Five years had passed since that quiet morning on the balcony. The seasons had turned, but the strength of Elena and Adrian's relationship had only deepened. The once-foreign house they had inherited, filled with the expectations of the past, had been transformed into a home—one that was filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable sense of peace that came with knowing they had built their lives together.
Their days were marked not by the weight of obligations or the constraints of societal expectations, but by the quiet joys of shared moments. They spent mornings in the garden, afternoons reading by the fire, and evenings discussing their dreams, their hopes, and the endless possibilities of the future. The pressure to conform had been replaced with the freedom to simply be—together.
In the years since their marriage had begun, they had experienced growth—both as individuals and as a couple. They had traveled the world, explored new places, and encountered new ideas, but through it all, they had remained steadfast in their commitment to one another. They had weathered storms—external pressures, misunderstandings, and even personal doubts—but each challenge had brought them closer, forging a deeper, unbreakable bond.
Their love was not perfect; it was not always easy. But it was real. It was built on trust, communication, and a shared vision of what they wanted their lives to look like. In the end, that was all they needed: a life they had created together, based on love and choice, rather than obligation.
One evening, after a particularly delightful dinner, Elena and Adrian sat together on the veranda, watching the stars twinkle above. Their hands were entwined, and for the first time in a long while, there was no uncertainty about the future. They had already made it—together.
As Elena rested her head on Adrian's shoulder, she smiled, content and at peace. The future was no longer something to fear. It was something to embrace, with all its uncertainties and joys, because she knew that whatever came next, they would face it as a team.
Together.
YOU ARE READING
Bound by Duty
RomansaElena, a young woman, is forced into an arranged marriage with Adrian, a distant and enigmatic heir to a powerful family. Meeting only at the altar, they are bound by the weight of their families' expectations and must navigate a life shaped by duty...
