#My Darling《08》😍
We got back home in silence. Naomi was chatting quietly with Emily while she lay asleep on my bed. I couldn’t stop thinking:
Her words were right. How could I stand seeing her pain? How could I bear the sight of her tears? Why did I do all that—why did I hit him? Was it really me…? No, man… or maybe not?
Lost in thought over her honey-colored eyes, that sweet smile, and the way she tolerated my antics, I finally got up and opened the front door.
Uncle Frank (stepping out):
“Who’s out there?”
Jake (casually):
“It’s me, Dad.”
Uncle Frank:
“You alright, son? Where are you off to?”
Jake:
“I couldn’t sleep—I thought I’d get some air. I figured maybe I’d catch some shut-eye outside.”
Uncle Frank (with gentle concern):
“It’s already 1 AM, Jake. You should be in bed. What’s weighing on your mind?”
Jake (sighing deeply):
“I’ve been thinking a lot, Dad. So many questions swirl in my head and I can’t seem to find the answers. I’m terrified of taking a wrong step, of betraying her trust… of being the one who causes her even more pain.”
Uncle Frank (smiling reassuringly):
“Son, you’ll find your answers once you slow down and really think it through. If you’re worried, it means you care—and that’s exactly what you should value.”
Jake (voice trembling):
“I’m scared, Dad. Scared that I might mess up, that I won’t be strong enough when she needs me most.”
Uncle Frank:
“If you’re afraid, that shows you have a heart. But don’t let fear stop you from doing what’s right. Sometimes taking that big step means trusting yourself—and God—to guide you.”
I thanked him, then returned to my room. I lay back on the bed, resting my hand under my head as I stared at the stars through the window, a soft smile playing on my lips while my thoughts wandered.
Uncle Frank (quietly, as if in a prayer):
“Jake, you’ll make her happy. I know it.”
Jake (murmuring, eyes on the stars):
“Yes, Dad…”
Uncle Frank fell silent, and eventually drifted off to sleep, leaving me even more lost in thought.
The next morning, Emily came to me.
Emily:
“Jake, can you walk me to the store?”
Jake:
“Sure—what do you need?”
She showed me what she wanted, and I went ahead and got it for her.
Emily (apologetically):
“Jake, I’m really sorry for getting upset last night over what happened. I couldn’t stop thinking about it all through the night.”
Jake:
“It’s okay, Em… You’re my girl; I’d never want to hurt you—even a little. And besides, he doesn’t deserve to make you cry.”
Emily (smiling softly):
“Alright. I also confirmed… he’s really not worth all that anger. May God bless him.”
Jake:
“Hopefully, your words come true.”
Emily (brightening):
“By the way, tonight the guys are going on a trip!”
We headed out, enjoying the evening. But mid-ride, while our phones were silent, Emily noticed I was watching her out of the corner of my eye.
From her glance, she realized it was about Hamam. Upset, she snatched her phone, locked it, and handed it back to me.
(Voice of Emily)
Over the past couple of weeks, things between Jake and me began to improve. I started to feel drawn to him—I noticed the attention he showed, how he defended me, and every day when we talked (or even when he joked around with his brothers), I’d see something special in him. I felt a warm, inexplicable emotion—a beautiful feeling knowing that if the day ever came when he would have to leave, I’d miss him terribly. He was the first person I’d ever told about what hurt me.
(Voice of Jake)
I was sitting, chatting with little Ahlam (Emily’s 12-year-old sister), when she said:
Ahlam:
“Tomorrow we’re going to visit Mrs. Habouba.”
Jake (confused):
“Going?…”
Ahlam:
“Yeah, we’ll hang out with her.”
Emily would then be away—and I wouldn’t get to see her for a while.
Later, Emily joined us, walking alongside.
Jake:
“Emily?”
Emily:
“Yes?”
Jake:
“Can we talk for a minute?”
Emily (hurriedly):
“Not now—I’m busy in the kitchen. Let’s talk over there.”
We went into the kitchen where she was making pizza.
Emily:
“So… what did you want to say?”
Jake:
“Are you going to spend tomorrow with your family?”
Emily:
“No, Mom, Ahlam, and Iyad are coming with me. Then it’ll be just Fedwa, Michael, and me here.”
Jake (grinning broadly):
“Really? That means you’re not going?”
Emily (teasing):
“And why wouldn’t I? What’s the big deal?”
Jake:
“Because... I’d be so happy if you stayed.”
Emily (laughing, a bit coy):
“You always say that. But seriously, why are you so desperate?”
Jake (shrugging with a playful smile):
“Maybe because I’d lose you otherwise.”
Emily (lifting her head, playfully challenging):
“And what exactly do you mean by that?”
Before I could answer, Michael walked in.
Michael (teasingly):
“Jake, what are you up to?”
Jake (smirking):
“God forbid I speak when I have a chance—just taking a quick look, that’s all.”
Michael grumbled something, and then we heard a sudden shout coming from the kitchen…
#My Darling《09》😍
(A chaotic moment unfolds…)
Michael and I were talking when we suddenly heard a scream from the kitchen. We raced there and found that the canister from the gas cylinder had caught fire. The top part of the apron Emily was wearing was aflame—and there she stood, holding onto it as if trying to smother the fire. Michael rushed in as she struggled. I sprinted to her side, tore off her apron to reveal that the flame had caught on the fabric of her shirt. Terrified, I smothered the fire with my hands while Uncle Frank was already trying to put it out. My dad even brought a blanket to help douse the burning gas canister.
Soon, Uncle Frank and I were checking on Emily. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she clung to him, utterly shaken.
Uncle Frank (with urgency):
“Emily! Emily, answer me!”
He scooped her up and rushed out to the car. I followed behind, opened the door, and we sped to the hospital. They treated her—her hand was burned (a superficial burn over a large area with one spot on her wrist that made her faint) but, thankfully, it was not severe. I was so scared for her that I nearly didn’t notice my hand—I only realized when Mom saw it and rushed to treat it.
After Emily recovered a bit, we brought her back home. Everyone was relieved, though I stood quietly at a distance, my eyes brimming with tears of relief as I watched her. In that moment, she reached out and looked at my hand.
Emily (voice trembling):
“Jake, did your hand get hurt?”
Jake (reassuringly):
“No, don’t worry—it’s just a little burn.”
Emily (insistent):
“Come here, let me see.”
I held out my hand; she checked it carefully.
Jake:
“So, are you sure it’s okay?” (Around us, the family recalled other small fire mishaps from past parties.) “The important thing is—you’re alright, right?”
Emily:
“I’m fine, really.”
Jake:
“That burn… it hurts, doesn’t it?”
Emily (softly):
“Not much…”
Jake:
“Your safety matters to me—I was scared stiff.”
Emily:
“It wasn’t my fault—I accidentally brushed against the electric oven. Then I tried to turn on the stove, but it was leaking gas… I can’t believe it.”
Jake (gently):
“Promise me you’ll be more careful next time?”
Emily:
“Okay… but now our pizza is ruined.”
Jake:
“Don’t worry, I’ll order one from outside once you’re full. But let’s get you out of here and make sure you’re alright.”
Emily (teasing, with a hint of concern):
“You burned your hand because of me. Sorry…”
Jake:
“Don’t apologize! If you need me to, I’ll rescue you from any fire—as long as my hand’s not the only thing that gets burned.”
(In Emily’s voice, later that day)
I finally understood my feelings. I saw the fear in my dad’s eyes as he tried to put out the fire on me, his gentle words—“If needed, I’d pull you out of the fire, as long as my hand can take the burn”—brought warmth and comfort to my heart. Every heroic stance he made made me feel safer with him. In short, with him, I felt whole, secure, and loved.
“There’s a belonging by your side that’s enough even beyond death. In you, I feel my father’s protection, my mother’s kindness, the closeness of a friend, and the madness of my brother.”
(In Jake’s voice, a couple of days later)
I went to see Michael.
Jake:
“Michael, what did you want to ask me?”
Michael (sheepishly):
“I—well, I forgot. Listen, there’s this girl I like and I want to meet her.”
Jake:
“Dude, find someone else.”
Michael:
“Jake, come on—let’s meet her. Then, bring along her friend. I’ll handle my own girl, and you can bond with hers.”
Jake:
“Alright, when are we meeting?”
Michael:
“Just be ready and relaxed.”
We headed out and sat with the girls—one named Alaa and the other Huda. Michael sat with Alaa while I ended up with Huda. We laughed and joked, having a good time. Then I heard Emily’s voice.
(In Emily’s voice)
Later, Fedwa and I went to the market and then to a restaurant for a meal.
Fedwa:
“Emily, aren’t these the guys Michael and Jake?!”
I looked up and saw Jake laughing with a girl, smiling so broadly that my heart sank. I didn’t even realize until it hit me—my eyes filled with tears.
Emily (quietly, heartbroken):
“Jake…”
Jake’s face shifted into a serious, almost apologetic look as he caught my gaze, standing next to Michael without saying a word. I slipped beside Fedwa.
Emily (firmly):
“Fedwa, please, go home.”
Fedwa:
“Emily, what’s wrong? We haven’t even eaten yet…”
Emily (pleading):
“Fedwa, please…”
Tears welled up and I couldn’t hold back. Fedwa pulled me into her arms as I began to cry even harder. I couldn’t explain; my heart ached fiercely.
Fedwa (concerned):
“Emily, do you love Jake?”
#My Darling《10》😍
I playfully tossed my laundry at Emily—mocking her as she’d always complain about having to wash it.
Emily: “Jake, do you even love me? Look at this—am I supposed to be grateful for a drink or a dead rat? Ugh, no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger—seriously, how could you treat me like this?!”
Jake: “Well, it seems you’re handling my laundry just fine. And you even expect me to iron it! Seriously, you know I’m not built that way.”
Emily: “In your dreams!”
Later that evening, as we returned home in near silence, Naomi chatted softly with Emily who lay dozing on my bed. I couldn’t stop thinking:
Her words were right. I couldn’t bear seeing her pain or a single tear in her eyes. Why did I let things go so far? Was it really my fault…? No, man… or maybe it was?
I lay awake, remembering her warm honey eyes, that sweet smile in her soft hair, and the way she tolerated all my antics. Finally, I got up, opened the front door, and stepped out for some air.
Uncle Frank (stepping outside):
“Who’s out there?”
Jake (quietly):
“It’s me, Dad.”
Uncle Frank:
“You alright, son? Where are you headed?”
Jake:
“I just couldn’t sleep—I figured a little walk might clear my head… maybe even catch some sleep under the stars.”
Uncle Frank (gently):
“It’s 1 AM already, Jake. You sure you’re okay? What’s on your mind?”
Jake (sighing):
“I keep thinking—and I’ve got all these questions with no answers. I’m terrified of taking a wrong step, of breaking the trust we have. I’m scared I might be the one who causes her more hurt.”
Uncle Frank:
“Son, caring that much means you have a big heart. Just take your time and let things settle. Sometimes you have to trust yourself—and God—to guide your next move.”
Jake (voice heavy with worry):
“I’m scared, Dad… Scared of messing up or not living up to what she deserves.”
Uncle Frank:
“Then that fear means you care, and that’s exactly why you have what it takes.”
I thanked him and returned to my room. I lay back on my bed, propping my head on my hand while gazing out at the starlit sky. A wistful smile played on my lips as my thoughts wandered.
Uncle Frank (softly):
“Jake, you’ll make her happy. I know it.”
Jake (murmuring):
“Yes, Dad…”
After a long while, Uncle Frank drifted off, leaving me deep in thought.
The next morning, Emily approached me:
Emily:
“Jake, can you walk me to the store?”
Jake:
“Sure—what do you need?”
She showed me the item, and I went and got it for her.
Emily (apologetically):
“Jake, I’m really sorry for being upset last night over everything. I couldn’t stop thinking about your reaction.”
Jake:
“It’s okay, Emily. You’re my girl—I’d never want to hurt you, not even a little. Besides, he doesn’t deserve to see you cry.”
Emily (smiling faintly):
“Okay then. And by the way, I confirmed that he really isn’t worth all this anger. May God bless him.”
Jake:
“Hope you’re right.”
Emily (brightening):
“Also, tonight the guys are planning a trip!”
We headed out enjoying the cool night. As we strolled, her phone buzzed silently. From her glance, she realized something was off—she suspected it was about Hamam. Frustrated, she locked her phone and shoved it back into her purse.
(Voice of Emily)
Over the past couple of weeks, things between Jake and me began to improve. I found myself growing attached to him—I noticed how attentive he was, how he defended me without question. Every day when we talked, or even when he joked around with his friends, I saw something tender in him. It was a beautiful feeling—like I never wanted the day to come when he’d be away. He was the first person I’d ever told about all the things that hurt me.
(Voice of Jake)
One afternoon, I was talking with little Ahlam (Emily’s 12-year-old sister) when she said:
Ahlam:
“Tomorrow, we’re going to visit Mrs. Habouba.”
Jake (confused):
“Visit?…”
Ahlam:
“Yeah—we’re hanging out with her.”
That meant Emily would be away for a while, and I’d miss her terribly.
Later, Emily joined us walking by.
Jake:
“Emily?”
Emily:
“Yes?”
Jake:
“Can we talk for a minute?”
Emily (hurriedly):
“Not now—I’m busy in the kitchen. Let’s talk there.”
We moved into the kitchen where Emily was preparing pizza.
Emily:
“So… what did you want to say?”
Jake:
“Are you going to spend tomorrow with your family?”
Emily:
“No, Mom, Ahlam, and Iyad are coming with me. It’s just Fedwa, Michael, and I staying behind.”
Jake (grinning broadly):
“Really? So you’re not going?”
Emily (teasingly):
“And why wouldn’t I? What’s the big deal?”
Jake:
“Because…I’d be over the moon if you stayed.”
Emily (laughing, a bit coy):
“You always say that, Jake. But why are you so desperate?”
Jake (shrugging playfully):
“Maybe because I don’t want to lose you.”
Before I could press on, Michael walked in.
Michael (teasingly):
“Jake, what are you up to?”
Jake (smirking):
“Nothing—you know me.”
Then suddenly we heard a shout coming from the kitchen…
#My Darling《11》😍
(A wave of emotion and chaos unfolds…)
Fedwa:
“Emily, do you love Jake?!”
Fedwa looked at me with concern, and I couldn’t find the words.
Fedwa (persisting):
“Emily, come on… tell me! Why are you upset? What is he doing?”
Tears welled in my eyes as I sobbed, “He keeps promising me something forever—only to leave me in the lurch! First he’s off with another girl, then with Michael’s friend; he doesn’t give me any value at all… He’s even gone and started a relationship with someone else!”
I cried uncontrollably, and just then someone knocked on the door.
Emily (through tearful resolve):
“Tell them… I’m exhausted… I need to sleep.”
I pressed my face against the wall and tried to quiet myself. Soon enough, I heard Jake’s voice calling outside my door.
Jake:
“Emily!”
Fedwa (whispering to Jake):
“Sorry, Jake—she said she’s too tired, she needs her sleep.”
Jake:
“I know she’s not asleep—I just need to talk to her for a minute.”
I got up, brushed myself off, and approached her.
Jake (softly):
“Please, don’t cry. Emily, I didn’t act like that only because of Michael’s friend—he’s the one that really upset me, and I… I was trying not to embarrass you.”
Emily (voice trembling):
“Why did you go with him? You could have said no.”
Jake (sincerely):
“Emily, I couldn’t bear to embarrass you in front of everyone.”
Emily:
“And now you’re off laughing and having fun with her, while I’m left here hurting?”
Jake:
“I just wanted to keep you busy so you wouldn’t worry about Michael—whose name, frankly, I can’t remember now…”
Emily (bitterly):
“Really?”
Jake (pulling out a pack):
“Look what I got for you.”
I held up a package of ramen noodles with a mischievous smile.
Emily (teasing, eyes softening):
“Ramen again, Jake?”
Fedwa (joining in):
“Don’t you say she eats them raw, right?”
Jake (laughing):
“I got four packs—two for you and two for Emily, plus a special treat for you, Tiger!”
Fedwa snatched the package from me.
Fedwa:
“Not a chance—I’m not sharing!”
Jake grinned, glancing at me, and my heart skipped a beat, embarrassed and overjoyed at his playful antics.
Later that evening, after the chaos of the day, our family gathered. Michael, Fedwa, and I all sat together. But something was off—my eyes kept drifting to Jake. I couldn’t tell if it was the lingering sting of earlier or the overwhelming need for comfort.
(Voice of Emily)
After a day at the university when I was meant to join my phone call with the guys, I intercepted it—hoping to catch a glimpse of Jake. I jumped into my dad’s car (Uncle Frank’s, actually), determined to reconnect. But when I got off the bus near Hamam’s street—a street lined with familiar apartment blocks—I saw him disappearing through a building door.
I rushed over. The door was open, and I sprinted inside. In the chaos of corridors and footsteps, I heard running and voices; I finally saw Jake, standing near an apartment that belonged to a guy named Ammar. My heart pounded. The door opened and I entered, my mind racing. I followed the sounds up the stairs until I reached a unit where, out of the blue, Jake appeared, chasing after someone, as if in a desperate bid to stop the inevitable. I couldn’t catch up. I stood frozen at the threshold, clutching my shirt, tears streaming down my face.
Before I knew it, chaos erupted—a scuffle, shouts, and eventually, I saw Jake striking someone. I intervened, but things spun out of control. Soon neighbors crowded the hallway; there was blood, and I felt numb and terrified.
I remember Jake shouting, “I told you—stay away from her!” as he fought with Hamam, and in the melee I ended up being caught between them. Then, amid screams and chaos, I lost track of everything as someone stabbed Jake.
(Voice of Emily, trembling)
Jake was furious—his anger was palpable. Then suddenly, Hamam grabbed a knife and attacked. I tried to pull Jake away, but he was too heavy. I heard my own screams as I clutched him, his blood seeping, his eyes wide with shock. Our neighbors intervened and, in a blur, they lifted Jake and rushed him to the hospital for emergency surgery. I remember a little boy asking about us, then Fedwa calling me; within half an hour, our whole family gathered. I sat on the floor, numb, while everything around me became a distant, painful echo. I heard voices—my mom, my aunt comforting me—and I felt my body go weak, my head spinning from terror.
Later, I awoke to find a cast on my hand—a reminder of that horrifying moment. Uncle Frank’s gentle voice echoed, “Emily, say ‘Bismillah’—where are you?”
Emily (choked): “Dad, I just want to see Jake…I have to see him.”
My mom and Aunt Khawla tried to comfort me as Fedwa held me close. I recalled the moment when Jake’s blood stained my clothes and the terror in his eyes.
Through tears I asked, “Jake…are you okay? Did your hand get hurt?”
Jake (quietly reassuring): “It’s nothing serious, just a little burn. I’m fine.”
But I couldn’t believe it; I reached out and felt his hand trembling, still warm with pain.
Our family gathered around as I repeated, “Please, let me see him…” Amid all the commotion and memories of past fire accidents from family parties, Uncle Frank finally confirmed, “Are you all right?”
I managed to smile weakly.
Emily (softly): “I’m okay… it just hurts.”
Jake: “I was so scared of losing you—I just couldn’t bear seeing you in so much pain.”
I then recalled how I’d accidentally brushed the hot electric stove and almost ignited the gas—such careless mishaps always made me promise myself to be more careful.
Jake (gently): “Promise me you’ll be careful next time, alright?”
Emily (sighing): “Yes…I promise.”
Jake: “Don’t worry—I’ll always be here to save you from any fire, as long as my hand keeps taking the heat.”
(Voice of Emily, with quiet gratitude)
In that moment, I finally understood my feelings. I saw the fear in my dad’s eyes as he tried desperately to put out the fire on me; his soft, reassuring words, “If necessary, I’ll pull you out of the fire—as long as my hand may burn for you,” filled my heart with comfort. Every heroic gesture gave me a sense of security. With him, I felt complete, protected, and loved.
There’s a belonging next to you—a bond so deep that it sustains even beyond life itself. In you, I feel the protection of my father, the kindness of my mother, the warmth of a friend, and the wild love of a brother.
(Voice of Jake, a couple of days later)
After everything, I met up with Michael.
Jake:
“Michael, what did you need to ask?”
Michael (sheepishly):
“Man, I almost forgot… Listen, there’s this girl I really like. I want to meet her.”
Jake:
“Look for someone else, man.”
Michael:
“Jake, come on—let’s go meet her. Bring her friend along; I’ll handle my own, and you can hang with hers.”
Jake:
“Alright, so when are we meeting?”
Michael:
“Just be ready, chill out, and we’ll make it work.”
We headed out and sat with the girls—one named Alaa and another named Huda. Michael ended up chatting with Alaa, and I found myself talking with Huda. We laughed and had a good time. Then I heard Emily’s voice…
(Voice of Emily)
Later, Fedwa and I went out to the market and then to a restaurant for dinner.
Fedwa:
“Emily, aren’t those Michael and Jake over there?!”
I turned and saw Jake laughing with a girl—he looked genuinely happy—and my heart sank before I knew it. I couldn’t hide my hurt as tears started rolling down my cheeks.
Emily (whispering, voice trembling):
“Jake…”
Jake’s expression changed to one of quiet concern as he noticed my discomfort. I slipped away to stand beside Fedwa.
Emily (in a trembling tone):
“Fedwa, please, tell me… do you think I love Jake?”
Fedwa’s eyes widened as she tried to comfort me.
#My Darling《12》😍
Jake: “Em, will you marry me? ❤️❤️”
Emily lifted her eyes and stared at me in stunned silence—her cheeks flushed and clearly not expecting these words.
Jake: “I asked my dad, Uncle Frank, and he gave his blessing. All that’s left is your answer.”
Emily (quietly, almost inaudible): “What did you say to him?” 😳
Jake: “I told him, ‘Dad, I’m asking for Emily’s hand in marriage in the name of God and His Messenger,’ and he agreed. So, what do you say?”
Emily’s eyes fluttered shut as tears streamed down her face. After a long pause, she nodded, her head trembling in silent agreement.
Emily: “I agree…” (Her voice broke as joy overwhelmed her.)
Jake (beaming): “You just said it—‘I agree!’”
In that joyful moment, all our past troubles faded away. I couldn’t believe the happiness swirling inside me.
Later, as we retreated to our room, Emily—still breathless from emotion—rested against the wall. I gently carried her to the bed, marveling at every delicate detail: the sparkle in her honey-colored eyes, the rosy flush on her cheeks from both joy and bashfulness, the way her soft lips curved into a smile that could light up any room.
Jake (whispering): “Glory to the One who made you… Em, you’re breathtaking.”
I pulled her close and, after a tender moment of silence, said, “I love you, Emily—more than words can tell.”
She smiled shyly. Then, with playful teasing, she challenged, “Now, if you love me so much, you’d kiss me, wouldn’t you?”
I leaned in, brushing my lips against hers softly. “Always,” I murmured, wrapping her in my arms as our hearts beat as one.
After a few blissful moments, time marched on. A few weeks later we set our engagement date for a Thursday, but Emily protested:
Emily: “Jake, give me at least another month and a half to finish my things; let’s get married immediately after.”
Jake (laughing): “Alright, Em. As long as I get to call you mine!”
Later that day—Engagement Day—the celebrations began. I hurried to pick up Emily from the salon. She was a vision in a stunning, figure-hugging gown, her hair perfectly styled, and a sparkling tiara accentuating her flawless makeup. When I saw her, my heart nearly stopped.
Emily (admiring herself in the mirror): “How do I look?”
Jake (in awe): “Honestly? You’re beyond words. No comment.”
Emily (teasingly): “I want you to say something, Jake. My heart needs to hear it.”
Jake (taking her hand and gazing into her eyes):
“Even if I tried, I’d never be able to capture your beauty in words. If I said you were as radiant as the moon, that’d be an understatement—you outshine the stars, Em. You’re uniquely beautiful, beyond measure.”
Emily’s face flushed with happiness and a hint of shyness as she covered a giggle with her hand.
At the family gathering that followed, our relatives teased us lovingly. Naomi joked that “Jake’s as silly as ever,” and Fedwa laughed, saying our love was so contagious that everyone in the room felt it.
I leaned in, whispering, “Just think—one day, we’ll tell our kids that our love was so fierce, even the moon paled in comparison to you.”
Emily’s eyes sparkled, and she laughed, “Oh, Jake, you always know how to make me smile.”
In that moment, as we stood hand in hand surrounded by family and love, all our past sorrows melted away. Our bond was undeniable—a mix of respect, playful banter, and deep affection that promised a lifetime of happiness.
The End of Chapter 12
#My Darling《13》😍
(Later that day...)
At dinner, amid the laughter and mingling, Fedwa suddenly asked:
Fedwa: “Emily, do you really love Jake?”
I froze. Fedwa’s concerned look pierced through me, and I wasn’t sure how to answer.
After a long pause, I could only manage to say through sobs, “He… he promised me everything, but then he got involved with someone else... and now, he’s with another girl. It hurts so much.” Tears streamed down as I recounted how he had once been so dear, only to choose another path.
Moments later, there was a knock on the door. With a heavy heart, I pressed my face against the wall and whispered, “Tell them… I’m too shattered… I need to sleep.”
Jake’s voice came through softly from outside:
Jake: “Emily!”
Fedwa (whispering apologetically): “Sorry, Jake… she said she’s too tired.”
Jake: “I know she’s not really asleep…I just need a minute with her.”
I trudged out into the hallway as Jake gently took my hand. His voice was full of remorse as he tried to explain, “Em, I never meant to hurt you. I did what I did because I was afraid—afraid of losing you forever. I was trying to protect you, even if it meant hurting you in the process.”
My heart ached with a mix of hurt and longing. “But why, Jake? Why did you let him near you when you could have said no?” I managed, tears falling.
He sighed, “I couldn’t bear to see you alone or cry in front of everyone. I—” His voice broke as he continued, “I was scared, Emily. I was scared that I’d fail you, that my weakness would cost you your happiness.”
I pressed my cheek against his arm as the gravity of his words sank in. In that moment, our families gathered around, and the murmur of voices and shared glances filled the air.
(A twist of fate soon brought unexpected levity…)
Later that evening, while we were out celebrating with our friends, Jake pulled me aside.
Jake: “Emily, you know, sometimes I think I’d pull the stars down from the sky just to see your smile shine again.”
Emily (softly, wiping away a tear): “Oh, Jake… please, don’t make me cry.”
We ended up dancing close together. Amid the swirling lights and gentle laughter, we swayed to our favorite song. I looked up as Jake teased, “Get up, Em—don’t let me break your legs with my dancing!”
I giggled, “Oh, Jake, you always know how to make it fun.”
Just then, my younger brother, Ian, came bounding over with his phone, playing our favorite tune. The song filled the room, and for a moment, all the pain and confusion melted away into the rhythm and laughter.
We danced until our sides ached, and in that pure, unguarded moment, I knew that whatever storms had raged around us, our love—complex, imperfect, yet undeniable—would see us through.
Time passed, and soon the day of the wedding arrived. Our families and friends gathered for a celebration of love that none of us would ever forget.
At the wedding, dressed in a gorgeous bridal gown and a delicate veil, I shone brighter than any star. Jake, equally dapper in his suit, couldn’t stop beaming when he saw me.
Emily (laughing as she adjusted her veil): “Jake, how do I look?”
Jake (in awe): “Absolutely perfect. You outshine the moon.”
Emily (teasingly): “That’s sweet, but I need you to say more—tell me I’m the most beautiful bride ever!”
Jake (sincerely): “No matter what I say, words will never be enough to capture your beauty. Today, you are the definition of perfection, and I feel blessed beyond measure to call you mine.”
The ceremony was heartfelt and filled with laughter, affectionate teasing, and promises made among tears. Our families embraced, and our future together shone as brightly as the dazzling decorations that adorned the hall.
As the reception unfolded, our love became the talk of the party. Even amidst playful jibes from relatives and a few harmless pranks, our bond only grew stronger. We danced our first dance beneath a canopy of twinkling lights—each step a promise to cherish one another forever.
Jake (raising his glass during a toast): “To Emily—the light of my life, the love that fills my heart, and the reason I believe in miracles every day.”
Emily (smiling warmly): “And to Jake—the man who makes me laugh, whose love comforts me, and who shows me every day that true love really does conquer all.”
And so, our journey continued—a story woven with passion, challenges, laughter, and hope. Our love matured as we met each obstacle with understanding and compromise, knowing that a simple word of kindness, a small gesture of apology, or a moment of sacrifice could mend any hurt.
The End of Chapter 12
#My Darling《13》😍
(Some time later…)
After a whirlwind of emotions at the engagement, our families gathered one last time for our final celebration. Amid joyful chatter and heartfelt toasts, Fedwa asked softly, “Emily, do you really love Jake?”
I looked down, embarrassed and unsure how to express the tangled emotions in my heart. “He promised me everything… but sometimes promises hurt.” I whispered, tears shimmering in my eyes. I recalled how Jake had once strayed, how he had defended me in moments of anger—and yet, somehow, he continued to be my safe haven.
Before I could explain further, there was a knock at the door. I murmured, “I need to rest…” and pressed my face against the wall, trying to hold back my tears.
Outside, Jake’s voice came again: “Emily!”
I knew he needed to speak, to try and mend what was breaking. I hesitantly stepped forward; he took my hand, his eyes full of regret and hope. “Em, I know I’ve made mistakes—I’ve hurt you more than once. But please believe me when I say, I’ll never stop trying to make it right.”
I couldn’t muster an immediate answer; all I could do was nod, tears falling silently.
Later that night, as we played with each other’s words and silly banter—a light teasing about how my eyes “kill him” with their charm and how my smile could melt the coldest heart—our loved ones joined in with laughter and good-natured jibes.
Naomi and Fedwa bantered playfully about how our relationship had changed for the better, even as Michael teased that I looked like “I’ve been hit by a truck” when I got lost in laughter.
Amid the laughter, I found solace in Jake’s arms. We whispered silly, loving words to each other. At one point, Jake softly asked, “Emily, will you still be mine?” and I simply whispered back, “Always, Jake.”
Then the world shifted once more—our families celebrated our union with dancing, music, and heartfelt speeches. I remember our first dance as husband and wife under a sky lit with shimmering stars and lights. Jake held me so tenderly as we swayed, promising silently that our love would carry us through every storm.
Time passed, and our wedding day—one of the most magical days of our lives—arrived. I stepped out of the salon in a magnificent bridal gown, my hair and makeup flawlessly done, my smile radiant. Jake’s eyes lit up the moment he saw me; I could see that his heart was overflowing with love and pride.
At the reception, laughter and gentle teasing filled the air. Family and friends celebrated our love: Naomi joked about how “silly” Jake was, while Fedwa admitted, “Your love is so infectious—it fills the whole room.”
I remember Jake’s voice as he toasted, “To Emily—the beacon of my life, who outshines everything in the darkest nights.” I squeezed his hand as I replied, “And to Jake—the man who makes me believe in miracles, every single day.”
In that final moment, surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, and endless love, I knew that our journey was just beginning. Our bond—fortified with understanding, humor, and sincere commitment—would guide us through all the chapters yet unwritten.
The End.