Loving You From Afar Part 3

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Josie and her husband stood hand-in-hand, gazing at the Eiffel Tower lit up against the night sky. Paris had always been a dream of Josie's, and now, on their honeymoon, that dream was a reality. They spent their days exploring museums, strolling along the Seine, and indulging in decadent pastries. Despite the beauty and romance surrounding her, Josie couldn't shake a lingering sense of emptiness.

One afternoon, as her husband napped in their hotel room, Josie called her sister, Lizzie. "Hey, Lizzie! Guess where I am?" she said excitedly.

"Let me guess, somewhere magical in Paris?" Lizzie replied with a chuckle.

"Exactly! We're having the best time. The city is everything I imagined and more," Josie gushed, though a hint of melancholy seeped into her voice.

"I'm so happy for you, Jo. You deserve all this happiness," Lizzie said warmly. "And you know I'm here if you need to talk about anything."

"Thanks, Lizzie. I know," Josie replied, forcing a cheerful tone. "I have to go, but I'll call you later. Love you."

"Love you too," Lizzie responded before the call ended.

The next morning, Lizzie was tidying up her apartment when there was a knock at the door. She answered to find Hope standing there, her expression forlorn. "Hope, hey!" Lizzie greeted her with a hug, immediately sensing something was off. "Come in."

"Thanks, Lizzie," Hope murmured as she stepped inside, her eyes downcast.

Lizzie guided her to the living room. "What's wrong? And don't tell me it's nothing, because I know you too well."

Hope hesitated, then sighed. "I didn't sleep well last night, that's all."

"Hope, I just talked to Josie," Lizzie said, her tone probing. "She's having a great time in Paris."

Hope's heart twisted with conflicting emotions. "How is she?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

"She says she's happy, that everything is wonderful," Lizzie replied, watching Hope closely.

"That's good," Hope said softly, her voice betraying her inner turmoil.

Lizzie put a hand on Hope's shoulder. "Hope, you can tell me anything. I know there's more to this."

Hope looked up, her eyes filled with unshed tears. "I... I didn't realize how much I loved Josie until it was too late. Seeing her so happy, knowing she's with someone else... it hurts, Lizzie. I don't know how to move on."

Lizzie hugged Hope tightly. "I'm so sorry, Hope. I can't imagine how hard this is for you. But you have to give yourself time. Maybe talking to her could help?"

"I don't want to ruin her happiness," Hope said, her voice muffled against Lizzie's shoulder.

Lizzie pulled back, looking Hope in the eyes. "Hope, you deserve to be happy too. If talking to her is what you need, then maybe it's worth considering. But whatever you decide, I'm here for you."

Hope spent the rest of the day with Lizzie, trying to find some semblance of peace. They reminisced about old times, watched movies, and talked about everything and nothing. Lizzie's presence was comforting, but the ache in Hope's heart remained.

Meanwhile, in Paris, Josie and her husband continued their honeymoon adventures. Yet, as Josie stood on the balcony of their hotel room, watching the city lights twinkle, her thoughts drifted to Hope. She missed her best friend, the way Hope always seemed to understand her without words. A pang of regret tugged at her heart, and she wondered what might have been if things had been different.

That night, as she lay in bed, Josie dreamt of a world where she and Hope were together.
She found herself in a cozy, sunlit bedroom, the kind that felt like home. The soft glow of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm hue over everything. Josie stirred, feeling a series of feather-light kisses on her face, moving from her cheeks to her lips. She smiled sleepily, eyes still closed, savoring the sensation.

"Wake up, my love," a familiar voice murmured. "I've got you breakfast."

Josie opened her eyes to find Hope's face inches from her own, a tender smile playing on her lips. "Good morning, love," Hope whispered, her voice filled with affection.

"Good morning, beautiful," Josie replied, her blue eyes sparkling with love. They leaned in, their lips meeting in a gentle, lingering kiss.

The smell of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air. Josie sat up, her heart swelling with happiness as she took in the sight of Hope, who held a tray laden with breakfast goodies. "You made breakfast?" Josie asked, her voice filled with awe.

"Of course," Hope said with a grin, setting the tray on the bed. "Anything for you."

They shared the meal, feeding each other bites of croissant and sips of coffee, laughing and talking about their plans for the day. Their home was a beautiful mix of their personalities—cozy and warm, filled with books and art, plants and soft blankets. It was a place where they could be themselves, where their love flourished in every corner.

After breakfast, they got ready for the day together, moving around the house in a seamless dance of familiarity and affection. Josie marveled at how natural it all felt, how right. They spent the day exploring their favorite spots in town, holding hands and stealing kisses, their laughter echoing in the air.

As the sun began to set, they returned home. Hope started cooking dinner while Josie set the table. They ate by candlelight, the atmosphere intimate and filled with warmth. After dinner, they curled up on the couch, watching a movie and snuggling under a blanket.

Josie felt a deep sense of contentment wash over her. This was what she had always wanted, even if she hadn't realized it until now. She turned to Hope, who was gazing at her with such love that it made Josie's heart ache.

"I love you, Hope," Josie said softly, her eyes shining.

"I love you too, Josie," Hope replied, pulling her closer. "Always and Forever."

They kissed again, the world around them fading away. Josie felt a tear slip down her cheek, not from sadness but from the overwhelming joy of being with the person she loved more than anything.

As they pulled back, Hope gently wiped the tear away. "What's wrong, my love?"

"Nothing," Josie said, shaking her head with a smile. "Everything is perfect."

They fell asleep in each other's arms, wrapped in the warmth of their love. Josie felt a sense of completeness she had never known, a happiness that seemed too good to be true.

Josie woke with a start, the dream lingering in her mind like a vivid memory. She lay still, trying to hold onto the remnants of that perfect world where she and Hope were together. The weight of reality settled over her, and she felt a profound sense of loss.

Her husband stirred beside her, reaching out to pull her close. Josie stiffened slightly, the dream's emotions still raw. She took a deep breath, reminding herself where she was. Her husband mumbled something in his sleep, and Josie forced herself to relax, snuggling into his embrace.

She still tries to ignore it. She and Hope will never happen. They are just best friends and nothing more. They will never be more than that. Hope would never return her feelings. Josie looks back at her husband. He loves her and married her. She was finally someone's first choice and she doesn't want to let that ruin her. She can finally be happy herself.

There will be a Part 4, if you guys want that.
Let me know :)

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