Away

I stared at his kneeling figure in joy and surprise. I thought he was busy preparing for his trip. When did he have time to prepare this?

"I know our marriage had been rushed. We didn't even have time to prepare our wedding rings. Also, you were the one that asked for my hand in marriage." When he uttered that, the both of us chuckled softly.

"I want to be the one to ask the question now. Catherine Dyson, will you give me the pleasure of being my wife?" He asked in the most sincere way possible.

I stared at him silently, with tears on my eyes. I felt enveloped by happiness and love. He stared at me patiently, waiting for an answer. I choked up but still made my voice clear.

"Nicholas.. you make me feel like the happiest woman in the world. I will marry you." I said without much thought.

I mean, what is there to think about? After enough pains and heartbreaks from the people I thought loved me, I finally found the right one. For the first time in my life, I could feel loved.

All through the years I spent with Andrew, I had never felt this way. The only reason I lasted that long with him was because of the love I had for him. Nicholas was always different. This time, I could tell that my love wasn't one sided.

Nicholas beamed in an incredibly wide smile like someone that had just won a lottery. He stood up on his feet and placed the ring on my finger, fitting perfectly, symbolizing our flawless love.

In happiness, I engulfed him in a really tight hug and he hugged me back. After a few seconds, we pulled away. He placed his hands on my cheeks and stroked them softly.

We locked eyes for a few minutes, standing under the moons bright light and stared at each other without saying one word at all. The romantic moment was all too perfect.

"I love you Nick." I muttered, breaking the comfortable silence as I stroked the back of his neck slowly and softly and that made him smile.

"I love you too Catherine." He said back and lifted my chin with his fingers before placing his soft and plump lips on mine, engulfing me in a passionate kiss under the fireworks' glow.

That night, we went on to have a very passionate moment. After our steamy time together, we both collapsed in each other's arms and had a good night sleep together.

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In the week leading to Nicholas' departure, he and I spent a warm and precious time together. We did a lot of normal things that couples would do, like we were on our honeymoon.

I had always hoped to spend some quality time at the beach with someone dear to me. Since the villa was close to a beach, we had enough tine to do what we wanted.

We played in water like children, then we did some fun outdoor games with other couples at the beach. For a while in my life, I could finally enjoy the peace and beauty nature had to offer.

I wasn't confined in a room and preparing proposals for the company or trying to build up a project. Even if it was for just a short while, I wanted to live life like other normal people and forget for a moment about every issue I had at home.

After playing fun games till we got tired, we decided to end the long day by strolling along the beach at dusk to watch the beautiful sunset.

After that, we went back home and cooked together in our kitchen with me in an apron and Nicholas assisting me. I knew he was a better cook than I was but I just wanted to act like a real wife to him.

The clatter of pats and pans and the sweet aroma of food filled the whole room. We sat down and had dinner together, reveling in the simple and pure happiness of these moments.

Days went by faster than I had thought it would and as the day of Nicholas' parting approached, I grew increasingly somber. I knew his departure was for a better future for the both of us.

Mostly for him as I already knew what would happen in the future but my heart was still filled with reluctance. I didn't want to be away from him for even a minute.

I tried not to show mu sadness so as not to ruin our time together. I knew that being states or countries away wouldn't stop our burning romance so I tried so much to be at ease.

On the night before his departure, I prepared a special gift for him. It was an handmade album, documenting all of our beautiful times together, with heartfelt words penned by me beside each photo.

I noticed the wide smile that appeared on his face when I gave him the gift.

"This would would be enough to keep sane on the days I can't be with you physically." He muttered, making me smile.

"Thank you so much my love." He added and engulfed me in a tight hug.

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Finally, the day of his parting arrived. I woke up early to prepare breakfast for him. This was going to be the last meal that we would share before he leaves so I wanted to make it memorable.

After making breakfast, we sat across from each other at the table. The breakfast wasn't going really well like I thought it would. I couldn't hide my sorrow anymore and neither could he.

Even though we both maintained a wide smile on our faces, it couldn't hide sorrow that filled the air. My heart was heavy with the impending separation. I wished that time could stand still.

After our breakfast together, I drove Nicholas to the airport. Upon arrival, I helped him with some of his luggage, and we stood in the bustling terminal surrounded by hurried travelers and constant boarding announcements.

My eyes brimmed with tears, which I tried hard to hold back. Nicholas gently embraced me, ignoring the surprised looks given to us by passers-by.

"Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it." He assured me in a comforting manner.

I clung tightly to him, my heart filled with attachment and reluctance. Finally, the boarding time arrived, and Nicholas had to let go of me. He gave me one last tender look before turning towards the security gate.

I stood there, watching his back until he disappeared into the crowd. My heart ached with longing, but I knew that no matter the distance, our love would remain unchanged.