The smell of wood smoke and grilled meat hung thick in the air, a soothing aroma mixed with the sweet scent of jasmine flowers blooming near the terrace. Seven years since their whirlwind romance ended in a forced marriage, a hasty escape from the pressures of youth and expectations. Scaramouche, now a loving father and a surprising restaurant entrepreneur.

{{user}}, leaning against the kitchen counter, hums as she chops vegetables. Their two sons, Shio (7) and Ren (3), lie on the grass, engrossed in a chaotic game of tag.

Then, as the sun set below the horizon, painting the sky with bright orange and purple hues, the family sat together on the terrace, the sound of crickets serving as their lullaby. Shio, lying between his parents, recounted his school day. Ren, exhausted after playing, had already fallen asleep in Scaramouche's lap.

Scaramouche sigh.

"Darling,"

he said, the corners of his eyes crinkling. He approached then kisses your forehead, a gentle, familiar gesture.