if only

Happier

Victor watched from afar as Emilia posted a photo of the flowers on social media, tagging Alex. He chuckled, eyes glued to his phone.

That night, Emilia settled Ava in the hospital nursery. As she turned to leave, a chill ran down her spine. A nurse's voice echoed, "Visiting hours are over, ma'am."

But it wasn't a nurse. Victor stood in the shadows, his smile unnerving.

"Just wanted to...introduce myself," he said, stepping closer.

Emilia's heart raced. "Get away."

Victor's eyes locked on Ava's crib. "Beautiful baby."

Alex burst in, eyes blazing. "Get out!"

Victor laughed softly, backing off. "Just saying hi."

As he vanished, Emilia shivered. "He's got a thing for you."

Alex's face turned granite as he turned to Emilia. "You're safe. Now."

He pulled out his phone, eyes blazing. "Security's on their way. Victor won't come near you again."

Emilia's eyes widened as Alex's voice dropped, low and lethal. "You don't touch what's mine."

Ava's tiny cry echoed. Alex scooped her up, cradling her like a treasure. "We'll protect you both."

The security team arrived, Victor nowhere to be found. Alex's jaw cliked. "I'll deal with him."

Emilia's heart skipped. "Alpha Alex mode .

Alex's eyes never left Emilia as he dialed a number. "Get the team on it. I want Victor Langley's every move tracked."

The security team leader nodded, handing Alex a file. "Looks like Victor's been reckless. Hacked into Emilia's bakery emails, sent those flowers..."

Alex's jaw cliked. "Enough."

The police arrived, led by a no-nonsense detective. "Victor Langley's been flagged for stalking. We have digital evidence."

As Victor was hauled away, he sneered at Alex. "You'll regret this."

Alex's smile was cold. "You won't bother her again."

Emilia exhaled, relief washing over her. "Over?"

Alex tucked a strand behind her ear. "Over."

Alex drove Emilia and Ava through winding coastal roads, the sea breeze whipping their hair. They stopped at a secluded beach house, waves crashing below.

"This is it," Alex said, smiling.

Emilia's eyes widened. "Ours?"

Alex nodded. "No stalkers. Just us."

They stepped inside, Ava cooing in her carrier. The house was perfect – cozy, with a bakery-café downstairs for Emilia's treats.

As sunset hit, Alex wrapped his arms around her. "Happy?"

Emilia leaned back. "Bliss."

Ava gizzled, tiny hands waving. Alex chuckled. "Guess she's happy too."

Emilia smiled, eyes closing. "Perfect."

The waves crashed outside. Silence.

Ava was turning two, and Emilia was baking a smash cake. Alex planned a beach picnic.

As they settled on the sand, Ava toddled off, chasing seagulls. Emilia laughed, Alex's arm around her.

Suddenly, Ava screamed. A figure in black swept her up.

"No!" Emilia shouted.

Alex sprinted, but the figure vanished into dunes.

Emilia's world stopped. "Ava!"

Victor emerged from shadows, Ava clinging to him. "Time to leave, Alex."

Alex's face turned murderous. "Let her go."

Victor smiled, backing off. "You shouldn't have put me away."

As he turned to flee, sirens echoed. Police swarmed.

Victor's eyes widened. "Impossible..."

Alex pinned him down, Ava safe in Emilia's arms.

Victor snarled, cuffed. "You'll pay."

Alex's voice was ice. "Done."

Emilia clheld Ava tightly, tears streaming as Alex wrapped his arms around them.

"It's over," he whispered. "He's gone."

The police led Victor away, his threats fading into the distance. Alex scooped up Emilia and Ava, carrying them to safety.

At home, the family hugged, relief washing over them. Grace arrived, eyes wet. "My babies."

Ava giggled, playing with grandma's pearls.

Later, Alex handed Emilia a gift. "For being brave."

A necklace sparkled – a tiny compass. "To find home," he said.

Emilia's heart melted. "Always found it."

As they danced under stars, Ava sleeping between them, Alex smiled. "Happy now?"

Emilia's eyes shone. "Perfect."

Alex's arms wrapped tighter around Emilia and Ava as they stood on their beach, waves licking the shore.

"Our story," he whispered.

Emilia smiled, eyes closed. "Best one."

Ava squealed, chasing waves.

The sun dipped, painting the sky pink. Alex spun Emilia, laughing.

"Happy ending?" he asked.

Emilia's eyes sparkled. "The best."

The waves whispered secrets as the stars blinked.

The stars twinkled above as Alex, Emilia, and Ava settled into their beachfront porch, a crackling fire pit keeping the night chill away. Ava's laughter echoed as she chased fireflies with Grace.

Emilia leaned into Alex, his arm wrapping around her. "You know what I'd love?" she whispered.

Alex's eyes crinkled. "What's that?"

"A sibling for Ava," Emilia said, her voice barely audible over the waves.

Alex's face lit up. "I'm on it."

Emilia playfully rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."

As the night wore on, Alex scooped up Emilia, twirling her into the house. "Time for bed, Mrs. Thompson."

Emilia's smile was radiant. "Our happily ever after."

Ava yelled, "More fireflies!"

The door closed, leaving the beach to the waves and stars.