Engaged

The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. Anna shifted slightly, her head resting on Stephen's chest. As she stirred awake, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear filled her with a sense of contentment that she had never known before.

Yet, amidst the warmth of the moment, a shadow of doubt crept into her mind. She couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had led them here. Her thoughts drifted to that fateful night when their paths had collided in the most unexpected and painful way.

The memory of that night was a stark contrast to the love and happiness she now felt in Stephen's embrace. She remembered the fear, the helplessness, the trauma that had marked her. But she also remembered the subsequent moments, his apologies, his sincere attempts to make amends, and the gradual transformation of their relationship.

Anna's fingers traced invisible patterns on Stephen's chest as sh