Chapter 43: Embracing the Present.

The world outside buzzed with its usual chaos—cars honking, phones ringing, people rushing to their next destination. But inside their little haven, time seemed to stand still. Olivia and Liam had learned the art of slowing down, of savoring the moments that others might overlook. For them, happiness wasn’t a far-off destination or a memory tucked away in a photo album. It was here, in the quiet, in the ordinary, in the way their hearts beat in sync as they sat together on the couch, her head resting on his shoulder.

They had discovered that the present was a gift, one that could easily slip through your fingers if you weren’t careful. And so, they held onto it tightly, cherishing the small, fleeting moments that made life feel so full. Like the way Liam’s arms wrapped around Olivia every morning, pulling her close as if he couldn’t bear to let her go. Or the way her laughter filled the room, a sound so pure and joyful it made his chest ache with love.