The morning sunlight poured gently through the cream-colored curtains, casting soft golden strokes across the bedroom walls. A warm breeze drifted in through the half-opened window, carrying the scent of early rain — a scent Amara had always loved. It reminded her of new beginnings.
She slowly opened her eyes.
The first thing she saw was Daniel, still asleep beside her, one muscular arm lazily wrapped around her waist, his breathing calm and deep. Even in sleep, he looked peaceful… protective… hers.
A small, involuntary smile touched her lips.
Three years of marriage, yet waking up beside him still felt like magic.
She traced a finger lightly over his jaw, admiring the soft beard that made him look a bit older but also impossibly handsome. Daniel stirred at the touch, eyes fluttering slightly before opening — warm, brown, and gentle, like they were made just for her.
"You're staring," he said in a sleepy voice, his lips lifting in a teasing half-smile.
Amara rolled her eyes. "So? My husband is fine; is it a crime to admire him?"
Daniel chuckled, pulling her closer until their foreheads touched. "If it's a crime, then I'm guilty too. Because I admire you every day."
She felt heat rush to her cheeks. Even after years together, he still had a way of making her blush like a schoolgirl.
"Good morning," she whispered.
Daniel didn't answer. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed a slow, gentle kiss to her lips — the kind of kiss that said I love you without a single word. His thumb stroked her cheek as the kiss deepened softly, tenderly. They broke apart slowly, their breaths mixing.
"I miss you even when you're right here," he murmured.
"You're dramatic," she whispered, hiding her shy smile in his chest.
"Only for you."
They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's warmth, hearts beating in quiet harmony. No fights. No tension. No distractions from the world. Just love — simple, whole, and complete.
If only Amara knew this peace wouldn't last.
Breakfast & Bliss
The smell of pancakes and butter filled the kitchen a short while later as Amara flipped the batter on the hot pan. She was dancing to a song playing from her phone — a soft, romantic tune she loved — when Daniel walked in behind her.
"You're in a good mood," he said, sliding his arms around her waist from behind.
"Maybe I'm always in a good mood because of you," she said with a playful grin.
He laughed. "Maybe."
She flipped the pancake just in time, proud of herself.
"Wow," Daniel said dramatically. "That landing deserves a trophy."
"You're mocking me."
"I'm celebrating your talent."
She scoffed, but she was smiling. Being with him made everything feel lighter.
They ate together, Daniel stealing bites from her plate, Amara complaining and then giving up because she always let him win. He watched her talk about her new story idea, her voice excited, hands gesturing enthusiastically.
Daniel loved watching her dream.
"Amara," he said quietly.
She stopped mid-sentence. "Hmm?"
"You know I'm proud of you, right?"
Her heart fluttered. "I know… and I'm grateful."
He reached across the table and touched her hand gently. "I want you to keep shining. Don't hold yourself back."
She squeezed his fingers. "I won't."
Everything felt perfect.
Everything felt right.
If happiness had a picture, it would look exactly like this moment.
A Visit from Tonia
Later that afternoon, while Amara was cleaning the living room and Daniel was in the study working online, the doorbell rang.
She opened it to see Tonia, her best friend of eight years, standing there with a bright smile, a small handbag hanging from her arm.
"Amaraaa!" Tonia shrieked excitedly.
"Tonia! What are you doing here?" Amara laughed and hugged her tightly.
"I was in the area and thought to check on my married madam," Tonia said, stepping inside.
She scanned the living room with her usual curiosity — eyes lingering too long on every small detail. Her gaze stopped at the framed picture of Amara and Daniel's wedding on the wall.
She frowned — just a tiny, almost invisible twitch — before masking it with another smile.
"You and Daniel still look so perfect," Tonia said with a light laugh. "Some of us are just single and suffering."
Amara laughed. "Maybe because you keep running from serious men."
"Or maybe all the good ones are already taken," Tonia said quietly.
Amara didn't catch the tone. But her readers would.
They sat down, chatting and gossiping the way best friends did. Amara told her about the sweet morning kiss, Daniel's compliments, and their plans for the weekend.
Tonia's smile weakened with every word.
"You people are too sweet abeg," Tonia said playfully, but there was stiffness in her voice. "Daniel this, Daniel that… at this point, you should change your name to Mrs. Daniel Daniel."
Amara laughed. "Is it a crime to love my husband?"
"No," Tonia muttered. "Just don't love him too much."
That made Amara pause. "What do you mean?"
Tonia quickly forced a laugh. "I'm joking jor! Don't take it seriously."
But something about the tone — the way her eyes lingered on Daniel's picture — felt strange.
For a moment, Amara wondered if something was off. But she brushed it away.Tonia is my friend. Why would she say anything bad?
Daniel Comes Out
Daniel finally stepped out of the study, stretching as he walked into the living room.
"Good afternoon, Tonia," he greeted politely.
Tonia's eyes softened, almost too much. "Daniel… you're looking good o. Marriage is treating you well."
Daniel smiled awkwardly and glanced at Amara. "Uh… thank you."
Tonia didn't look away.
Amara noticed.
"Tonia, shift your eyes before you burn my husband," she teased.
Tonia laughed, but her gaze remained for one second too long.
Daniel excused himself quickly.
Amara shrugged it off, though something inside her shifted — a tiny seed of discomfort.
The first one.
Evening Romance
After Tonia left, Daniel sat beside Amara on the couch, gently rubbing her feet as she relaxed.
"You've been standing since morning," Daniel said. "Rest small."
"You're spoiling me," she teased.
"I'm allowed."
She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. His hand moved slowly up and down her arm, sending soft warmth through her body. Their breathing synchronized, calm and soothing.
"Daniel… sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve you," she whispered.
He turned her face toward him. "You loved me. That's enough."
He kissed her — a slow, warm kiss that deepened until she felt herself melting into him. His hands held her gently, like she was something fragile and precious.
She pulled back slightly, smiling shyly. "We're supposed to be watching a movie."
"We can watch each other," he whispered against her lips.
The kiss continued — soft, deep, emotional — the kind that made her heart flutter and her body warm.
Love lived here.
Pure, unbroken love.
But outside this moment, a storm was already growing…A storm wearing a friendly smile and carrying jealousy in her heart.
Soon, everything would change.
But tonight, Amara and Daniel held each other like nothing could break them.
If only love alone was enough.