AFTER THE HEARTBREAK

flection and the soft, warm glow of happiness radiating from her. It was a perfect day-their third wedding anniversary-and she had planned everything meticulou

er dreams into reality. Since the day they exchanged vows, Ava had felt like she was living in a fairy tale. Every day w

hallway. The door swung open, revealing James, tousled hair and sleepy eyes. His

l," he murmured, leanin

rapping her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer, buryin

is voice muffled. "Feels like

aze into his eyes. "It's been t

softening. "And it's only go

st moments as a married couple, and the dreams they had built together. James reminded her of the dance they had s

sed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I t

his arm. "You did a great job!

tement bubbling inside her. "Are you ready f

sm matching hers. "Let me grab the bla

she stood there, something flickered at the back of her mind-a nagging feeling she couldn't quite shake off. Perhaps it was the stress of planni

erything in a golden light, and laughter floated through the air as families enjoyed the be

g beside her. He took a bite of the sandwich a

es, starting a family, and building their dream home. Each plan felt like a step

out having kids?" James asked, his tone

r now, let's just focus on makin

eyes-a shadow that didn't quite match his light-hearted deme

ow over the park, James turned to her, his expression sudde

What is it?" She felt her heart

ant position ," he said, his voice steady but

ons!" She leaned closer, her excitem

ns more responsibility, and I might have to travel mor

"But we've worked so hard to create this

low. "But it's a big opportunity. I

him being away from her for extended periods made her heart ache.

thought. "I want what's best for us. But

storm cloud. Ava wanted to reach out and reassure him, but the truth was, she felt a pit forming in her stomach. Somet

sion that had taken root. Ava tried to push away her worries, focusing instead on the warmth of the momen

who was focused on the road ahead, his jaw clenched in concentration. The silence felt suffocatin

opened the door. She stepped inside their cozy home, the

ed, but as he turned to set down the picnic

n unknown number flashing on the screen. The me

in her. Just as she was about to respond, the door

on and concern clouding his e

w," Ava stammered

ames said, movin

. She opened her mouth to call out to him, but the words caught in her throat.

he person standing on the other side was out of view.

id, his tone shifting, but Av

ng into darker realms of doubt. Whatever was about to happen, she could

heir relationship, setting up tension, and ending on a cliffh