The morning light peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Anna woke up, her head resting against Jace's chest, the steady rhythm of his breath lulling her into a sense of calm she had never known before. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't have to face the confusion or pain that plagued her. There was no dream, no haunting figure from her past. It was just Jace, here with her, real and present.
She shifted slightly, feeling his arm wrapped around her protectively, as though he were holding her together, piece by piece. The feeling of his warmth and closeness made her heart race in a different way—one that felt safe and secure.
"Good morning," Jace whispered, his voice still thick with sleep as he tightened his embrace around her.
She smiled, not having the words to describe the comfort she felt in his arms. "Good morning," Anna replied softly, lifting her head to meet his gaze. His eyes were still sleepy, but there was a tenderness in them that made everything feel more right than it ever had.
"I'm glad you're here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't have to explain—he already knew.
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I'm glad you're here too, Anna. And I'll always be here for you."
For the first time in a long time, she didn't feel lost. Maybe she wasn't the lost soul she had once thought she was. Maybe, just maybe, she was finding her way back to herself... with him by her side.
He handed her a cup of warmth, coffee kissed with care and brushed her forehead gently—
a touch so soft, so rare.
For the first time, Anna looked at Jace not as hers—
but as a shadow to compare with the man who ruled her dreams like time.
Dressed in white, Jace's shirt clung to truth and light, black jeans grounding him to this world,
while her thoughts drifted into night.
He caught her staring, a smirk upon his lips, "What are you watching?" he asked with teasing quips.
"Your body," she whispered, with a flirt in her tone, trying to silence the ache of a love she'd never known.
He cupped her cheek with tender grace, his eyes locked into hers, "Stop glaring like that," he said, "I'm already yours."
Jace's words sent a shiver through her, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth in her chest. His touch on her cheek was gentle yet possessive, a promise that made her heart flutter. She had never felt more seen, more understood, than in this moment. The way he was looking at her, the way his fingers lingered on her skin—everything about it felt so real, so certain.
"You're mine, huh?" Anna teased, her voice soft and playful, feeling a grin tug at her lips. "Are you sure about that?"
Jace smiled, his eyes darkening slightly with a hint of mischief. "Absolutely. No one else is getting this attention." He leaned in, brushing his lips against her forehead, lingering for a moment, "I don't want anyone else looking at you like that. You're mine, Anna."
His words, simple yet powerful, sent a wave of warmth through her. She hadn't realized until now just how much she wanted this—how much she wanted him to be the one to claim her, to hold her close and make her feel like she belonged.
"I'm glad you feel that way," Anna whispered, her heart swelling with emotions she hadn't fully understood until now. " Jace… I think I'm starting to feel the same way."
He looked at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers, as though making sure she meant it. When he saw the truth in her gaze, his lips curled into a soft, knowing smile.
"Then we're on the same page," he said softly, his voice full of warmth and affection. "And I'm not going anywhere."
It felt like the start of something new—something real. Anna wasn't lost anymore, she had found her place, her home, in him.
He left for work, the door sighed closed and Anna, heart heavy, reached for the phone.
She dialed Raily with trembling breath and told her all—every shadow, every depth.
Raily was silent for a moment before her excitement exploded. "Oh my god, Anna! You actually kissed him! And now you're staying with him? This is like a movie!"
Anna could hear her jumping around in excitement, and she couldn't help but smile a little. "I know, Raily. I still can't believe it's real."
"Tell me everything! How did it feel when he kissed you? Was it like you imagined? Was he gentle or more passionate?" Raily's voice was filled with anticipation, and Anna could practically hear her leaning forward on the other end of the phone.
Anna leaned back against the couch, closing her eyes as she remembered the feeling of his lips on hers. "It was different than I expected, but in the best way. It was so... real. Like everything around us disappeared. There was just him and I. And I felt safe. For the first time in a while, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be."
"That sounds incredible," Raily said softly, her voice full of affection for Anna. "You deserve this, Anna. You deserve to feel special. He seems like he really cares about you."
Anna paused for a moment, reflecting on everything that had happened. "I think he does. But I'm still... confused. I can't help but wonder if it's too good to be true."
"Of course you're confused! This is like a fairytale!" Raily laughed, "But don't overthink it, okay? You need to enjoy the moment. Let yourself feel whatever you're feeling. Don't rush things. You're not alone in this. And who knows, maybe this is your happily ever after."
Anna smiled, feeling the warmth of Raily's words settle in her chest. "Thanks, Raily. I needed to hear that."
"Anytime, girl. You've got this," she said with a wink in her voice. "Now go enjoy your fairytale, and keep me posted. I want all the details!"
Anna chuckled softly, feeling a little lighter. She didn't have all the answers yet, but maybe she didn't need them. Maybe all she needed was to keep moving forward, one step at a time, with Jace by her side.
(To be continued…..)