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 decided not to pry. “You okay, Emma?” Lisa asked gently. Emma forced a smile. “Just tired, I guess.” Back home, Emma walked in to find Daniel bathing Lily, their laughter filling the bathroom. It was a warm scene, one that tugged at her heartstrings. Suddenly, Lily started crying. "Mommy, it hurts!" Lily whimpered, pointing to a bruised area on her foot. Daniel’s face clouded with worry. "Emma, we should take her to the hospital. She was barefoot in the garden this morning—what if something got stuck in there?" Emma knelt to examine Lily’s foot. "It’s just a bruise, Daniel. There's no sign of infection." She had a flashback to a year ago, in Paris. Lily had developed septicemia from gastroenteritis. One chaotic hospital visit ended with Daniel yelling at Emma, "Get out of my life! Why am I in this situation?!" She had dismissed it then, thinking it was stress. Now, comparing his unnecessary worry to his previous indifference, she found it ridiculous. After putting Lily to bed, Daniel approached Emma, seeking intimacy. "How about tonight?" he asked softly. Emma shook her head. "I’m really tired, Daniel." He leaned in and managed to steal a kiss. She didn’t pull away, letting the kiss happen. Daniel took this as a positive sign, his eyes lighting up with hope. Emma pulled back, her eyes searching his. "Why this sudden change, Daniel? One minute you're indifferent, and the next you're overly concerned. Do you think I don't notice?" Daniel frowned, taken aback. "What are you talking about, Emma?" She sighed, trying to keep her voice steady. "A year ago, in Paris, when Lily was sick, you yelled at me in the hospital. You asked me to get out of your life. And now, you're acting like the perfect husband. It's confusing." Daniel's face softened. "Emma, I was scared then. I didn't mean it." "You always do this," Emma continued, her voice rising. "Whenever there's a crisis, you switch back to the perfect boyfriend you were when we were dating. But what about the rest of the time? I feel like you take our relationship for granted." Daniel's eyes widened in hurt. "That's not true. I love you and Lily." "Have you ever thought about having an affair?" Emma asked, her voice trembling. Daniel shook his head vehemently. "No, Emma. Never." "Then why do I feel so insecure?" she whispered, tears welling up. "Why do I feel like I'm losing you?" Daniel reached out to touch her face, but she pulled away. "I need to know that you're committed to us, Daniel. Not just when things are bad, but all the time." Daniel's expression was one of anguish. "I am, Emma. I promise you, I am." Emma turned away, feeling lonelier than ever. The walls of their home, once a sanctuary, now felt like a prison of unspoken doubts and unresolved emotions. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering how they would navigate the chasm that had opened between them. She knew she needed answers, but they seemed as elusive as the sleep that continued to evade her.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Daniel’s POV I stood in my office, gripping the letter Emma had shown me. Its vague threat echoed in my mind. “You don’t know the whole truth. Be careful.” Who could have sent this? My thoughts immediately turned to my uncle, a man capable of such tactics. I dialed his number, pacing the room as I waited for him to pick up. "Daniel, what a surprise," he greeted, his voice dripping with false warmth. "Did you send this?" I cut to the chase, not in the mood for pleasantries. There was a pause. "Send what?" "A letter. To Emma. Warning her about something she doesn’t know," I said, my voice tight with anger. He chuckled softly, a sound that sent chills down my spine. "No, Daniel. That wasn’t me. But it's interesting you thought of me first." "Who else could it be? You've been trying to undermine me for years," I retorted. "True, but I prefer more direct methods," he replied. "Speaking of which, have you reconsidered my offer about the lands’ arrangements?" I clenched my ja
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