ANMELDENFlora's POV Three years later. The golden afternoon light filter through the tall oak trees surrounding the Vance estate, casting soft shadows across the manicured green lawn. A gentle summer breeze carried the sweet, familiar scent of white jasmine from the garden arch down to the stone terrace. I leaned back against the plush outdoor sofa, taking a slow sip of my iced tea as a deep, contented sigh escaped my lips. Across the lawn, three-year-old Noah was giggling uncontrollably, his chubby little legs running as fast as they could across the grass. He was chasing a pair of bright yellow butterflies, his small dark curls bouncing with every step. "Noah, sweetie, don't run too fast! Watch the flower beds!" Emily’s voice called out lovingly from the nearby shade of the gazebo. Emily sat on the cushioned bench, gently rocking a wooden bassinet back and forth. Her six-month-old daughter, little Maya, cooed softly under the shaded canopy, her tiny hands waving aimlessly in the
Eugene's POV The peaceful silence of the master bedroom was broken at three o'clock in the morning by a soft, sharp gasp beside me. I was wide awake in an instant. Years of habits made me a light sleeper, but over the last few weeks, every breath Flora took was locked into my mind. I sat up quickly, pulling back the silk duvet as Flora clutched the white bedsheets, her knuckles turning completely white. "Flora?" I asked, placing a firm, gentle hand against her lower back. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Is it another backache?" She stayed frozen for a second, her eyes closed tight as her breath came in short, shallow puffs. Slowly, she let out a long exhale, opening her eyes and turning her head toward me on the pillow. Her brow was deeply furrowed, but her soft gaze held a quiet, trembling calm. "Eugene..." she whispered, her voice tight and shaky. "I think... I think my water just broke." My heart gave a sudden, violent thump against my ribs. "Your water?" "Yes," she gasped, reach
Flora's POV Two weeks. Fourteen days. That's how long we'd been away. And somehow, as the private car turned through the gates of our home, it felt as though we'd been gone for months. I stared through the window. The familiar trees. The long driveway. The house rising in the distance. Home. I smiled. Beside me, Eugene reached across the seat and took my hand. "You're quiet." "I'm trying to decide if I missed this place." He raised an eyebrow. "And?" I looked at him. "I missed the people." He nodded. "Me too." I leaned my head against his shoulder. "Although I wouldn't mind turning around and going back." His mouth curved into a smile. "I've already considered it." "Seriously?" "Very." "Then why didn't you?" "Because Emily threatened to disown me if I kept her best friend away from her any longer." I laughed. "She said that?" "Those were almost her exact words." "That's my girl. Though, I would think with Josh there......." "Then, who'll she complain ab
Flora's POVI woke to the sound of the sea. For a moment, I didn't remember where I was. Then I felt Eugene's arm around my waist.I smiled.Our honeymoon.Two weeks as husband and wife.I turned carefully in his arms and found him still asleep. His usually perfectly controlled hair was a complete mess, his face relaxed in a way I rarely got to see, and one hand rested protectively over my stomach.I watched him for several seconds.This man had spent years convincing everyone that he didn't need anyone.Now he slept with his hand on his unborn child's stomach as though even unconscious, he needed to make sure we were both there.I leaned forward and kissed his cheek.His eyes opened immediately."Good morning."His voice was rough with sleep."Good morning."He pulled me closer."How long have you been staring at me?""Long enough.""That's concerning.""You drool."His eyes narrowed."I do not.""You do.""I don't."I laughed."You're adorable when you're defensive.""I'm your husba
Flora's POV I didn't know I fell asleep until I felt and heard Eugene call my name. It was Eugene. "Flora." A kiss landed on my forehead. "Flora." Another on my nose. I smiled without opening my eyes. "If you kiss me one more time," I mumbled, "I'm charging you." His deep chuckle vibrated through the pillow. "I can afford it." I finally opened one eye. Morning sunlight poured through the open balcony doors, carrying the scent of saltwater and jasmine into the room. Eugene was already dressed in a fitted white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms and beige trousers. I frowned. "Why do you look like you're about to model for a magazine?" He looked down at himself. "This is just clothes." "You ironed them." "I asked someone to iron them." I laughed. "That's even worse." He leaned over and kissed me again. "Happy first morning as Mrs. Vance." My heart fluttered. "Happy first morning, Mr. Vance." He offered me his hand like a ge
Flora's POV My new reality still left me shocked. Not only did I fall in love with a man twice my age, who also happens to be my best friend's dad but someone who loved me back and gave me more than I imagined, who made me feel so much. Safe. Certain. Home. Then he shifted. His lips brushed my temple. Then my cheek. Then the corner of my mouth. I turned toward him. The kiss was slow. Intentional. His hands cradled my face like something precious. Something loved. I tangled my fingers in his hair. He deepened the kiss with restrained hunger. Needing. Having. Claiming. My breath hitched as his thumb traced my bottom lip. I was lost in the sensation of his kisses. Then he pulled back just enough to whisper against my mouth. "I want to make love to my wife." A shiver went through me. I nodded slowly. His kisses trailed down my neck. Each touch was a promise. Each caress a declaration. His hands found the hem of my—his—shirt. I lifted m







