The morning sun spilled through the curtains, but the air in their apartment still felt heavy from the night before. Travier lay awake for a long time, watching Saphirra breathe softly beside him. He hated the faint lines of worry still clinging to her face, even in sleep.
Guilt gnawed at him. He never wanted to be the reason she doubted herself, never wanted to see the light in her eyes dim because of something he did.
When she finally stirred awake, Travier brushed a hand through her hair and whispered, "Get ready. No makeup kit, no work clothes today. Just you."
She blinked at him sleepily. "What do you mean?"
He smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "It's my day off. And it's yours too, whether you like it or not. I'm taking you out."
Saphirra's eyes widened as she sat up and looked at him in shock.
"What? Are you for real?"
Travier chuckled and cupped her cheeks, leaning forward and capturing her soft lips, kissing her for a moment before breaking the kiss. "Yes, for real. This time, it will be just us, you and me, alone without any interruptions." Travier said with a soft smile, tucking Saphira's hair behind her ear.
Saphirra blushed and looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment, which Travier found cute.
A few hours later, Saphirra found herself walking into one of the city's most expensive restaurants, her hand tucked firmly in Travier's.
Saphirra makes sure to wear something nice and look elegant, putting in some effort but not too much. Her hair is tied in a simple pony, and she's wearing a simple, plain dress. It looks so simple, but her natural beauty makes it more elegant and eye-catching.
They went inside the luxurious Restaurant, a kind of place with chandeliers that sparkled like starlight and soft music drifting through the air. She glanced at him nervously. "Travier, this is too much—"
"It's not enough," he cut in gently, pulling out her chair for her like a gentleman. "You deserve more than this, but it's a start."
As the evening unfolded, he made sure she didn't lift a finger. He ordered all her favorites—dishes she'd mentioned in passing over the years, little details he had never forgotten. Every time she hesitated to take another bite, he nudged the plate closer with a grin. "Eat. I want to see you happy and full tonight."
And Saphirra, despite her lingering worries, couldn't help but laugh softly at the way he kept piling food onto her plate. For the first time in days, her chest felt lighter.
Between sips of wine and candlelight reflections, Travier reached across the table, taking her hand. His thumb brushed over her knuckles with a tenderness that made her heart ache.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, eyes locked on hers. "For making you feel like you weren't enough. For letting you think, even for a second, that anyone could ever take your place. I hate seeing you sad, Saphirra. I hate being the reason for it even more."
Her throat tightened, but she managed a small smile. "You really mean that?"
"More than anything." He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. "You're my wife. My love. The one I want to spoil, to feed, to laugh with, to grow old with. You're not just part of my life—you are my life."
Saphirra felt her eyes sting, but this time, the tears weren't from insecurity. They were from love—the kind that, despite everything, still made her feel like the center of his world.
For the rest of the evening, she let herself relax in his warmth, in his words, in the way he looked at her like she was all he'd ever need.
And though fate's cruel marks still lingered in the shadows of their hearts, in that moment, it was just them—husband and wife, holding on to each other tightly against whatever the world tried to write for them.
After dinner, Travier wasn't ready for the night to end. He wanted to see Saphirra laugh again, to see her glow without worry clouding her eyes. So instead of driving home, he surprised her by turning toward the brightly lit amusement park on the edge of the city.
Saphirra's eyes widened as neon lights reflected in her gaze. "Travier... really?"
He grinned, squeezing her hand. "Really. Tonight, we're kids again."
They spent hours running through the park—sharing cotton candy, trying silly games, even winning her a stuffed bear that she carried tucked under her arm. When they climbed onto the roller coaster, Saphirra hesitated at first, gripping the safety bar with white knuckles.
Travier assisted her; he took off his coat and wrapped it around her waist at the front to cover her dress skirt before helping her with the belt, making sure it was buckled securely. Travier holds Saphirra's hand, knowing that Saphirra easily gets scared whenever they ride a roller coaster, and he runs his thumb in a circle motion on her hand as they both prepare for the ride to start.
The ride shot forward, and she screamed so loudly that Travier couldn't help but laugh. The wind whipped through their hair, and when the cart plunged down a steep drop, Saphirra grabbed onto his arm and buried her face against him.
When the ride ended, her cheeks were flushed, her laughter breathless. "I swear I hate you for dragging me on that."
"Liar," Travier teased, brushing her hair from her face. "You loved it."
She rolled her eyes but smiled, and for a while, it felt like nothing in the world could ruin their night.
By the time the clock neared 10:50, they stood in line for the Ferris wheel. Saphirra's heart fluttered with excitement; she had always dreamed of making a wish at 11:11, right at the very top. It felt like fate—just her, Travier, and the stars above.
But just as their turn came, Travier's gaze snagged on a figure in the crowd. His stomach sank...
Vanessa.