Chapter 53

Ethan's POV
I opened my eyes and found that I had returned to my time again. After meditating and meeting Elder Rowan and the Young Elder, I was finally able to return to meet my wife. My joy was beyond words. This was the day I had been waiting for, and as I approached this meeting, my heart was pounding.
From the forest, I immediately ran towards my house, impatient to see Isabella. Every step I took felt steady, and how much I missed her. When I arrived, my gaze fell on Isabella who was sitting in front of the house, shining in the sunlight.
"Ethan, you're back," She exclaimed as her eyes caught mine. Without waiting any longer, Isabella immediately hugged me tightly.
A feeling of warmth and happiness enveloped us both in that hug. It turned out that even though our time apart felt long, our love remained strong. "Isabella, I miss you," I said, returning her hug with love.
As if time had stopped for a moment, all the fatigue and long-term difficulties I had faced on this journey seemed to disappear. “I can’t believe you’re here again,” she said, her eyes filling with tears of joy.
I smiled back, feeling the connection I’d missed for so long. “I promised I wouldn’t leave again. I’m here for you now.”
After a few moments of hugging, we slowly pulled away and looked at each other. “How have you been?” I asked, wanting to know everything that had happened while I was gone.
Isabella took a deep breath, clearly having a lot to tell. “Everything feels so hard without you. But I’m trying to be strong, hoping you’ll come back.”
A sense of emotion filled my heart, seeing how much we meant to each other. I reached for her hand and held it tightly, letting her know that I was there to support her. “Now we can be together again, Isabella. Everything we’ve been through has only made us stronger.”
We spent the rest of the day standing in front of the house, talking, laughing, and reminiscing about the good times we’ve had together. There was something joyful and wonderful about this moment—a reminder that true love can transcend time and boundaries.
Today was a new beginning for us, and I was determined to strengthen the foundation of our love, committed to living every life has to offer together. From now on, I will never let anything separate us again.
It turned out that Isabella had cooked a special meal for me. The fragrant aroma of the food tempted my nose, and immediately, my stomach churned. I was so grateful to her. “I miss your cooking,” I said sincerely, my eyes sparkling at the sight of the food she had prepared.
Isabella smiled, and her gaze seemed to convey all the longing she had felt while I was gone. In my heart, I felt the same way. We both wanted to share stories about each other’s experiences.
We sat together at the dining table, and I began to explain what I had gone through on my journey to meet Elder Rowan and the Young Elder. “The struggle was not easy. There were many obstacles I had to face. But every step was worth it because now I can sit here with you,” I said, my eyes shining with enthusiasm.
Isabella listened attentively, her expression reflecting understanding and love. I continued, “During my retreat, I learned a lot about myself and the power that comes from our love. It was a feeling that was so profound that it could never be replaced. And in the end, it all brought me back to you.”
After hearing my story, Isabella smiled widely. She seemed happy to know all that I had gone through to be back by her side. “I’m glad you’re back, Ethan. I’ve been trying my best to move on with our lives, even though I miss you so much.”
She continued with another story, “A lot has happened while you were gone. I’ve been trying to keep the house running and helping the neighbors. Of course, it’s been hard, but I’ve been trying so that you can come home and find everything okay.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of pride and respect for her. “You’re so strong, Isabella. You’re not just fighting for us but for the people around us. I admire you,” I said, looking at her with admiration.
We shared stories throughout dinner, reminiscing about good times, and planning for the future we would share. Warmth and happiness filled every corner of the room, and we realized that a strong love had been rekindled.
Now, after a long journey, we knew we were ready to face anything together. The days ahead would be filled with more happiness and connection, and I was determined not to be separated from her again. Together, we were ready to walk the path ahead—no matter how difficult it was, our love would be a light in the darkness.
I wanted to ask Isabella if she had met my brother, Lucas. From what I knew, Lucas liked my wife and wanted her, which was, of course, a concern for me. So, I mustered up the courage to ask the question. “Did you meet Lucas while I was gone?”
Isabella shook her head. “No,” she answered immediately.
I sensed something was wrong. There was something in her tone that made me believe she wasn’t being completely honest. My eyes scanned her every expression, and I could sense the lie. For a moment, a memory of the past came to haunt me—I saw through the magic ball that she was meeting Lucas.
Disappointment gripped my heart. “Isabella, why did you lie?” I asked, mixed feelings creeping up on me. “I know you saw him.”
She looked stunned for a moment as if searching for words to explain. Finally, after looking deeply into my eyes, she said, “Well, I was just asking how he was. He came to the house and asked about you. But I wouldn’t let him in.”