DIFFERENT DESIRE

CHAPTER FOUR: THE DATE

When Emily got back home, the house felt calm and warm, the way it always did in the evenings. She went upstairs, heading straight to the bedroom. After placing her bags aside, she stood before the mirror and took a slow breath.

Her reflection stared back at her,soft brown eyes, a pointed nose, smooth glowing skin, and a body shaped with gentle curves that her pink dress highlighted perfectly. The dress hugged her waist and flowed down her thighs, elegant but comfortable, with thin straps and a soft flare at the bottom. She packed her hair into a loose, classy bun, letting a few strands fall freely around her face.While she adjusted her earrings, she heard the front door open,Ethan was home.

He walked into the room moments later, still smelling of the outdoors, but instantly softened by the sight of her. A smile spread across his face.

“You look incredible,” he murmured as he stepped closer.

Before she could reply, he wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her, soft but full of longing from the day’s distance. Then he whispered against her neck, “I swear, every day you look even better.”He kissed her one more time before pulling away to shower and change. Just a few minutes later, he returned, dressed neatly and ready for their night out.

Soon they were in the car, driving through the evening breeze toward the restaurant. When they arrived, Ethan quickly stepped out, hurried around, and opened the door for her like a gentleman. She smiled as she took his hand.

At the entrance, the restaurant guard pushed the door open and greeted politely, “Good evening, sir. Good evening, ma.”

They replied with a warm smile before stepping inside.

Ethan guided her softly to a reserved table in the corner lit by a single candle, cozy and intimate. Emily’s heart warmed at the sight.

“This place is beautiful,” she said quietly, taking in the soft lights and elegant décor.

“I knew you’d like it,” Ethan replied. “You always prefer places that feel calm.”

Before sitting, Emily took out her phone and snapped a few pictures—the warm ambience, her own soft smile reflected in the candlelight. She loved saving memories like these, moments she planned to frame later. She loved making their home beautiful, filled with reminders of their love.

They settled in, and as the waiter filled their glasses and left, Ethan took her hand gently.

“Emily,” he said softly, “do you remember all the things we’ve shared? The trips, the night talks, the little dreams… everything?”

She nodded, eyes softened.

“I meant all of it,” he continued. “I care about you so much. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you happy. You’re the woman I want. The one I chose.”

He lifted her hand and kissed her arm just above the wrist, a gesture that made her heart flutter.

The evening flowed with light conversations her bookstore, her day, his work nothing heavy, just soft pieces of their lives weaving together.When dinner ended, they drove home quietly, wrapped in the kind of silence that felt warm, not empty.

Back home, they changed into comfortable clothes. They talked a little more, laughed a little, then slipped under the covers.

Ethan pulled her close, kissed her forehead gently, whispered “Goodnight, beautiful,” and soon held her as sleep slowly wrapped around them both