"So I'm at fault here?" Aurora's voice trembled."No, darling. You're not," Miss Kim said gently on the other end of the line. "In fact… none of you are. You were both at your weakest especially Jake. And when two broken people meet pain… it's easy for the devil to take control."
Aurora clutched the phone tighter.
"All you need to do now," Kim continued, "is to stay strong and trust your partner. You love him. He loves you. That's the core of it all. I told you there would be struggles along the way. The key is not to give up, no matter how heavy it gets."She paused, letting her words sink in.
"The fact that he's apologizing, Aurora, means something. It means he's sorry. It means he regrets everything. And the longer you punish him, the more you're also hurting yourself. I say forgive him… and watch how your love strengthens through the fire." Aurora's throat felt tight, but she managed a soft, emotional response. "Thank you, Ma'am… I knew you were the right person to share this with."
"Don't worry, dear. I'm always here for you."
"Bye then."Take care of yourself, Aurora. Bye."The line disconnected.Aurora let out a long, shaky sigh and dropped the phone onto the couch. She sank into the cushions, staring at nothing, her heart heavy with memories and doubt… but also something warmer hope.
A Few Days Later
Knock knock.
"You may enter," Aurora called out from her room, barely looking up from the book in her lap.The door creaked open."Aurora, I brought you chutney and almond milk." She smiled instinctively, the kindness warming her heart—until she looked up.Her smile instantly dropped.It was him.Jake stood in the doorway holding a tray, his eyes soft, gentle… pleading.
Aurora's chest tightened. This wasn't the first time he had come to her these past few days. In fact, he'd been relentless. Even when she screamed at him, insulted him, told him she hated him he kept coming back. Always quiet. Always kind. Always patient.She glared. "Thanks. I know I have to eat. Don't act like you care. You can leave."
Jake walked in slowly, placing the tray down beside her. "Please have your pills after eating." She rolled her eyes. "I know, alright? Don't behave like you're my nurse." He straightened and met her gaze. "Will you quit being rude? It doesn't suit a lady of your caliber."
Her jaw dropped. "What?! Excuse me?"
"You heard me."You know what—just get out!" Jake didn't flinch. Instead, he moved closer—too close—and leaned down until his face was mere inches from hers.Then he whispered, voice deep and deliberate:The more you drive me away… the more I feel the need to get closer. To love you… like there's no tomorrow."
Before she could react, he kissed her cheek—softly—then winked.Aurora's lips betrayed her. A smile crept up before she could stop it.
She tried to frown again but failed miserably. Jake chuckled softly at her attempt to act tough.Then—without another word—he closed the space between them and kissed her.
It wasn't rushed. It wasn't wild.It was slow. Deep. Meaningful.The kind of kiss that apologized for everything words couldn't fix.
The kind that made promises.The kind that said, "I still choose you."Jake's hands roamed gently around her waist while hers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.They missed each other too much. That kiss was months of pain and longing wrapped into one lingering moment.
When Jake finally pulled away Aurora frowned."I wasn't finished," she whispered.
He smiled. "Am I forgiven now? "No."
Jake blinked. "But… why? "Because I feel like it," she smirked, folding her arms like a stubborn child.Jake's expression turned serious. "It's a terrible habit to stay mad at your soon-to-be husband, you know."
"Wait—what did you just say?" Aurora blinked, confused.Jake didn't respond with words. Instead, he slowly dropped to one knee and reached into his pocket.From a small velvet box, he pulled out a delicate pearl ring the gemstone she had once confessed was her favorite.
Aurora gasped.
Tears immediately welled up in her eyes.Jake looked up at her, his eyes full of vulnerability and certainty."Aurora," he said softly, "will you marry me?" She covered her mouth with trembling hands. Her heart slammed against her ribs. The room swirled. Her vision blurred.
She didn't speak at first only nodded. Over and over again.Tears poured down her cheeks."Yes," she finally whispered. "Yes… yes… YES! I will marry you!" Jake stood up and pulled her into his arms, holding her tighter than ever before.
And in that embrace, the past crumbled, the pain began to fade, and all that was left was the beginning of something new.