Forever this time
906 Words
The morning sunlight gently entered the room, spreading across the bed where Ariana lay peacefully.
For a few moments, she stayed still, listening to the quiet sound of the morning. The world outside was already awake, but inside that room, everything felt calm.
Safe.
She smiled when she felt Ethan’s arm wrapped around her.
Years ago, she never believed she would wake up beside someone and feel completely at peace.
She never thought she would have a love that didn’t come with fear.
A love that didn’t make her question her worth.
A love that didn’t make her wonder when the person she cared about would leave.
She turned to look at Ethan.
Even after all these years, he still had the ability to make her heart skip a beat.
She remembered the first time she met him.
She was broken.
She had built walls around her heart because she was afraid of being hurt again.
But Ethan never forced those walls down.
He waited.
He showed her that love wasn’t about taking.
It was about giving.
Slowly, he opened her heart again.
Ariana reached out and gently touched his face.
Are you watching me sleep? Ethan asked suddenly.
She quickly pulled her hand back, surprised.
Your awake?
He opened his eyes and smiled.
For the last few seconds.
Ariana laughed.
You’re impossible.
And you love me.
She tried to look serious.
Don’t be too confident.
Ethan pulled her closer.
But I’m right.
She smiled.
Maybe.
Maybe?
Yes, maybe.
He laughed before placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
The simple gesture made her heart warm.
It wasn’t a dramatic moment.
It wasn’t something people would write stories about.
But to Ariana, it meant everything.
Because real love lived in moments like this.
The small touches.
The gentle words.
The everyday choices.
Later that evening, Ethan asked her to get dressed because he had a surprise.
Ariana looked at him suspiciously.
What are you planning?
He smiled.
You’ll find out.
She shook her head.
You always say that.
And you always end up loving my surprises.
She couldn’t argue with that.
When they arrived at the garden, Ariana stopped in amazement.
The entire place was decorated with beautiful lights. A table was placed in the middle with their favorite food, flowers surrounded the area, and soft music played in the background.
Ethan…
He looked at her.
Do you like it?
She smiled.
I love it.
He walked toward her and held her hand.
I wanted tonight to remind you of something.
What?
That no matter how many years pass, I will always choose you.
Her eyes softened.
Ethan, you don’t have to keep proving that.
I know, he replied. But I want you to always remember.
He looked into her eyes.
You spent so many years believing people leaving you meant something was wrong with you.
Ariana became quiet.
But I hope you know now that you were never the problem.
Those words touched her deeply.
Because a younger version of herself needed to hear them.
The girl who cried alone.
The girl wondered why she wasn’t enough.
The girl who thought love was something she had to beg for.
You changed my life, she whispered.
Ethan smiled.
No.
He shook his head.
You changed your life. I was just lucky enough to walk beside you.
Araina felt tears gathering in her eyes.
You always know what to say.
Because I mean every word.
He gently wiped away her tears.
I love you, Ariana.
She smiled through her tears.
I love you too, Ethan.
He leaned closer.
Their lips met in a soft kiss.
A kiss filled with love, trust, and years of memories.
It wasn’t the kind of kiss that promised a perfect life.
It was the kind that promised they would face life together.
When they pulled away, Ariana smiled.
You know something?
What?
I used to think love was supposed to hurt.
Ethan looked at her.
And now?
Now I know love is supposed to heal.
A smile appeared on his face.
That’s why I love you.
They danced slowly under the lights, holding each other as if the rest of the world didn’t exist.
Ariana rested her head against Ethan’s chest.
She listened to his heartbeat.
The same heartbeat that had comforted her during difficult moments.
The same hands that had held hers through every storm.
I never thought I would have this,” she whispered.
Ethan kissed the top of her head.
You deserve this and more.
She looked up at him.
Promise me something.
Anything.
“Never stop being my best friend.
He smiled.
Never.
He kissed her forehead.
Then her cheek.
And she laughed softly.
You’re still romantic after all these years?
Especially after all these years.
She smiled.
Because that was the difference between the love she had before and the love she had now.
One made her afraid of losing.
The other made her grateful for having.
Years ago, she was a girl searching for someone who would stay.
Now, she was a woman who had found a love that never made her doubt.
A love that chose her every day.
A love that felt like home.
And as Ethan held her close, Ariana finally understood something.
Forever was never about making a promise once.
Forever was about keeping that promise every single day.
And with Ethan, she knew she had finally found the love she deserved.
- Writer
