ValerieAs I turned over, I was greeted by the sight of Ares lying beside me, still asleep. His face was peaceful, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips, as if he were reliving the same cherished memories in his dreams. I reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from his forehead, my heart swelling with love for this incredible man who had brought so much joy into my life.Watching him sleep, I marveled at how serene he looked, so different from the powerful, driven man he was when awake. His vulnerability in these quiet moments made me love him even more. I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead, my lips lingering for a moment as I whispered, "I love you, Ares."The warmth of his skin, the rhythm of his steady breathing, and the tranquility of the moment wrapped around me like a comforting embrace. I nestled closer, feeling his presence soothe every part of me. In this cocoon of love, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. Fo
Ares povAfter the meeting, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. The discussions had gone well, and the merger seemed to be on solid ground. As I made my way back to the car, I decided to take a detour. There was a little candy floss shop on the way home that Valerie had mentioned once, her eyes lighting up with childlike excitement. I knew she had a sweet tooth, and I wanted to surprise her.The shop was quaint, tucked away on a quiet street, its bright neon sign flickering against the encroaching dusk. I parked and walked up to the counter where a middle-aged man, probably the owner, was busy spinning the sugary treat.“Evening,” he greeted, his voice warm and welcoming. “What can I get for you?”“Evening,” I replied, smiling. “I’ll take a couple of those candy flosses.”“Got a sweet tooth, huh?” he chuckled, expertly twirling the pink cotton candy onto a stick.I laughed, shaking my head. “Not exactly. These are for my wife.”The man’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Ah, a treat f
Ares povI settled into the plush chair at the long, polished mahogany table, set on the terrace of one of the city’s most exclusive hotels. The setting was exquisite, with manicured gardens stretching out before me, vibrant flowers in full bloom, and the gentle sound of a nearby fountain creating a soothing backdrop. The open-air venue was perfect for a high-stakes business meeting, combining luxury and serenity. Heads of state and influential business leaders sat around the table, the air buzzing with animated discussions about mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.Dressed in a finely tailored suit that spoke of understated elegance, I leaned forward, listening intently as a CEO detailed a proposal for a new merger. My input was valuable, and I commanded attention and respect as I shared my insights. The conversation was rich with technical jargon and financial projections, but I was in my element.The terrace buzzed with activity as I settled into my seat, the aroma of
ValerieBut the day wasn’t over yet. “We’re not heading home,” I informed the driver and bodyguards, noticing their looks of amusement. “We’re going to an orphanage.”The driver raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply adjusting our route. The bodyguards exchanged curious glances but kept their questions to themselves. As we drove, I watched the cityscape change from bustling streets to quieter, more residential areas. Eventually, we arrived at a large, well-maintained building surrounded by greenery.The orphanage was nestled in a serene neighborhood, the kind of place that exuded a sense of calm and care. The grounds were clean, with a neatly trimmed lawn and colorful flowers lining the walkway to the entrance. The building itself was painted a soft, welcoming yellow, with large windows that let in plenty of light.I stepped out of the car, taking a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings. The driver and bodyguards followed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and respect.
Valerie's povAs the morning sun began to filter through the curtains, I felt the warmth of Ares beside me. His kiss stirred me awake, a gentle promise of all the things to come. Opening my eyes, I found him gazing at me, his eyes soft and full of affection. With a playful smile, I grabbed his arm and pulled him back into bed, kissing him softly and teasing him with light, fleeting touches of my lips."Ares," I whispered against his mouth, "I wanna go out today. Please?"His lips curved into a smile, and he kissed me back, deeper this time, a silent conversation passing between us. For a moment, I thought I had won. But then he pulled back, shaking his head slightly, a firm but gentle refusal in his eyes."No, Valerie," he said, his voice steady.I pouted, giving him my best pleading look. "Please, Ares? I'm going stir-crazy in here. I need to get out."He sighed, his resolve wavering. "Valerie, it's not safe. You know that."I could see the concern in his eyes, but I was determined.
Ares"Ares, it's Dr. Whitman," came the calm voice on the other end. "I wanted to let you know that Valerie and the baby are doing great. Her latest tests came back normal, and there's no need for concern."I exhaled a sigh of relief, gratitude washing over me. "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate you keeping us updated."After ending the call, I leaned back in my chair, a smile spreading across my face. "Valerie and the baby are fine," I announced to Steve, who had been watching me with concern."That's great news," he said, grinning. "You deserve some good news."I nodded, feeling a sense of peace. "Yeah, we do."The rest of the day seemed to fly by. The news from the doctor had lifted a weight off my shoulders, and I tackled my work with renewed energy and focus. By the time the evening rolled around, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.As I drove home, I thought about the journey Valerie and I had been on. We had faced so many challenges, but we had come out stronger on