**Daniel’s POV** I'm at the airport with Emma, and we've just booked two business class tickets to Istanbul. It's going to be a long flight—about 14 hours—and I can't help but tease her about it. "How will you manage to put up with me for so long?" I ask with a playful grin. Emma shoots back a joke, "There’s nothing to bear with such a handsome baby face; the flight will be fine. Besides, don’t you remember our flight to the Maldives on our honeymoon? That was eight hours of your weird jokes on a night flight." I laugh, reminiscing about those early days—how Emma always found a way to see me as attractive, whether during my chubbier phases or when I neglected my self-care while rescuing her from Michael. “For you, I guess I’ll always be the most handsome,” I say, pulling her close for a kiss. Our light moment is interrupted by a video call from Lily, who's bubbling with excitement about seeing us again. The conversation is filled with laughter and silly faces, and it warms my h
**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
**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***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
**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
**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
**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** 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