(Emily's POV).“Can you tell me more specifically what you decided for her?” I asked, my voice quiet but insistent as I slipped under the covers. Mike had already turned off the lights, and the room was dark except for the faint glow of the bedside lamp. We were supposed to be getting ready for bed, but my mind was still spinning from everything I’d found out earlier.Mike paused, standing at the foot of the bed, his hands lingering at the hem of his shirt. He sighed deeply, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of the world. "Why do you want to know more, Love?" he asked, his voice low and cautious.I could feel his hesitation, but I wasn’t going to let him evade this. Not now. "Because I know you," I said softly, looking at him in the dim light. "I know you’ve done something... something more than you’ve told me."He sat down on the edge of the bed, still not looking at me, and I could see the tension in his shoulders. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence stretched b
(Emily's POV)."Tonight, there’s a big family dinner. It includes Ben. Do you want to come?" Mike’s voice broke through the comfortable silence as we sat at the dining table, enjoying breakfast.I paused mid-bite, the fork suspended between my plate and my mouth. The food I had been casually enjoying suddenly felt like a lump in my throat, and I had to force myself to swallow. Ben. Dinner. With the Johnsons. Mike’s family. It meant I had to meet him; Ben - my ex.I placed the fork down gently and turned to look at him, trying to hide the shock I felt. My heart started to pound. Ben and I hadn’t been in the same room since... since everything fell apart between us. And now I am married to Mike, his uncle. The idea of sitting across from Ben, of having to face him while pretending everything was fine—it was daunting.But I couldn’t refuse, could I? Not when Mike was asking. Not when I’d already stepped into this complicated world when I said yes to him."I... I guess I should go," I
(Emily's POV).Mike leaned against the counter, his eyes watching me carefully. His gaze held a mix of concern and anticipation, as if he was waiting for me to reveal how I truly felt about last night.“How’d you sleep?” he asked again, a little softer this time, as though he already knew my answer.I sipped the coffee he handed me, letting the warmth settle the unease still lingering from the night before. “Better than I thought I would,” I replied, though my voice didn’t sound as convincing as I’d hoped.Mike’s eyes flickered with understanding. “It was a lot to handle,” he admitted, moving closer to me. “You being there, with him... It was bound to stir up something.”I stared into my coffee, swirling it around absentmindedly, trying to push away the thoughts of Ben’s lingering glances, the tension that had filled the room like a heavy fog. No matter how much I wanted to pretend last night didn’t affect me, it did.“Yeah, it brought up a lot of old feelings,” I admitted quietly, f
(Emily's POV)."Today I want to ask you to come with me to Paris, Love."I blinked, caught off guard by Mike’s words. My heart fluttered, and a giddy smile spread across my face as I looked at him. “Paris?” I echoed, excitement bubbling up inside me. “Really?”Mike smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement at my reaction. “Yes, Paris.” He reached out, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. “I have some business there, but I thought we could make it special. Take you and the baby with me. Have our second honeymoon,” he paused, his voice softening, “but this time, as a complete family.”My heart melted at the sound of those words. The idea of us, as a family, exploring the streets of Paris together filled me with warmth. “A second honeymoon?” I asked, grinning. “I like the sound of that.”Mike chuckled, a deep, rich sound that made me fall in love with him all over again. “I thought you might.”I nodded eagerly, my mind already racing with the thought of strolling along the Seine, seein
(Emily’s POV).“Welcome to the city of love, Love.”Mike’s deep, velvety voice greeted me the moment we stepped off the private plane. His lips captured mine in a soft kiss, making my heart skip a beat. As the cool Paris air brushed against my skin, I felt a surge of warmth—not just from the weather, but from the love in his touch. I closed my eyes, kissing him back tenderly, savoring the sweetness of this moment.When we finally pulled apart, I smiled up at him, my chest swelling with emotion. “That’s quite the welcome,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around him and resting my head on his chest. “I’m so happy, Mike. This is all so romantic.”He chuckled, the sound reverberating in his chest. “Well, this is Paris. It’s a city made for romance,” he said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “And you deserve nothing but the best, Mrs. Johnson.” His words were warm and affectionate, and I felt my heart flutter all over again.Just as we shared another intimate look, a man in a crisp s
(Emily's POV)."This breakfast is really fancy, Mike," I said, looking down at the array of croissants, fresh berries, eggs Benedict, and the finest espresso I had ever tasted. The light of the morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the hotel restaurant, casting a warm glow over the elegant white tablecloths and polished silverware. Everything about this place felt like a dream—a perfect Parisian dream.Mike smiled at me from across the table, his deep blue eyes twinkling with affection. "I'm glad you're enjoying it," he said, sipping his coffee. "Paris is a city made for indulgence, and I wanted us to really soak it all in."I leaned back in my chair, letting the rich aroma of fresh bread and coffee fill my senses. "You know, I think this might just be the perfect second honeymoon," I replied, my heart swelling with love for the man in front of me. Mike had planned this whole trip so meticulously, from the boutique hotel to the romantic dinners and now, this beautiful br
(Emily’s POV).“You are free to go around as long as Arthur is with you. He will be your guide, and please, come back to the hotel in the evening. I have to meet with my clients.”Those were Mike's words to me as he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his suit jacket with a quick glance. He was already dressed, the sharp lines of his navy suit making him look even more commanding than usual. I reached out and gently tugged at his tie, fixing it for him.“I’ll be fine,” I said, giving him a soft smile. "Maybe I’ll try to see some of the malls around here. It’s not every day I get to explore Paris."Mike looked at me with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Just remember, the credit card is in your hand, and I topped up the balance yesterday."I blinked in surprise, laughing softly. "You topped it up? Mike, I barely even shop. You know that."He gave me a half-smirk and shook his head. "Exactly, that’s why I want you to enjoy this time. You’re here, you deserve to spoil yourself. B
(Emily’s POV).“I’m enjoying my time while you’re in meetings, Mike,” I said with a playful smile, twirling my fork in my hand as I sat across from him at a cozy little restaurant in the heart of Paris. It was one of those places you wouldn’t find unless you were a local or someone who knew their way around the hidden gems of the city. The candlelight flickered between us, casting a soft glow on his face, making him look even more handsome than usual.Mike raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a teasing smile. “Does that mean you like it when I’m not around?” he asked, fishing for a reaction while teasing me in that charming way he always did.I leaned in, gently placing my hand on his cheek, feeling the slight stubble beneath my fingertips. “It’s not like that,” I replied softly, shaking my head with a smile of my own. “I mean, I really enjoyed today. I wasn’t bored. Because if you’re in meetings, and I’m just stuck in the hotel, especially in Paris, I’d feel confused and rest
(Emily’s POV).Two years had passed, and our lives felt fuller and richer than I’d ever dreamed. Christopher had grown into a bright and beautiful toddler, and every day, I watched him reach new milestones with a mix of joy and awe. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he absorbed everything Mike and I taught him, and he surprised me constantly with the way he understood and remembered the little things. I couldn’t have imagined that I would ever feel this deeply fulfilled or so endlessly proud of the life we’d created together.This life has changed me, too. Just two years ago, I would never have thought I’d find myself married to Mike—my soul mate and, yes, someone much older than me and, admittedly, the uncle of my ex-fiancé. In the beginning, our bond had been a shocking, unexpected twist that seemed almost too good to be real. But with every shared moment, every quiet evening together and every early morning with Christopher, I felt the truth of our connection. I loved him wit
"Daddy's home, Buddy!"The words spilled from my mouth with excitement I couldn’t contain as I stepped into the living room, only to find Mike already cradling Christopher in his arms. The sight of them together was enough to melt my heart. Christopher, so small and fragile, seemed to sense Mike’s presence the moment he walked through the door, and now his tiny hand clung to Mike’s shirt, his bright eyes wide with curiosity.Mike looked up at me, his face softened with a quiet joy that made my heart flutter. "I think he knows I’m back," he said, his voice filled with wonder.I laughed softly, setting my purse aside. "Of course he does. There’s no way he could miss you."I watched them for a moment, unable to look away. There was something so natural, so effortless, about the way Mike held Christopher. It was as if they were two halves of the same heartbeat, already so attuned to each other that even a few days apart felt too long. I didn’t want to interrupt, so I slipped into the k
(Emily’s POV)."I miss you."The words slipped out before I could stop myself. The moment I saw Mike step through the airport gate, every ounce of restraint I’d held over the past few days just melted away. I practically threw myself into his arms, wrapping him in a hug so tight I thought I might never let go.Mike’s hands slid around my waist, pulling me even closer, and I felt his warm breath against my ear. “I missed you too, more than you know,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. There was a rough edge to his tone, a subtle hint of all the things he wasn’t saying aloud. Before I could respond, his lips were on mine, his kiss hungry, demanding, like he was making up for every moment we’d spent apart. My hands slipped up to his shoulders, fingers clinging to the fabric of his shirt as the airport, the people, everything faded around us. It was just him and me, our unspoken longing filling the space between us until it overflowed.Finally, reluctantly, we broke apart, our bre
(Emily’s POV)."Don't cry, Boy. I'm right here," I cooed softly, bouncing Christopher lightly in my arms. His tiny face was scrunched up, cheeks flushed as he let out another wail, the sound piercing in a way that tugged at my heart.I felt a pang of helplessness, a familiar ache that surfaced whenever I couldn’t seem to calm him. Normally, when Mike was here, Christopher barely fussed. I liked to think it was because he sensed the balance and warmth that Mike’s presence brought. And now, that steadiness was gone, at least for a few days. I could only imagine how strange it must feel for Christopher to have half of his usual world missing."Shh, it’s okay. I’m here. We’re going to be just fine,” I murmured, trying not to let my own frustration leak into my tone.Despite my efforts, his cries only grew louder, his little hands curling into tight fists. I could feel my patience thinning, a creeping sense of unease mingling with the exhaustion that came from trying to soothe him on my
(Emily’s POV)."Take care of yourself, Mike. Call me as soon as you land," I said softly, feeling the weight of his upcoming absence settle over me.Mike nodded, his eyes meeting mine, as he gently cradled my face in his hands. "I will. And don’t worry, you’ll hear from me as soon as I’m down." He leaned in and pressed his lips to my forehead, his kiss lingering, soft and warm. Then, his mouth found mine, and I melted into him, letting myself be consumed by the kiss. It was longer, deeper than usual, as if neither of us wanted to let go. I could feel his unspoken promise in that kiss—a reassurance that he’d come back to me, always.The sound of his assistant’s voice cut through the air, snapping us back to the present. "Boss, it’s time to take off."Mike broke the kiss with a soft sigh, resting his forehead against mine momentarily. "I love you, Emily," he said, his voice filled with a warmth that wrapped around my heart.I managed a smile, my voice trembling slightly as I replied
(Mike’s POV)."Emily, I’ll be heading out on a business trip for a week. Want to come with me?" I asked, hoping to have her by my side for those seven days. Being away from her, from us, even for just a week, felt heavier than it used to. I just hope she wanted to come to me.She gave me a soft, apologetic smile. “Since having Christopher, I feel like I should stay around the house more,” she said, her hand instinctively reaching up to rest over her heart. “He’s so young, Mike. I don’t want him to wake up without his mom around.”I nodded, suppressing the pang of disappointment. It wasn’t as if I didn’t understand. Ever since Christopher had come into our lives, everything had changed—Emily had changed, and for the better, in so many ways. She was the embodiment of patience, grace, and care, and I was a fool to ever try and pull her away from that.“That’s fair,” I said with a grin, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “But,” I added, voice soft, “just remember, let me know if you head t
(Mike’s POV).The evening came too soon, and before I knew it, Emily and I were heading to the Johnson family home for yet another one of these "family dinners." They had never been a tradition before, at least not until Emily and I got married. Now, it felt like some unspoken agreement that we’d all gather regularly, whether I wanted to or not. The whole situation made me question things, wondering why we suddenly needed to meet so often when, in the past, we’d been perfectly fine keeping to ourselves. The irony wasn’t lost on me.Emily squeezed my hand, noticing the tension in my grip as we pulled into the driveway. “Remember, not everything needs to be faced with emotions,” she murmured gently, giving me a smile that made me feel as though we were the only two people in the world. “Tonight is just another dinner. We’ll get through it.”I nodded, taking a breath to calm myself. She was right; Emily had this calming effect on me, something I’d never known I needed until I found he
(Mike’s POV).“You aren’t mad at me? For not telling you about my visit to my father’s?”Emily’s question pulled me out of my thoughts, her voice soft yet searching as she looked up at me. I couldn’t help but smile as I shook my head, reaching to touch her cheek, letting my thumb trace the gentle curve there. Her expression held a touch of worry, but I could see something deeper beneath it—trust, maybe. A need for reassurance that ran deeper than the question she’d just asked.“Not at all,” I murmured, my voice low. Jimmy had told me she’d visited him, and, of course, I knew that meant Ben had been around. It wasn’t exactly a thought I enjoyed. There was still a part of me, small but insistent, that flared with jealousy, picturing Emily in the same space as him. But I wasn’t about to let that ruin this moment. I trusted her. She tilted her face up, catching my gaze with her eyes, which sparkled with a warmth that made everything else fade away. I lifted her chin gently, leaning do
(Emily’s POV).“Why don’t you give up, Ben?”My voice cut through the gentle hum of the garden, breaking the tranquility as I stepped toward him. Ben was hunched over, hands full of grass clippings as he tended to the flowerbeds in my father’s yard. His head jerked up at my voice, his face creased in mild surprise. Clearly, he hadn’t expected me to show up here, and certainly not to confront him.The annoyance simmered in my chest as I walked closer, a dull ache pushing me to get the words out, to speak my mind finally. Every time I saw him here, every time I knew he was just around the corner from my life with Mike, it gnawed at me like an open wound.Ben stood up slowly, straightening to his full height, wiping his hands on his jeans. “Emily,” he said, his voice calm but wary. “I didn’t think you’d come here just to see me.”“I came here to ask why you haven’t disappeared from my life,” I replied, my tone sharper than I’d intended. “After everything, why not just… give up?”He loo