handcuffs against the table. "Moses," I start, my voice steady despite the chaos brewing in his gaze. "What an unexpected pleasure." His jaw clenches vi
Emma‘s POV In the quiet solitude of our bedroom, I sit by the window, the soft hum of the city below barely penetrating the thick glass. The world moves on outside, oblivious to the storm that rages within me. Daniel's presence in the room is both a comfort and a reminder of all that I've lost within myself. He watches me with eyes full of unspoken promises and a love that seems to defy the scars that mar my soul. He approaches slowly, his steps measured, as if he's walking on the fragile surface of my shattered peace. "Emma, talk to me," he pleads softly, taking a seat beside me. His hand finds mine, the warmth familiar yet so distant now. I pull my hand away, not out of spite but out of necessity. "How is Lily?" I ask, steering the conversation away from the dark corridors of my mind. "She’s asking about you every day. She can’t wait to see you," Daniel's voice breaks with emotion. "I can bring her back anytime you feel ready." "There’s no need," I reply quickly, too quic
**Daniel's POV**As the evening shadows crept across the room, I handed Emma the small orange bottle of antidepressants and sleeping pills, the ones prescribed by her psychiatrist. My hands lingered over hers, feeling the cold that seemed to perpetually cling to her skin these days. She offered a faint smile, a ghost of her former warmth, and took the medication.Watching her slip under the covers, I felt a surge of protectiveness. I couldn't leave her side—not tonight. As her breathing evened out into the rhythm of sleep, I lay down beside her, wrapping my arms around her fragile form. My mind, however, refused to quiet, haunted by the fear of losing her not just to Michael's cruelty but to the shadows that now seemed to engulf her spirit.Sleep eventually claimed me, but it brought no peace. I found myself in a nightmare where the world was drained of color, a gray wasteland. Emma was there, walking away from me towards a precipice that overlooked an abyss. I called out to her, my v
**Daniel's POV**I gently place the antidepressants and sleeping pills, prescribed by the psychiatrist, on Emma's nightstand, ensuring they're within her reach if she needs them during the night. As she drifts off to sleep, I lie down beside her, wrapping my arms around her protectively. The silence of the room amplifies my thoughts, and soon, fatigue drags me into a restless sleep. I see the same nightmare, Emma walking away from me, her figure getting smaller as she approaches the edge of a dark abyss. I call out to her, my voice desperate, but she doesn't turn back. "Please, Emma, don't leave me," I plead, but she steps over the edge, disappearing into darkness. I wake up with a start, screaming her name.Emma stirs beside me, her eyes wide with fear. "What happened?" she asks, her voice shaky.I'm panting, the remnants of the dream still vivid. "I had a nightmare," I confess, my voice trembling. "I thought I lost you again." Seeing her so alarmed, I curse myself for letting the
**Daniel’s POV**In the bustling corridor outside Mrs. Williams' office, Emma's accusation slices through the air, leaving a palpable tension. Laura, caught off guard, fumbles for words, her confusion evident. "Betrayal? Emma, what are you talking about?" Her voice, usually calm and collected, is tinged with distress.Emma's features harden, her eyes glinting with a mix of pain and accusation. "I know about the deal you made with Michael, Laura. How could you?" Without waiting for a response, she turns sharply and walks away, her steps quick and decisive.Laura watches her go, a pang of hurt visible in her eyes. She turns to me, searching for an explanation. I shake my head, equally perplexed by Emma's reaction. "She's been under a lot of stress, Laura. Michael fed her lies, twisted truths. I'm sorry she lashed out like that."Laura's exhaustion is more apparent now, her face pale and drawn. "It's been a tough few days," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "My brother passed
**Emma’s POV** I sit on the old park bench beside Laura, our usual spot shaded by the sprawling branches of an ancient oak. It’s quieter here, away from the usual hustle of the city, a perfect place for difficult conversations. I start the conversation, turning to her: “I've been thinking a lot about the other day... I'm sorry, Laura. I shouldn't have accused you like that, without hearing you. I was overwhelmed and... I took it out on you.” Laura smiles weakly: “It's okay, Emma. You were under a lot of stress, and I should've been more transparent about everything from the start.” I study her face, the usual spark dimmed by recent events. The loss of her brother, the pressure from her parents—it's all weighing on her. I respond to her with caution: “Daniel told me about your brother... and it hit me. You're carrying so much, Laura. And here I was, adding to that weight. You've always been there for me, like family. I shouldn't have pushed you away.” Laura answers, tears we
Writing "His Unfinished Love Story" was like talking to a friend for me. It came from a place where I was struggling with family stuff, and I didn't really have anyone to open up to—no best friends or unbiased family members. Counseling wasn't my thing, so I poured it all into this book instead. This story is a mix of real-life vibes and make-believe, exploring all kinds of love—whether it’s the love for a parent, a sibling, a friend, or even the complicated, sometimes obsessive kind. What I've realized is that no type of love is superior; they all just... are. And while love can push us to do crazy things, it's not a free pass to mess up and just expect forgiveness. That kind of forgiveness, the kind that really matters, comes from a higher place. I hope my book helps you sort out your own feelings, find some peace, or maybe even close a chapter that's been open too long. Thanks for diving into this journey with me. Here's to finding your peace, whatever that looks like.
**David’d POV** I stand there, by Scarlet’s resting place, with the familiar weight of white roses in my hands—her favorite. It’s a clear morning, the cemetery dappled with sunlight, peaceful and introspective. As I place the flowers down, I can’t help but feel a blend of solace and sorrow, her diary's words echoing in my mind. “Scarlet,” I start, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “I’ve read every page you left behind. It’s like having a part of you still here with me, and I’m grateful for that. You always had a way of making the world a bit brighter, even in writing.” I pause, taking a breath as I look around, feeling her presence. “You know, Emma and Daniel are back together. After everything, they’ve found their way back to each other. You worried about them, I know. But they’re happy, truly. Daniel once told me that without her, he’d be lost... an unfinished love story. Well, they’ve got their happy ending now.” My voice falters as I touch the cold stone, a part o
**Daniel’s POV** This morning, I can barely stifle my laughter as Lily, almost six and full of sass, unleashes a spectacular tantrum over her cereal. She’s just found out we got married without her and took a sneaky honeymoon to Santorini. “You guys are the worst secret keepers ever!” she declares, pouting. I try to explain. “Sweetie, you had school, remember? And honestly, it was just a quick vow exchange—super boring, no big party or anything.” She’s not buying it. “But I could’ve skipped school! You think I wanted to do math instead of going to a beach?” Emma jumps in, grinning. “Trust me, you wouldn’t have enjoyed Santorini. We ended up talking to the police more than we swam!” “Yeah, you should thank us. It was a disaster!” I add, chuckling. Lily's not amused. She crosses her arms. “Next time, I’m coming. No more vacations without me.” Emma and I exchange a look, suppressing our laughter as we nod in surrender. “Deal,” we chorus. I hustle to get Lily ready for scho
**David’s POV**Here in my New York apartment, as the relentless city rain echoes my mood, I find myself repeatedly drawn to the old, worn pages of Scarlet’s diary. This morning, the echoes of last night's indulgence weigh heavy, a migraine pulsing in the background as I numb it with the usual analgesic. But the diary demands attention once again.I flip to the last entry, a letter penned for me, her "Bumblebee," written in a moment of profound solitude and clarity.---**Scarlet’s Letter to me:**My dear Bumblebee,As I write this, sitting in the quiet of my unwanted sanctuary, the light of hope is dim, nearly extinguished. Yet there's a strange peace in knowing you’re out there, free from the burden of me. These long years have granted me too much time for reflection, and a painful truth has emerged: I loved you, David. It was never just brotherly love or friendship; it was a calm, steady love that I mistook for mere companionship while I allowed myself to be consumed by Michael's t
**Daniel’s POV** *At the police car* The first streaks of dawn had barely lit up the horizon when Emma and I, handcuffed in the back of a Greek police car, were driving towards the station. The situation was, admittedly, absurd, and Emma's reaction was equally dramatic. "Why, Daniel? Why is every crazy adventure with you ending up with the police?" Emma half-yelled, half-laughed, her annoyance fighting with amusement. "Oh, come on, love. We could charm our way out. I'll start praising their baklava and yoghurt—say it's all Greek, not Turkish!" I teased, trying to lighten the mood. "That's your plan? Really?" Emma was not amused. “Maybe I could add some sugarcoating to their weird alphabet, too?” I kept teasing. "We've been married less than a week, and you're already pushing for an annulment, huh?" "Technically, it'd be called an annulment, yes," I chuckled, winking at her. She lunged at me, stopped only by the seatbelt, while the police officer in the front warned
**Daniel’s POV** Driving Emma straight to my apartment after the marriage ceremony, I can't help but tease her about the neatly arranged belongings all around. She looks around, her confusion melting into a surprised smile when I explain, "I’ve been planning this day with my lovely in-laws for 2 months now." "Why isn’t Lily here then?" she asks, a hint of worry in her tone. I can barely keep the grin off my face as I lean in, whispering the next surprise. "Because, my love, we’re jetting off for a week abroad for our honeymoon." Emma's eyes widen, a mix of excitement and concern dancing in them. "But I need to take annual leave from the hospital," she counters, her voice tinged with anxiety. I put on a sad face, playing up my disappointment. "How can you not trust me with my meticulously arranged plans?" I complain, only half-joking. Her gasp when I tell her everything's been handled is absolutely worth it. "And where exactly are we going?" she probes, curiosity overtaking
**Emma’s POV***A month later*The thrill of feeling like my old self was palpable as I walked through the familiar scenic route of “the plateau” of my high school. It felt like stepping back into a life I'd put on pause, now ready to play at full volume. My phone buzzed, breaking my reverie. It was Dr. Patel, my old boss, and the last person I expected to call me after the way I'd left things."Emma, I've got a proposition for you," Dr. Patel's voice was as brisk and businesslike as ever. "How would you feel about coming back as an endocrine fellow?""But... after everything?" I asked, my brow furrowing."Let's just say I've made some calls. Your record's clear and, frankly, we need you. Are you up for it?" There was a hopeful note in her voice that warmed me a little."Okay, what do I need to do?" My heart started to race with excitement."There’s the Subspecialty Equivalency Examination next month. Pass that, and I’ll talk to the CMO about getting you a spot," she explained."Coun
**Emma’s POV**The sunlight was already high in the sky by the time I managed to peel my eyes open. The room was silent, save for the distant hum of the city outside. I stretched lazily, enjoying the rare luxury of a slow morning, but the sound of the doorbell sliced through the tranquility. Puzzled, I slid out of bed and shuffled toward the sound, my thoughts still tangled in the threads of sleep.Peeking around the corner, I saw Daniel chatting with my mom in hushed tones, the only word I could hear was “passport.” His back was to me, but I could tell by the way he was gesturing that he was excited about something."What's going on?" I asked, rubbing my eyes as I approached.Daniel turned with a start, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Morning, sleepyhead! Just sorting out some paperwork with your mom. Nothing to worry about," he winked, a twinkle in his eye.My mom, ever the conspirator, gave me a knowing look but kept her lips sealed. "Why don't you get ready, dear? Dani
**Emma’s POV**As the wheels of the plane touch down in Istanbul, a wave of nostalgia and relief washes over me. The familiar scent of the sea mingled with the bustling city life fills my lungs, grounding me. "I'm home," I whisper to myself, my heart swelling with a peace I haven't felt in months.The airport is bustling as always, but my focus narrows to the figures of my parents in the distance. As we make our way through the crowd, I spot Lily breaking free from my mother's embrace and sprinting towards me with open arms. "Mommy!" her voice echoes over the chatter, a sweet sound I've missed dearly.I drop to my knees just in time to catch her in a tight hug, lifting her into the air as she giggles. "I missed you so much, little bug," I murmur into her hair."Missed you more," she replies, squeezing me tighter. My parents join us, their faces lined with relief and joy. "Welcome home, Emma," my dad says, his voice thick with emotion as he pulls me into a hug."Did you bring me anyth