LOGIN“We missed all of you!” he chimed cheerfully. “We missed you too, buddy,” Dino called out, stepping forward with a wide, excited grin. “We even built hammocks and a treehouse at the orchard. You should check them out later.” “Yey! We have a treehouse and hammock!” Atlas’s face lit up instantly,
Four years later— The convoy slowed as it entered Sta. Cristina, the once-quiet town now alive with movement and color. Gone were the uneven dirt roads. In their place stretched smooth pathways that wound through thriving fields—rows upon rows of crops swaying beneath the sun, their greens deeper,
The wedding celebration slowly softened as the sun dipped behind the mountains of Sta. Cristina. Laughter still lingered in the front yard of the humble Greene home—warm, unrestrained, filled with the joy of a union long awaited. But somewhere between the laughter and the fading light—Cassie and A
A breath. “Every day.” Her smile deepened through her tears. “Every lifetime.” Their gazes remained locked—quiet, unwavering—despite the swell of applause rising around them. It filled the chapel, warm and thunderous, echoing against the wooden walls. Pride shone in the men’s eyes, steady and u
"Cassie…” His voice came out quieter than anyone had ever heard it—stripped of authority, stripped of control. Just Ashton. Just a man standing before the woman he loved. After her slow, soulful walk toward him… after Eliseo and Celia had gently, tearfully placed her hand in his— He held her now.
Cassie allowed herself to be pulled forward, though her expression remained stunned, her mind still trying to grasp the sheer extravagance hidden beneath what she thought was simplicity. Behind her, Eliseo and Carmel exchanged a glance. Then, almost in unison, their gazes drifted back to the gown.
“Thank you… for the two greatest treasures of my life.” His hands rose to cup her face, thumbs brushing gently against her tear-streaked cheeks before he leaned in and kissed her. It was not a hurried kiss, nor one meant to impress. It was soft. Lingering. Filled with quiet promises and unspoken gr
"What do you mean, Abby?” Ashton stepped closer to Cassie, his arm instinctively wrapping around her again, as if anchoring her to him. His heartbeat had quickened—loud, unsteady—something in Abby’s tone setting off a quiet storm of anticipation he couldn’t yet name. “I—I didn’t mean to spoil anyt
“Back when he was training under me… you were always there, one way or another.” Cassie blinked, caught off guard. But instead of tightening her nerves, the gesture—unexpectedly—steadied her. Something about his warmth, unfiltered and sincere, cut through the intimidation she had been bracing hers
“Ashton…” she murmured softly, her voice barely audible beneath the swell of voices. But before he could respond, a clear, warm voice rose above the crowd. “Ashton.” It carried effortlessly, drawing attention without demanding it. Cassie turned—and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. Stand







