Forever Yours

CHAPTER 8

Can I kiss you?

Life settled into a steady rhythm for both Emily and Henry. The daily grind of work, self-care, and the subtle but undeniable deepening of their bond made the passing days feel both fulfilling and exciting. Each day brought them closer together, even when they weren't physically present with one another.

Emily had truly come into her own. Ever since cutting ties with Ryan and the toxic memories of her past, she felt a surge of independence and self-love. Her mornings began with a routine she took pride in: waking up early, going for a jog, and preparing a healthy breakfast before heading to work. She had decided to focus on herself, building a healthier lifestyle not just physically, but emotionally.

Her new routine gave her a sense of control that had been absent for too long. She would lace up her running shoes just as the sun began to rise, relishing in the quiet stillness of the early hours. With each step, she felt herself leave behind the weight of her past, the toxic relationships, and the doubts that had once plagued her. The rhythmic sound of her feet hitting the pavement became a metaphor for her journey—steady, determined, and unrelenting.

The gym had also become her sanctuary. There, in the company of strangers focused on their own fitness, she found solitude and strength. The feeling of pushing her body to its limits, of surpassing personal goals, filled her with confidence she hadn't felt in years. It was liberating, and even though she received attention from men who admired her new glow, Emily had no interest in any of them. Her heart was occupied, and it beat only for Henry.

On weekends, Emily kept a quieter, more introspective routine. One that she held sacred—her visits to her parents' grave. She would bring fresh flowers, the vibrant colors a stark contrast to the stillness of the cemetery, and stand in front of the headstones with a quiet reverence. There, she allowed herself to speak openly to her parents, her words soft and tender, as though they could still hear her.

"I'm okay," she would whisper, running her fingers gently over the carved names. "I'm stronger now, but I miss you both every day." She often confided in them about her feelings for Henry, sharing her hopes, her fears, and her gratitude for having found someone who made her feel cherished again. There was a peace in those moments—an unspoken promise to herself and to them that she would continue to live the life they would have wanted for her.

Despite her independence, there were two people Emily would never want to lose: Henry and Trisha. They had become her lifelines, her chosen family, and she clung to the comfort their presence gave her.

Henry, meanwhile, was busier than ever with his family's garage. The business had taken off, and while the workload was demanding, he welcomed it. He was a man who found satisfaction in hard work, and as the garage grew, so did his sense of accomplishment. Yet, no matter how hectic his day became, Henry always found time to check on Emily. Whether it was a quick text in the morning or a brief phone call at night, he made sure she knew that she was never far from his thoughts. The rhythm they had fallen into was effortless, natural—almost like breathing.

For Trisha, cutting ties with Katherine had been long overdue. After all the lies and betrayal, it was clear their friendship had become toxic. She had confided in Henry that letting go of Katherine had lifted a weight off her shoulders. Emily had always been the true friend in her life, the sister she hadn't realized she needed, and mending that bond had brought her more joy than any fleeting friendship with Katherine ever could.

One evening, after a particularly busy week, Henry decided it was time to see Emily properly. Texts and calls were nice, but he missed being with her in person. He called her up, suggesting a casual dinner out. The excitement that filled his chest as he drove to her place was palpable. When she stepped out of her house, his breath caught in his throat. She looked radiant—her confidence and strength shining through in a way that made his heart race.