FIVE YEARS OF LOVE AND GROWTH

The morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of their penthouse, casting golden hues over the sleek marble floors. The aroma of fresh coffee and vanilla pancakes filled the air, a signature of their family mornings.

Victor, standing by the kitchen counter in a plain white T-shirt and sweatpants, flipped a pancake with practised ease while humming to an old Spanish ballad. His hair was messily tied back, a habit he picked up whenever he painted late into the night.

Their home had been a place of love and laughter; they say the birth of a child changes everything for a couple, but for Rory and Victor, they saw new versions of their love every and sorted new ways to show love for each other as well as for their little girl. Amy grew up like a princess, cherished by everyone around her and especially dotted by her dad.

“Daddy, please be fast with the food; sweet Ami is starving!” She said sweetly

Little Amy, now five years old sat at the breakfast bar, swinging her legs impatiently. Her caramel curls were still messy from sleep, and her big curious brown eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Patience, mi amor,” Victor chuckled, placing a pancake onto her plate. “You’re worse than your mamá in the mornings.” He said kissing her forehead.

Rory entered the kitchen, still in her silk robe, rubbing her temple as she reached for the coffee Victor had already poured for her. “She gets it from you.” She said yawning lazily.

Amy giggled, stuffing a forkful of pancakes into her mouth. “Mummy, are you going to work today?”

Rory took a slow sip of her coffee before answering. “Not until later baby. I have a video call with the board members in London this afternoon.”

Victor set down his own plate and leaned against the counter. “So that means we have time for a beach morning?” His eyes twinkled as he looked at Amy.

Amy gasped in excitement. “YES!”

Rory exhaled, a small smile forming. “You two always plot against me, don’t you?”

Victor smirked, coming over to press a kiss on her cheek. “You love it.”

She rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her gaze betrayed her.

Rory’s company, Rory’s Tech had expanded exponentially. With new offices in San Francisco and Dubai, she had become a powerful name in the tech industry. But with power came responsibility, and Rory often found herself working late into the night.

One evening, after putting Amy to bed, she sat in her office at home, scrolling through projections on her laptop. Victor walked in, arms crossed. “Baby, it's midnight; you should sleep now, darling.”

She sighed. “I know, but the investors—”

Victor took her laptop and closed it gently, his eyes serious. “You’re working too much, I’m afraid you might fall sick.”

“I have to.”

Victor shook his head. “No, you don’t. You just feel like you do.”

Rory exhaled, rubbing her face. “I don’t know how to stop, Victor, there’s always more to do.”

Victor crouched in front of her, taking her hands. “I know, right? My wife is an amazing CEO, but you’re also a mother and my beautiful wife; we need you too.”

Rory swallowed, guilt gnawing at her. “I know.”

Victor cupped her face, tilting her chin up. “Then take a break. Let’s go on a vacation, travel the world for a few weeks, let’s make memories with Amy.”

She hesitated, but as she looked into his warm, unwavering gaze, she knew he was right.

Over the years, Rory, Victor, and Amy had made it a tradition to spend summers exploring different parts of the world, Paris, France and all over

Obliging to Victor’s request, they travelled to France together; Rory left her businesses to her loyal executive assistant. They stood atop the Eiffel Tower, Amy’s tiny hands gripping the railing as she gazed out at the shimmering city lights.

“Mummy, daddy this is so beautiful!”

Victor held Rory’s waist, pulling her close as they watched their daughter’s excitement. “One day, she’ll fall in love in this city.”

Rory snorted. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Victor smirked. “She’s your daughter, and I know you love her, but remember that you won’t be able to control her forever.”

Rory groaned. “Oh, don’t remind me, baby; I just want to bask in this moment and take in every aspect of her growth.”

They toured around the city and enjoyed the food and their beautiful culture. Then, they decide to travel to Tokyo, Japan for the next few days. Amy was fascinated by the cherry blossoms, running through the park in a tiny kimono Victor had bought her.

“Mummy look, I’m a princess!”

Victor lifted her onto his shoulders. “You’re always a princess, mi amor.”

Rory laughed, taking a picture as Amy beamed.

Next, they travelled to Rome, Italy

They spent an afternoon painting at an art retreat, Amy had paint spilt all over her little hands as she attempted to mimic her father’s strokes.

“I wanna be an artist like Daddy,” she declared, her nose scrunched up in concentration.

Victor placed a proud hand over his heart. “Mi amor, that is the best thing you’ve ever said.”

Rory chuckled. “What about tech?”

Amy shrugged. “I can do both”, she said, raising her chin up; her big eyes made her look very cute.

Victor looked at Rory smugly. “Our daughter is a genius.”

Rory rolled her eyes but kissed Amy’s forehead. “Of course she is; she’s my daughter, after all.”

They laughed, and then, a mail popped up on her device, it was from Lee, an urgent call to come to London

Despite their perfect life in New York, something gnawed at Rory, she has been thinking a lot about her business in London.

One night, as she stood on the balcony overlooking the skyline, Victor wrapped his arms around her from behind. “You’re thinking about something.”

She exhaled. “I miss London.”

Victor tensed slightly. “You never talked about it.”

Rory sighed. “I left so much behind. The city, my old friends, my memories.” She turned to look at him. “Do you ever miss Spain?”

Victor nodded. “Sometimes, but I built a new home with you.”

She leaned into him. “I love our life, but I can’t shake the feeling that I need to go back.”

Victor kissed her forehead. “Then let’s go.”

Rory blinked. “Really?”

He smiled. “Home isn’t a place, it’s where we’re together. If London calls you, then let’s answer.”

Rory’s heart swelled with love. “What would I do without you?”

Victor smirked. “I don’t even want you to imagine that.”

She laughed, pulling him into a deep kiss.

And just like that, a new chapter was about to begin.