Semua Bab Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants: Bab 101 - Bab 107

Kim stood in the kitchen, moving from the stovetop to the counter with surprising ease for someone who rarely cooked. A hint of golden sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting soft lines across the floor. The scent of sizzling eggs, grilled tomatoes, and toasted bread filled the air. He tasted the scrambled eggs with the tip of a spoon, added a pinch more salt, and stirred again, focused like a chef on a mission.He looked around, everything had to be just right. The table was neatly set: two warm plates, gleaming silverware, and two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice. It was the first time in months he’d done something like this. Not because he had to. But because he wanted to.From the bedroom, Jane stirred. Her eyes fluttered open as Ian’s soft cries broke through the quiet of the early morning. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and reached for her son, who was wriggling gently in his crib.“It’s okay, baby,” she whispered, lifting him into her arms. “Shhh.”She swayed

Jay had just finished sorting some paperwork in his study when his phone began to buzz. He glanced at the screen—“Mom.” A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He hadn’t spoken to her in a few days, not since he mentioned Riele’s proposal acceptance. Sitting back in his chair, he answered the call.“Hello, Mom.”“Jay,” came the warm, steady voice on the other end. “I’ve been waiting for you to call me. How are you, my son?”Jay leaned back, a gentle smile spreading across his face. “I’m good, Mom. Things have been… peaceful.”There was a pause, and then a chuckle. “Peaceful? That’s not something I usually hear from you. Is this because of Riele?”Jay’s cheeks warmed. “Maybe. Actually… yeah. She said yes.”“Oh my goodness.” His mother let out a gleeful laugh that made Jay's heart swell. “Finally! I knew she would. I could feel it in your voice when you spoke about her. You sounded different.”Jay laughed softly. “I do feel different. Happier. Like I can breathe.”“I’ve waited for this

The morning sky stretched wide and soft, painted with streaks of gold and delicate clouds. It was the kind of morning that whispered promises—of joy, of love, of forever. Inside Charlotte’s house, laughter filled the air like music. The scent of flowers and faint notes of vanilla-scented candles danced in the corners of the bridal room.Riele sat in front of the mirror, dressed in a white silk robe, her eyes still. Her reflection didn’t quite feel like her—it looked too graceful, too still, like someone preparing to step into a life she had only dreamed of. Charlotte stood behind her, brushing her long dark hair gently.“You’re about to be someone’s wife, Rie,” Charlotte whispered, her voice tender.“I know,” Riele murmured, trying to keep her hands from trembling in her lap.Charlotte gave her a warm smile through the mirror. “You're beautiful. I almost don’t want to let him have you.”Riele chuckled softly, blinking back the heat building in her eyes. “Don’t make me cry, not yet. We

The park was bursting with color that sunny afternoon, a gentle breeze ruffling the picnic cloth spread neatly across the grass. Trees whispered as if sharing secrets, and the scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air. The sun wasn't harsh, it bathed everything in a golden hue that made the day feel magical.Jay looked around the space he and Riele had chosen weeks ago for the small reunion. A low table was set with cupcakes, juice, and snacks. Blankets and cushions were scattered for everyone to relax. Ella, their daughter, now a spirited three-year-old with her mother's eyes and her father’s dimples, giggled as she tried to help her dad arrange cups."Careful, baby," Jay chuckled, lifting her gently into his arms. "You're supposed to be supervising, not sabotaging."Ella grinned and clung to his neck. "But I'm the boss!" she declared.Jay laughed. “Yes, ma’am. Boss it is.”A car door slammed gently in the distance. Riele turned toward the sound, squinting. "They’re here!" she calle