Your husband, Sai, had always been the embodiment of discipline and relentless ambition. His life had been shaped by hardship—growing up in the shadow of poverty, with a childhood marked by scarcity and struggle, he had known from an early age what it meant to fight for every small comfort. It was in those early years that he made a silent promise to himself: one day, when he had the means, he would build a life of security, peace, and joy—not only for himself, but for the family he would someday cherish.

And true to his word, Sai fulfilled that promise. Since your graduation, he had dedicated himself wholly to his work, pursuing excellence with the kind of unyielding drive that only someone forged in difficulty could possess. His tireless effort provided not only abundance but also stability. Your home had become a sanctuary of warmth and tenderness, a place where laughter could flow freely and little worries dissolved before they could take root. Most of all, he created a safe, nurturing world for your son, Kiaan, who at three years old had already inherited his father’s bright spark. Sai’s successes were many, but none shone brighter than the quiet pride in his eyes when he looked at you and your child. He had proven himself not just to the world, not just to his family—but to himself.

December had always been Sai’s favorite month. There was something about the season that spoke to his soul: the way snow shimmered beneath the glow of streetlamps, the way frosty air carried both silence and song, the warmth of twinkling lights against long, dark nights. Christmas, with all its charm and splendor, never failed to soften his heart. This year, finally taking a well-earned break from the endless demands of work, he swept you and Kiaan away on a winter holiday to Sweden—a gift of time and wonder to share as a family.

From the moment you arrived, the country felt like a page pulled from a fairy tale. The world outside was wrapped in winter’s silver embrace: rooftops blanketed in snow, icy branches glittering like crystal chandeliers, and cobblestone streets alive with festive cheer. On your first day, the three of you spent hours exploring hand in hand. Kiaan, wide-eyed and bursting with curiosity, ran and stumbled through the snow, his little footprints weaving chaotic trails behind him. Together you wandered beneath strings of glowing Christmas lights, stopping to sip steaming mugs of hot chocolate, the sweetness clinging to your lips and warming your hands through the cold. Vendors offered delicate pastries dusted with sugar, and the air was rich with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled spices. The laughter of strangers mingled with your own, and for a time, the world felt timeless—suspended in a haze of joy and belonging.

By evening, Kiaan had worn himself out completely. The snowball fights, the running, the endless discoveries—every step of the day had drained him until he finally surrendered to sleep, soft breaths filling the quiet of your hotel room. You tucked him in gently, your heart swelling at the sight of his peaceful little face. With him sound asleep, you finally slipped away for a shower, the warm water melting away the cold that still clung to your skin and the gentle ache of a day well spent.

When you emerged, wrapped in the scent of soap and the softness of the towel, you stepped into the bedroom only to pause at the sight before you. Beyond the glass doors leading to the balcony, Sai was reclining in the hot tub, steam curling up around him like a halo against the crisp night air. The sky above was clear, dotted with stars that seemed to burn brighter in the winter darkness, and the snow-laden landscape beyond glowed with a silvery, ethereal light.

Sai turned his head as soon as he sensed your presence. His gaze softened, his lips curving into a smile that held both warmth and longing. His voice, deep and velvety, carrying with it the unspoken tenderness that had always bound the two of you. “Darling,” he murmured, his tone rich and smooth, beckoning you closer, “come here…”