happy never after

prologue

Madelyn

"Madelyn," Jaden's sleepy morning voice calls out, his hand reaching out to interlock our fingers. "Are you still here?"

"I'm still here, baby." His sigh of relief is palpable as he pulls me closer, his bare chest against my back, his chin resting on my head. His other arm wraps around me, holding me close. I glance up at him and he leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. It's so gentle, I feel like I might shatter into a hundred pieces if he pulls away.

I could stay like this forever. I feel the safest when I'm with him. All my worries, all my fears, they evaporate the moment I feel his presence. Even if I were held at gunpoint, as long as Jaden was in the room, I'd feel safe. There's no better feeling than when it's just the two of us. Nothing else matters as long as he's right beside me.

He pulls away from the kiss just as gently as he leaned in, and it feels like he took a piece of me with him. His left hand finds its way to my face, softly caressing my cheek before making its way up to my hair, running his fingers through it delicately. "I love you," he rasps out.

"I-" I start to respond, but he cuts me off by pressing his lips to mine again, this time with more passion.

"Don't say anything right now, Mads," he breathes out, his lips just inches from mine. He seems tense, like something happened while we were asleep. His breathing quickens, his grip on my hand tightens, and I can see the tears forming in his deep brown eyes.

"Are you alright, Jaden?" I question, to which he responds with a simple nod, pulling me in closer. He takes a deep, shaky breath, pleading, "Please don't leave." Confused, I look up at him. "Promise me," he implores, his breath trembling, "Promise me you won't let me go." I gently soothe him, running my fingers through his hair. "I promise," I assure him. He leans into me further, his tears flowing freely. My heart aches at the sight.