𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝐿

I hung up the call with my label executives, the weight of their words still lingering in the air. My heart swelled with excitement as I processed the incredible shift that was about to happen in my career. But more than that, I couldn't wait to share it with her, my rock, my home, my peace, and my comfort. She was everything to me, and I wanted to tell her first, before anyone else.

I put the phone down, the smile on my face impossible to hide. There was no time to waste. I tiptoed quietly from my office and made my way down the hall toward the bedroom. The house was still quiet, the sun just beginning to break through the windows. I could feel the stillness around me, and it felt like the perfect moment.

I opened the tall bedroom door, gently stepping inside, not wanting to disturb her too soon. The room was dim, with soft light starting to spill in from the window. I could see her, lying there, fast asleep. She was on her back, her breathing slow and steady. Her face, soft and peaceful, made my heart ache in the most beautiful way.

I walked around the bed to the side I usually slept on and slid in slowly, gently, not wanting to wake her just yet. I leaned over slightly, my gaze never leaving her. My fingers itched to touch her, so I reached out and began stroking the hair that had fallen across her face, the sunlight casting a golden glow around her.

I took a deep breath, savoring the quiet moment. I wanted to stay like this forever, just looking at her, feeling the warmth of her presence beside me. But there was no way I could keep this news to myself any longer. So, I leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, ready to wake her and share my happiness.

She was the cutest thing. I could just lay in bed and stare at her like this all day, taking in every peaceful, perfect detail of her. Her soft features, the way the sunlight played in her hair, it was like she was made just for me. She was precious, like an angel, and it made my heart swell every time I looked at her.

I reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, marveling at how she was so unaware of the effect she had on me. She had no idea how much she meant to me, how much I wanted to give her everything. Mariah was the kind of woman who didn't ask for much, always putting others before herself, especially me. She'd sacrificed so much for me, leaving her life behind, her old world, just to be here with me. That was a love I would never take for granted.

She was always there for me, even when I didn't deserve it, and it made me want to be the best version of myself, just for her. I knew she gave me her whole heart, and I wanted to do the same for her. I wanted to make her as happy as she made me, to show her that all the sacrifices she made, all the little things she did for me, didn't go unnoticed.

I guess she could feel my gaze in her sleep. She began moving suddenly, and eventually, her eyes opened slowly. She blinked at me, her gaze soft as she stretched and yawned. I couldn't help but watch her, the way she looked waking up next to me. Her curls were tussled from the pillow, wild but still beautiful. She slowly looked up at me, a sleepy smile forming on her face.

"Good morning, beautiful," I said, my voice soft and full of affection.

"Good morning, baby," she replied, her voice still tinged with sleep. She stretched again, her body curling in a way that made my heart race. "How long have you been staring at me?" she asked with an amused smile, clearly aware of my gaze.

"Long enough," I teased, raising my brows playfully. "How'd you sleep?"

She leaned back, her hands moving to fluff the pillow behind her. "I got better sleep than the night before," she smiled, still half-lost in the drowsiness of the morning.

"Yeah, well, I have good news," I said, my excitement building up. I couldn't wait to share it with her.

"Ouu really, I'm excited to hear the news," she said, her eyes lighting up as she turned toward me, waiting eagerly.