Pushing against the negative narrative, I reverted back to a favoured memory, wanting to reminisce on the last moment we were happy together. The night we shared as husband and wife. The night I couldn’t resist her. The night before I lost everything.

That last week of knowing about the pregnancy was brutal. I intentionally swapped shifts in hopes to avoid Alexis while I sorted through all my conflicted emotions.

I’d finally made it home late in the evening, and the house was quiet as I entered. After a long shower doused in self-pity, I strolled into our room, gazing upon my sleeping wife.

Alexis had kicked off the sheets, her naked body bare and beautiful, glowing beneath the minimal moonlight peeking through the curtains.

Then, she summoned me, pulling me into her orbit that I could never resist.

“Baby, what are you doing?” Alexis muttered, half asleep with her eyes still closed.

I remained still. I should’ve told her then. But, like always, I faltered.

“Owen? I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever. Come here, baby. I need you,” my siren of a wife called.

I was a liar, a wretch, an utter fool—and yet I couldn’t help wanting her. I would always want her. The ache in my chest had grown so painful I could hardly breathe—until she reached out and laced her fingers with mine. With her touch came the overwhelming sensation of love. I let it drown out everything else and submitted to her.

I slid on top of Alexis as she welcomed me in her arms. She was still dopey from sleep, a soft smile grazing her lips as she wrapped her legs around my waist.

I cradled her as close as possible, imprinting her into my skin and mine into hers. I kissed her lips and leisurely stroked her tongue. God, I needed her.

Shifting my pelvis back, I settled at her entrance, finding her wet and ready. I entered slowly, wanting her to feel every inch while I savoured each second we were connected in that blissful haze.

Alexis whimpered and writhed. “I’ve missed you, Owen.”

“You never have to, babe. I’m yours. Will always be yours.”

I continued my unhurried torture, pumping in and out as my mouth scattered kisses over her face, down her throat, wherever I could reach.

“I love you, Alexis. So fucking much it hurts.”

I’m sure she could hear the desperation in my voice as her lust-filled eyes fluttered open to search mine. All she found was the truth. I fucking loved her.

Alexis gave a sweet smile and pressed forward, giving me an even sweeter kiss. “As I love you.”

We soon climaxed together, joined so close I didn’t want to part.

I tipped sideways on the bed, ensuring I remained inside her, crushing her to me so tight we inhaled the same air.