3rd Person POV:
Ethilia was in the garden, sipping her morning espresso, when Liana slipped her arms around her from behind. Ethilia let out a soft chuckle and tilted her head so Liana could rest her cheek on her shoulder.
Liana closed her eyes and breathed in Ethilia's scent, something that always grounded her. She loved moments like this, reminders that she finally had this woman in her arms.
Little Alena, who had been running around touching every flower like it was treasure, suddenly spotted them and sprinted toward Liana. Liana let go of Ethilia with a warm laugh and crouched down to scoop Alena up.
Ethilia pouted, crossing her arms. She loved them both to death, but the moment they were together, she always became invisible. It almost felt like she wasn't the biological mom, but Liana was.
"Hey… I'm here too…" she whined, not even trying to hide her need for attention.
Alena giggled and buried her face into Liana's neck, clinging to her like a koala. Liana pulled Ethilia into a one-armed hug. "Aww… there you are, tiny cat."
Liana pressed a tender kiss to Ethilia's temple. Her heart skipped a beat as she held Alena and Ethilia in her arms. She loved them both, but sometimes… Alena's quiet cuteness won her over first.
Ethilia rolled her eyes fondly and wrapped her arms around Liana. "So what? You chose this life full of problems... By being our favorite person."
Liana laughed and nodded, "And I love every moment of this problematic life. And my cute problems."
Ethilia poked her nose and walked to the swing, dropping onto it with a soft huff. Liana followed her and sat beside her with Alena settled comfortably on her lap.
Alena tilted her head up and grinned. "Breakfast was so tasty, Angel."
"Then I guess I should give the chef a little extra tip," Liana teased, glancing at Ethilia. Ethilia smiled and leaned her head on Liana's shoulder.
Alena suddenly slipped down from her lap. "I'll go play some games!"
Liana nodded, and they both watched her run inside, probably to her video games again. Liana spoiled her way too much… but Ethilia couldn't deny she liked watching them together.
Turning to Liana, Ethilia frowned slightly. "Your work starts tomorrow, right?"
Liana nodded and brushed her fingers through Ethilia's hair. "Yes. But don't worry… you won't be bored."
Ethilia raised a brow. What does that even mean? If Liana was gone the whole day, of course, she'd be bored. Unless… Liana had something planned?
Sensing her confusion, Liana winked and stood, pulling Ethilia up by the hands. "Come. I have something for you."
Ethilia smiled despite her curiosity and followed her inside. They chatted about random little things as Liana led her toward the bedroom.
Once they entered the room, Liana walked to the desk and picked up a book she had placed there earlier. She held it with both hands for a moment, like she needed courage, before gently placing it into Ethilia's.
"Here…" Her voice was soft, almost nervous. She had planned this surprise for days, but she had no idea how Ethilia would react.
Ethilia froze for a few minutes as she saw the book cover... a beginner's medical textbook, the kind used by first-year MBBS students.
She traced the title slowly, as if touching a lost treasure she had just found. It reminded her too clearly that this wasn't the she once wished for… but somehow she had ended up here anyway.
She had always wanted to become a surgeon, to treat people and save lives. But fate had never let her.
And now, seeing that dream right in front of her, it felt like someone had poured salt over a wound she thought had long healed.
Even though she thought it wouldn't hurt, the pain still burned as if it were fresh. A tear slid down her cheek before she even noticed.
Liana leaned closer, brushing her lips gently over the falling tear. The warmth of her presence made Ethilia's breath hitch.
Clutching the book tightly, Ethilia whispered in a hoarse voice, "What does this mean?"
Liana cupped her cheeks, brushing away every new tear with her thumbs. "I've contacted a college for you," she said softly. "You can start your MBBS, finish your journey, and become a surgeon. You'll get to do what you've always dreamed of."
Ethilia's breath hitched, and she looked into Liana's eyes through the blur of tears, searching, confirming. Liana nodded slowly and caressed her cheeks, giving her time to take it all in.
Ethilia finally swallowed hard and placed the book carefully on the bed before throwing herself into Liana's arms, holding her tight. "Thank you…" she whispered against her shoulder.
Liana smiled and hugged her just as tightly, kissing her temple."Shh… don't cry," she murmured, rubbing her back in slow circles, whispering small soothing words until Ethilia's breathing calmed.
After a few quiet minutes, Ethilia nuzzled against her one last time and pulled back. A soft smile formed on her lips. She leaned forward and placed a quick peck on Liana's lips, making Liana chuckle.
"Your orientation is tomorrow," Liana said as she sat on the bed and gently tugged Ethilia down beside her. "And now, Miss future doctor… promise me a few things. Okay?"
Ethilia crossed her legs on the bed and faced her fully, smiling like an excited teenager. "Okay… what promises?"
Liana bit her lip and took her hand. She knew the next part might hurt or confuse Ethilia, but it was important.
She just wasn't sure how to say it without being misunderstood. Still, she took a breath and began, summoning all her courage.
"First of all… you won't tell anyone that you have a daughter." Liana searched Ethilia's face, her hands getting sweaty.
Ethilia's smile slowly faded, her expression shifting into something unreadable. Liana's mind filled with a brief panic, fear and uncertainty knotting in her chest.
Liana licked her lips and squeezed Ethilia's hands gently. "Please… trust me. Whatever I'm asking is important."
Ethilia nodded and took a slow breath. "What are the other promises?
Liana bit her lip at Ethilia's cold, cautious tone but kept going. "You won't say anything about your past. You'll have bodyguards, and… no one should know that you're my girlfriend."
As Liana finished, Ethilia narrowed her eyes, jaw tightening. "And may I know the reasons?" she asked. She knew Liana had her reasons, and she wanted to understand them.
Liana looked down at their intertwined hands, brushing her thumb softly over Ethilia's knuckles.
"I don't want you to get bullied or called out. There are people who can't stand seeing others do well… I don't want anyone knowing you have a child." She paused for a moment, watching Ethilia's face, then continued when no reaction came.
"And I don't know where Alex is… so the bodyguards are necessary." Her voice dropped to a whisper, her heart racing as she braced for Ethilia's response.
Liana's grip tightened slightly. "And if anyone knew you were my girlfriend… trust me, you wouldn't have any privacy in college. They'd film you even while studying and post it online."
or a few quiet minutes, neither said anything. Liana sat tensely, waiting for any reaction. While Ethilia's mind was spinning, processing every word.
She knew Liana only wanted the best for her, but she wasn't a liar. Even if she were, she couldn't let anyone rewrite her reality.
"All this will only be for a few years…" Ethilia thought, biting her inner cheek. "People don't need to know me that much. I'll get my degree, and maybe… that's a way I can be worthy of Liana." She nodded slowly, finally making her decision.
"Okay… I promise. I'll never tell anyone any of this, and I'll accept the bodyguards." Ethilia smiled softly, leaning closer.
Liana exhaled, releasing the breath she'd been holding for so long, and leaned in as well, capturing Ethilia's lips in a gentle, tender kiss.
Ethilia kissed back, teasingly biting down on Liana's lower lip. Liana gasped and pulled back, pressing a finger gently against the spot where Ethilia had bitten. Ethilia laughed aloud, a soft, mischievous sound that made Liana grin.
"You're a troublemaker," Liana said, wrapping her arms around her.
Ethilia giggled and wiggled. "Heyyy… let me go," she protested, but she didn't really try to push Liana away.
Their laughter filled the room with a warm sound until Liana's phone suddenly buzzed with texts.
Liana frowned and released Ethilia from her sweet torture, and picked up her phone, which was on the bedside table.
Ethilia frowned too, a hint of annoyance as their moment was interrupted. She crawled closer to the headboard, leaning against it, and peeked at the screen. "Who's that?"
Liana turned to her, smirking at the slight flash of jealousy in Ethilia's eyes. "Follow me, my jealous girlfriend," she teased with a wink, dashing toward the door.
Ethilia's jaw dropped, and she scrambled off the bed, chasing after Liana. "You dare to call me jealous!" she yelled, laughing as she ran.
The maids working nearby froze, watching the two women laughing and running through the hall like carefree teenagers. They wisely decided to give them privacy and quietly headed toward their own rooms.
Liana collapsed onto the couch and opened her arms. "You're a jealous creature. Come here."
Ethilia sat beside her, mock-smacking Liana's arm. "I hate you…" she said with a giggle. Liana winked again.
Ethilia rolled her eyes, leaning against the couch. Liana smirked, picking up the remote and switching the TV to the news channel.
"Let's see what the world is up to… or maybe just some juicy gossip," she teased, her tone carrying that familiar, playful hint.
Ethilia understood there was a meaning behind it, though she had no idea what it was.