Two days had passed since Selene had gently nudged Camille and Theo back into each other's arms. The hospital had returned to its usual pace, but the story of Room 204's miracle reconciliation had become quiet hallway legend.
Selene had nearly forgotten about it—until the nurse at the front desk waved her over, wide-eyed.
> "Laurent-Reyes, you got a delivery."
A small white box sat on the counter, wrapped in ivory ribbon with a note tucked beneath the bow. Selene untied it gently.
Inside, nestled in soft tissue, was a miniature porcelain music box. When she turned the crank, it played a soft lullaby—"Clair de Lune."
Her eyes softened. She unfolded the note.
Dear Nurse Selene,
Thank you for helping us find each other again. For reminding us that strength sometimes looks like showing up, even when it's messy. Our son, Leon, is doing better each day. And so are we.
With endless gratitude,
Camille, Theo & Baby Leon.
Selene smiled, her fingers brushing over the tiny music box as the lullaby faded. Her heart felt full, warm, and almost glowing.
Later that evening, Antonio walked into her studio holding a bouquet—not of roses, but of white gardenias. Their scent trailed behind him like a whisper.
> "Someone's been playing Cupid at the hospital," he said, placing the bouquet on her desk. "I figured I'd gift my wife the official flower of graceful mischief."
Selene raised a brow. "Gardenias?"
> "You meddled with elegance. You deserve something equally elegant."
She giggled. "You're ridiculous."
He kissed her temple. "And you're irresistible. Honestly, babe… if this nurse-and-miracle-maker thing ever wears you out, I have a backup plan."
Selene blinked. "Oh?"
> "Yep. I'm starting a side business: Meddlers Anonymous. You'll be the face of it. Logo idea: You in scrubs, with a speech bubble saying, 'Fixing love lives since forever.'"
Selene burst out laughing. "You're not serious."
> "No. But I'm totally printing shirts."
She leaned into his chest, arms slipping around his waist.
> "What would I do without you?"
Antonio kissed her forehead. "Hopefully we'll never have to find out."
As the porcelain music box played again from across the room, they stood in each other's arms—wrapped in a moment that was soft, simple, and very much theirs.
Chapter: In the Quiet Between Us
It was past twilight when Selene returned from her shift—her scrubs exchanged for a soft cardigan and silk lounge pants, her hair tied loosely as she stepped into the warm glow of their Parisian home. The scent of sandalwood candles lingered faintly as she walked into the living room, where Antonio sat by the tall windows, looking out over the shimmering skyline.
He turned when he heard her steps.
> "Hey," he greeted with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Selene furrowed her brow, instantly sensing the weight in the air. "Hey… what's with that look?"
Antonio stood up, walked to her, and gently took both her hands in his. "Can we sit? There's something I need to tell you."
They settled onto the couch, legs touching, hands never parting. He took a breath—a long one, the kind you only take when something sits too heavy on your chest.
> "I got an invitation. No—an opportunity, actually. To represent A.S Enterprises at an international business summit in Tokyo."
Her eyes widened just a little. "Tokyo?"
He nodded. "It's a major deal, Selene. Investors. Partnerships. Expansion into Asia. It's the kind of move that could skyrocket us."
She smiled softly, genuinely proud. "Antonio… that's amazing. You've earned this."
But she noticed it—the small hesitation in his throat. The silence that followed his victory.
> "But?" she asked gently.
Antonio swallowed. "But… I have to leave without you this time. And not just for a few days—it might stretch into weeks. Maybe even a month if it all goes well."
Selene's smile faltered ever so slightly.
> "Why not take me with you?" she asked, her voice tender, not demanding.
He looked down, struggling with his words. "Because… this one's different. There's someone I need to meet there. Someone I haven't told you about yet. Someone from the early days of A.S Enterprises who helped me once. And I don't want to make things confusing—not until I understand their intentions."
Her heart skipped. "You're protecting me."
He looked up, cupping her face. "Always. I'd never hide anything from you to hurt you. But I need to handle this alone. And I hate—absolutely hate—that it means leaving you."
She blinked, her hazel eyes softer now, though the flicker of disappointment lingered. "Antonio, I trust you. I just… I'll miss you."
He nodded, pulling her into his chest. "I'll miss you more. The bed's going to feel empty. The coffee's going to taste wrong. And I'll probably go mad without your sketches cluttering my office table."
She chuckled softly against his chest. "Don't touch them."
He kissed the top of her head.
> "You know, I'm glad for what this could mean for the company… but I'm sad. Sad I won't wake up to you. Sad I won't be here for our late-night ramen or the way you hum when you're designing."
She looked up. "Then promise me one thing."
> "Anything."
"Come back soon. And come back home."
He nodded, pressing his forehead to hers.
> "Always, wifey."