Chapter Two Hundred And Six

Chapter Two Hundred And Six
Chapter Two Hundred And Six

The movie had almost ended, and Tia was still awake on the couch with Andy sleeping quietly on her arm.

His small chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his soft breath warm against her skin.

She looked down at Andy and smiled, brushing a few strands of hair from his forehead.

The house felt peaceful again. For once, everything seemed right — no arguments, no misunderstandings, no distance between her and Adam.

Only love filled the air.

Just then, she heard the door open. Adam walked in, dressed neatly but a little tired from work. He carried a large shopping bag in one hand and a small smile on his face.

Tia turned, whispering, “You’re back early.”

“Couldn’t stay away,” he said quietly, glancing at Andy. “He’s asleep already?”

“Yeah,” she replied softly. “He was waiting for you.”

Adam smiled and came closer. He gently touched Andy’s cheek, then looked at Tia again. “You’re both my peace,” he said in a low voice.

Before she could say anything, he handed her the bag. “Here,” he said.

“What’s this?” she asked, frowning playfully.

“Something for you,” he replied. “Go on, open it.”

She set the sleeping Andy gently on the couch and opened the bag. Inside was a beautiful dress — soft, elegant, midnight blue with a light shimmer that caught the room’s glow. Her eyes widened a little.

“Adam… what’s this for?” she asked.

He smiled, taking off his jacket. “You and I are going out tonight,” he said. “Dinner. Just us.”

Tia blinked. “Tonight? It’s already late.”

“Exactly,” he said, grinning. “That’s when the city gets quiet. I already booked a place — private, peaceful, no one will disturb us.”

“Adam…” she began, but he interrupted her gently.

“No excuses, sweetheart,” he said, leaning closer. “You’ve been stuck in this house for too long. You deserve to dress up, eat something fancy, and smile without reason.”

She chuckled shyly, shaking her head. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re beautiful,” he replied. “Now go get ready. Ruth will put Andy to bed.”

Tia looked down at the sleeping boy again, then back at Adam. “You planned everything?”

He smiled softly. “Maybe I’ve learned my lesson — never take my woman for granted again.”

Tia felt her heart tighten at his words. She nodded, standing slowly, clutching the dress to her chest. “Alright,” she said, smiling. “Give me thirty minutes.”

Adam grinned. “Take your time, I’ll be waiting.”

\---

Thirty minutes later, when she walked down the stairs, Adam almost forgot to breathe. She looked stunning — the dress fit perfectly, her hair loose and soft around her shoulders, her makeup light but enough to make her glow.

He stood there staring, and she laughed shyly. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because,” he said, walking toward her, “you’re making it impossible to remember how to breathe.”

She blushed, shaking her head. “You’re exaggerating.”

“No,” he said simply. “You look even more beautiful than the day I first met you.”

That made her pause. “You said that years ago.”

“And I’ll keep saying it,” he said, his voice warm. “Every time I see you, it feels like the first time.”

She smiled, her eyes soft. “Let’s go before you make me cry.”

He laughed quietly and offered his arm. “My lady.”

\---

The drive was peaceful. The night air was cool, and the city lights painted the roads gold. Tia leaned slightly toward the window, watching the view. Adam glanced at her from time to time, his heart heavy with love.

When they reached the private restaurant, the place was quiet — a soft glow of lights, the sound of slow jazz playing somewhere inside. A small table for two was already set near the window overlooking a little garden.

Adam helped her with her chair before sitting across from her.

“Wow,” she whispered, looking around. “You really went all out.”

“For you? Always,” he said with a grin.

They ordered dinner, and for a while, it was just laughter, quiet talk, and the sound of cutlery against plates. Adam kept his eyes on her the whole time — watching the way she smiled, the way she played with her hair, the way her laughter filled the air like music.

At one point, Tia caught him staring and raised a brow. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I still can’t believe you’re here,” he said softly. “After everything I did… I don’t deserve you.”

Her smile faded a little. “Adam—”

He reached across the table and took her hand gently. “No, let me say this. I know I’ve said sorry a hundred times, but tonight, I just want you to know that I mean it. You are my peace, Tia. My heart only beats right when you’re around.”

Her eyes softened. “Adam…” she whispered, squeezing his hand. “I forgave you long ago. You don’t have to keep saying sorry.”

He smiled faintly. “Then I’ll spend the rest of my life saying I love you instead.”

That made her blush again. “You’re too much,” she said quietly.

“Maybe,” he said, smiling. “But I’m yours.”

After dinner, they walked outside together. The air was cool, and a few stars shone above the quiet street. Adam wrapped his jacket around her shoulders.

“You’ll get cold,” he murmured.

She looked up at him. “You always do that,” she said.

“Do what?”

“Take care of me like I can’t take care of myself.”

He chuckled. “It’s not about that. I just like knowing you’re warm.”

She smiled softly and leaned into him. “I missed this,” she whispered.

He kissed the top of her head. “Then let’s never lose it again.”

They stood like that for a while, holding each other close under the faint glow of the restaurant lights — no noise, no drama, just peace and love.

When they finally drove home,
Tia fell asleep against his shoulder. Adam smiled quietly, his hand resting on hers the entire way back.

He whispered softly, “You’re my forever, Tia.”

And for the first time in years, both of them knew it was true.