He Loves Me

Who knows What he has done?

I slowly opened my eyes, my gaze shifting to the familiar surroundings of our bedroom. The soft rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on everything around me. It took a moment for my mind to register where I was, but as the fog of confusion lifted, a sense of relief washed over me—I was safe at home.

Nikolai sat beside me, his worried eyes meeting mine as he gently caressed my cheek. I couldn't help but lean into his touch, finding comfort in his presence. "Ivy, you're awake," he whispered, his voice filled with both concern and relief. "You had a concussion and lost consciousness, but don't worry, you're going to be alright."

A private doctor, arranged by Nikolai, had come to our home to examine me. Their calm and reassuring demeanor helped ease my worries. They confirmed the concussion diagnosis and assured me that with proper rest and care, I would make a full recovery.

Nikolai took a deep breath, his voice carrying a mix of weariness and determination. "Ivy, I need to tell you something," he began, his gaze locked with mine. "After you passed out, the police arrived and apprehended Khalil. He fought back, shot two of them, killed one, and tried to turn the gun on himself, but they managed to subdue him. It's all recorded on the office cameras," with a sigh he said something that shook me to my core. "The officers went in his car, they found pictures of you, some of your clothing, information about a tracking device, and 7 guns.

A surge of relief washed over me at Nikolai's words. Khalil's capture brought a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had overshadowed our lives. I didn't know how to feel though. I felt relief, but also doubt.

I couldn't help but ask, my voice tinged with curiosity and a touch of apprehension, "How long have I been asleep?"

Nikolai's eyes met mine, his expression filled with tenderness. "You've been asleep for six days," he replied gently. "Today is May 15."

The realization hit me like a wave, a mix of surprise and disorientation washing over me. Six days had slipped by while I remained unconscious, unaware of the passing time. Yet, in that moment, I found solace in Nikolai's unwavering presence—the rock that anchored me amidst the storm.

We sat together in the quiet of our bedroom, leaning on each other, drawing strength from our love and resilience. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but with every passing day, our bond grew stronger. We knew that as long as we faced the challenges together, there was hope for a brighter future—a future filled with love, happiness, and the promise of better days to come.

As I watched Nikolai walk out of the room, then over to the bed, cradling Arzura in his arms, my heart swelled with love and joy. He gently placed our precious daughter beside me, and Arzura's bright eyes locked onto mine, her tiny lips curving into an adorable, toothless smile.

"Hi, baby," I whispered, my voice filled with tenderness. "Mommy loves you too." She surprised me with a wet, sloppy, and toothless kiss! Arzura's chubby little hands reached out, brushing against my cheek in an innocent and playful gesture. I couldn't help but laugh, feeling the warmth of her affection fill the room. It was in moments like these, amidst the chaos and challenges, that the purest form of love blossomed—the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

I held Arzura close, marveling at her innocent beauty. Her small body pressed against mine, radiating warmth and trust. In her presence, the worries and troubles of the world seemed to fade away, replaced by a profound sense of love and protection.

As I gazed into Arzura's eyes, I silently vowed to be the best mother I could be—to provide her with a nurturing and secure environment, free from the shadows of the past. Together with Nikolai, we would create a life filled with laughter, love, and endless possibilities. In that moment, I knew that our journey as a family had only just begun, and I was determined to embrace every precious moment with open arms.