After the journey home, Jessica and Jonas arrived at their house. The porch light glowed softly, greeting them with a warm yellow shine. Jessica stepped out first, looking up at the sky already full of stars. The night breeze brushed her cheek, carrying the faint scent of damp earth touched by dew.
Jonas parked the car and walked over. Without saying much, he reached for Jessica’s hand and held it tightly.
“Tired?” he asked gently.
Jessica shook her head. “No. Somehow I feel lighter.”
They went inside. The living room was quiet, the only sounds were the ticking of the wall clock and their own breaths. Jessica set down her bag, then went to the sofa and sat, as though she needed to steady her heart still brimming with emotions.
Jonas sat beside her, not asking anything, only waiting. The silence wasn’t distance, but rather a safe space for feelings too difficult to put into words.
Finally, Jessica spo
“Jessica," Jonas said, touching her cheek, “I want you to stop feeling guilty for loving. I love you, not because you’re perfect, but because you’re brave. You’re brave enough to open your heart even knowing it could hurt. You’re brave enough to love Anya even though she’s not your blood. That’s what makes me believe in you.”Tears filled Jessica’s eyes again, but this time not from burden—rather from relief. “I, I don’t know what to say.”“You don’t need to say anything." Jonas gave a small smile. “Just feel it.”Jessica lowered her gaze slightly, then nodded. She placed her hand on Jonas’s chest, feeling his steady heartbeat. Its rhythm grounded her back into reality: she wasn’t alone.The night continued in simplicity. They sat together on the living room sofa, the dim lamp glowing, warm tea in hand. Jonas talked about little things a
After the journey home, Jessica and Jonas arrived at their house. The porch light glowed softly, greeting them with a warm yellow shine. Jessica stepped out first, looking up at the sky already full of stars. The night breeze brushed her cheek, carrying the faint scent of damp earth touched by dew.Jonas parked the car and walked over. Without saying much, he reached for Jessica’s hand and held it tightly.“Tired?” he asked gently.Jessica shook her head. “No. Somehow I feel lighter.”They went inside. The living room was quiet, the only sounds were the ticking of the wall clock and their own breaths. Jessica set down her bag, then went to the sofa and sat, as though she needed to steady her heart still brimming with emotions.Jonas sat beside her, not asking anything, only waiting. The silence wasn’t distance, but rather a safe space for feelings too difficult to put into words.Finally, Jessica spo
The night after the wedding, when all the guests had gone home, Jessica sat on the balcony with Jonas. The full moon shone softly in the sky.“Jonas." Jessica whispered, “are you sure you can live with someone whose heart hasn’t completely let go of the past?”Jonas turned his head, staring at her for a long moment. “I’m sure. Because I know your love for me is real. And I also know your love for Anya is something that can’t be erased. I don’t want to erase it. I want to live side by side with her. Because love is never wrong.”Jessica closed her eyes, tears falling again—but this time not from sadness. But from relief.She leaned on Jonas’s shoulder, listening to his steady heartbeat. Ever since she left that old house, Jessica felt she could be happy without guilt. That she could love without having to choose.Th
Jessica nearly sobbed again. She kissed his tiny cheek, holding back her tears. "I love you too, more than you can imagine."Then, slowly, she handed Anya back into Kevin's arms. His hands still clenched tightly, reluctant to let go, but finally, he knelt down, gazing deeply into her. "Remember, dear. I'm never really gone. I'm always in your heart."Anya nodded, though her tears fell again.The door finally opened. The night air poured in, as if bearing witness. Jonas was waiting outside, standing quietly, making room for the moment of goodbye.Jessica glanced once more into the house. Every corner held a story. The living room where they laughed, the kitchen filled with the aroma of cooking, the bathroom where he often accompanied Anya to bed. She treasured all of it in her memory.With slow steps, she left. The door closed behind her, leaving a heavy silence.
A few days later, Kevin found the opportunity to speak directly with Jonas. It happened while they were both waiting for Anya to finish her drawing lesson. Jonas sat not far from her, looking awkward.Finally, Kevin spoke first. “So… you're really serious about Jessica.”Jonas looked at him, then nodded. “Yes. I love her. And I also know Anya is an important part of her life. I won’t get in the way of that.”Kevin stared straight ahead. “Jessica is a good person. She’s sacrificed so much for my daughter. Don’t ever let her feel alone.”Jonas lowered his head, his voice steady. “I promise, Kevin. I’ll take care of her.”Kevin believed him. He turned his head, stared at the man for a moment, then extended his hand. “Okay. I’ll leave her to you.”Jonas shook his hand
Jessica choked. She wanted to say something, but didn’t know how. Finally, only one word came out, her voice trembling. “Thank you.”Kevin stared at them for a moment, then turned back inside. But before closing the door, he managed to say, “I hope you’re happy.”It was a simple statement, but for Jessica, it felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Kevin, though still hurt, had given his blessing. That meant a lot.After Kevin disappeared, Jessica leaned back on Jonas’s shoulder. “I’m still scared, Jonas. I’m still confused about how this will all work out. How I can still be there for Anya, how I won’t disappoint anyone…”Jonas held her hand tightly. “We don’t have to know all the answers now. We just need to take one step at a time. As long as we trust each other, we’ll find