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Cracks in the Facade

Penulis: Harper Blake
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-07-14 19:39:53

The alarm blared at 5:30 a.m., pulling Emma from a fitful sleep. She quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Daniel, and began her morning routine. She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and stared at her reflection in the mirror. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind, a loop of unease and doubt. She quickly got dressed and tiptoed into Lily's room to kiss her daughter goodbye before heading out the door.

At the hospital, Emma threw herself into her work. She made her rounds in the internal medicine ward, diligently checking on patients, and gave instructions to her trainees. Her mind was a whirlwind of medical terminology and personal turmoil. Her colleagues noticed the dark circles under her eyes, but Emma brushed off their concern with a weak smile.

"Emma, are you alright?" Dr. Patel asked during their lunch break.

"Just allergies," Emma lied, wiping at her red eyes. "And PMS."

Dr. Patel gave her a knowing look but didn't press further. Emma appreciated the silence. She had no one to confide in. Her best friend was out of the city, overwhelmed with her own obligations, and Daniel—once her closest confidant—was now the source of her distress.

In a rare moment of solitude, Emma locked herself in the bathroom. She slid down the wall, hugging her knees to her chest, and let the tears fall freely. The cool tiles pressed against her back, grounding her as she cried. After a few minutes, she took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and forced herself to return to her duties, her professional mask firmly in place.

By 6 p.m., Emma was exhausted but relieved to head home. The nanny had already left, and Daniel was watching over Lily. As soon as she walked through the door, she noticed a change. Daniel was more engaged with Lily, playing with her toys and laughing genuinely.

"Hey, how was your day?" Daniel asked, looking up with a warm smile.

"Busy," Emma replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.

As she prepared dinner, she caught sight of Daniel’s phone on the counter. His W******p profile picture now featured their entire family—something he had never done before. Her heart clenched with confusion. He had also changed his phone’s wallpaper to a photo of her and Lily, their faces beaming with happiness. These gestures, meant to reassure, only deepened her unease. Why the sudden change?

After dinner, Emma put Lily to bed, cherishing the few moments of peace as she read her daughter a bedtime story. Once Lily was asleep, Emma returned to the living room. Daniel was waiting, a hopeful look in his eyes.

“Do you want to…?” he asked, his tone suggesting more than just conversation.

Emma shook her head, her exhaustion compounded by emotional turmoil. “Not tonight, Daniel.”

He looked hurt, his shoulders sagging slightly. “Emma, do you want to talk about yesterday?”

Emma took a deep breath, her emotions a tangled knot. “I’m not ready,” she said softly, turning away. The weight of her words hung in the air, a barrier between them.

Daniel reached out, his hand brushing her arm. “Emma, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just want things to go back to normal.”

She looked at him, her eyes filled with unshed tears. “I don’t know what normal is anymore, Daniel. I need time.”

He nodded, his face etched with regret. “I understand. Just know that I love you, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right.”

Emma gave a small nod and retreated to their bedroom, her heart heavy with uncertainty. As she lay in bed, she stared at the ceiling, her mind racing. Daniel’s efforts to reconnect were apparent, but they felt too sudden, too forced. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something fundamental had shifted in their relationship.

Sleep eluded her once again, her thoughts a turbulent sea of doubt and hope. Emma knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, she could only lie there and wait for the dawn, wondering what the future held for her and her family.

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  • His Unfinished Love Story   Searching for Answers

    Emma's alarm woke her at 5:30 a.m. as usual, but today, she felt a strange sense of resolve. She dressed quickly, kissed Lily goodbye, and headed to work. The hospital bustled with its usual activity, and Emma threw herself into her rounds, giving instructions to her trainees with renewed energy.During a rare quiet moment in the staff room, Dr. Patel told a hilarious story about a patient who mistook a stethoscope for a fancy necklace. Emma couldn’t help but laugh along with her colleagues, the sound of their laughter echoing in the room. For a moment, the weight on her shoulders lightened.After work, Emma headed to her Pilates class. Her instructor, Lisa, a stunning 36-year-old divorcee with a 12-year-old son, shared a story about a date with a mixed-race rich man who ditched her upon learning she was a single mom. Emma usually enjoyed these anecdotes, often making witty comments. But today, she just listened, her mind drifting to her own troubles. Lisa noticed Emma's silence but d

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-14
  • His Unfinished Love Story   Emma’s Reflections

    Emma’s p.o.v.I walked slowly along the familiar path at "the plateau," the secluded green area of the prestigious high school Daniel and I had attended. It was a place filled with memories of our walks together, our favorite activity as a couple. Today, however, I walked alone, seeking clarity in the quiet solitude.My mind drifted back to the first time I met Daniel. Although we attended the same high school, Daniel was two years my senior. We didn’t interact much back then, but we moved in similar social circles and had connected on social media.During my first year of college, I was sent to the University of Illinois to work in a lab, thanks to my academic achievements. It was during this time that I met an Irish boy two years older than me. After a few dates, he forced himself on me. Naive and inexperienced, I could only muster a subtle "no." After the deed, as the alcohol's effect waned, he apologized. I left, pretending nothing had happened, but upon returning home, I began ex

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-14
  • His Unfinished Love Story   The Ties That Bind

    Emma’s p.o.v.I continued my walk at "the plateau," the place where Daniel and I had spent countless hours together. As I wandered through the secluded green area of our old high school, memories flooded back, each step bringing a new wave of nostalgia.Daniel had proposed to me during one of the hardest times in his life. His father was suffering from a terminal brain tumor, lying on his deathbed, and his stepmother was relentlessly pursuing his inheritance. When Daniel asked me to marry him, I didn’t think it through. I thought the best way to ease his mind was to say yes. So I did.My parents were grateful to Daniel for bringing me back to life after my trauma, but they had their reservations about our relationship. They believed we were mismatched. I was content with a simple life, while Daniel always aspired for more. My mother tried to object, but when she saw the tears in my eyes, she didn’t persist.Our wedding was beautiful, held at a luxurious venue with a stunning view of t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-14
  • His Unfinished Love Story   Reflections and Regrets

    Daniel’s p.o.v. I sat at my home office desk, the quiet hum of my laptop filling the room. It was my lunch break, and the stillness of the house gave me time to reflect. As a portfolio manager, my work is demanding, but today, my thoughts drifted far from spreadsheets and market trends.I found myself thinking back to Emma, to when we first met. I remembered how I had jokingly commented on her underweight figure, trying to lighten the mood. “Have you been skipping meals?” I had said, trying to mask my concern with humor. Her response was sharp, and it struck a chord in me. I remember feeling uneasy, like I had crossed a line. It was the first hint of something deeper, a worry that I shouldn’t let go of this topic.In the weeks that followed, I started following her on social media. I saw pictures of Hello Kitty dolls she had collected and laughed at her quirky sense of humor. Then there was the one of an old woman in traditional Anatolian attire playing an electronic guitar. I couldn

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  • His Unfinished Love Story   Confrontation and a Search for Solution

    Emma’s p.o.v.:I came back home with a heavy heart, my mind still swirling with the memories of our past. I found Daniel in the living room, staring at his laptop. Taking a deep breath, I decided it was time to confront him. "Daniel, we need to talk," I said, my voice trembling slightly. He looked up, concern etched on his face. "Emma, what's wrong?" "I've been doing a lot of thinking," I began, my hands clasped tightly together. "About us, our relationship, and everything we've been through." He set his laptop aside and stood up, walking towards me. "Emma, I love you. You know that, right? I'm ready to give you everything you ask for. I can transfer the shares I inherited from my father to you. I can put the house under your name. Let's just put this behind us." I shook my head, feeling tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "It's not about the money or the house, Daniel. Do you really love me, or are you just settling?" His eyes widened in shock. "Emma, you're not a woman

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  • His Unfinished Love Story   A New Discovery

    Emma’s p.o.v.: I returned to work, my mind still swirling from the intense conversation with Daniel. I needed a distraction, something to focus on. During a break, I overheard two colleagues excitedly discussing an upcoming medical conference in Santorini, Greece. The conference would focus on hematology, and I realized it could be a perfect opportunity for professional growth and a chance to combine it with our planned trip. The idea sparked a renewed sense of purpose. I decided to submit my case study on cold agglutinin disorder due to CMV infection. If accepted, I could become a speaker at the conference, significantly enhancing my portfolio. I approached the head of the internal medicine department with my plan. "Dr. Patel, I’d like to submit my case study to the hematology conference in Santorini. If it gets accepted, I could present it and represent our hospital," I said, trying to contain my excitement. Dr. Patel looked up from her desk, a thoughtful expression on her fa

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-15
  • His Unfinished Love Story   Unraveling Threads

    Daniel’s pov: I stared at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my tie for the third time. Emma had been distant lately, and despite my best efforts, I couldn't understand why. Her sudden eagerness to break up felt like a puzzle I couldn't solve. Witnessing my confessions of flirtations on that program was hurtful, I knew that, but was it enough to make her want to leave me? Or had she discovered something more? The conflicts with my uncle over my father's inheritance weighed heavily on my mind. He and my stepmother had been scheming together, threatening to frame my father for corruption. If they succeeded, they could legally seize my shares of the company. The Turkish legal system allowed for such actions under specific conditions, particularly if they could prove my father's involvement in fraudulent activities. That's why I had been so eager to transfer my shares to Emma—not just to prove my love, but to protect what was rightfully mine. But did she know about the lengths I

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-15
  • His Unfinished Love Story   The Unseen Threat

    Emma’s pov: At work, I found an envelope on my desk, addressed to me without a return address. My heart pounded as I opened it. The letter inside was typed, making it impossible to trace its origin. The words sent a chill down my spine: "You don't know the whole truth. Be careful."Anxiety gripped me as I thought of Lily. I immediately called the nanny to check on her well-being. Thankfully, she was fine. My next call was to Daniel, explaining the mysterious letter. He responded neutrally, asking me to stay calm. His indifference only added to my unease.Later, at my Pilates class, I struggled to focus. During a break, Lisa couldn't hold back her concern any longer and asked if the letter had anything to do with my husband. I confided in her about Daniel’s flirtations and the numerous mysterious phone calls. Lisa, having experienced betrayal herself, looked uneasy. She suspected Daniel's fidelity but also shared her wisdom about the hardships of being a single mother and finding a se

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Bab terbaru

  • His Unfinished Love Story   Dear Reader

    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.

  • His Unfinished Love Story   The End

    **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

  • His Unfinished Love Story   Breakfast Chaos and Family Moments

    **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

  • His Unfinished Love Story   Scarlet’s Farewell

    **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

  • His Unfinished Love Story   A Santorini Situation

    **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

  • His Unfinished Love Story   Second Honeymoon

    **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

  • His Unfinished Love Story   Next chapter

    **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

  • His Unfinished Love Story   Yes, I Will

    **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

  • His Unfinished Love Story   I’m Home

    **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

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