We returned home, and for the first time, I saw the place John called his house-but to me, it looked nothing less than a palace. Tall golden gates opened slowly as the car drove in, and my heart trembled.
"Is this... really your house?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
John smiled, resting his hand on mine. "From today... it's ours."
The mansion stood tall and proud, surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with roses and lilies. A fountain sparkled in the center, and the air smelled fresh-almost like it belonged to another world.
As we stepped out, the maids and butlers all lined up, bowing respectfully. "Welcome home, Madam... Young Master," they chorused.
I blinked, unable to believe all of this was real. "Madam..." the name echoed in my head.
John chuckled, noticing how lost I looked. "You're the lady of this house now. Get used to it," he whispered before leaning close, "Or should I carry you inside like a princess?"
My face flushed instantly, and I shook my head, stepping forward carefully like I'd break something. The doors opened, revealing a grand hallway with shining marble floors and golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Everything was too beautiful... too glamorous.
He watched me with a smile as I turned around like a little girl seeing the world for the first time. "Do you like it?" he asked softly.
I nodded slowly. "It's beautiful... but, I... I don't know if I belong here."
John stepped closer, pulling me into his embrace. "You belong here... with me. No more running, no more hiding. This is your home, and I... I'm yours."
The way he said it, so firm yet so gentle, made my heart ache in a way I couldn't explain.
He held my face, staring deeply into my eyes. "Promise me... you'll never think of leaving again. I lost you once... I won't lose you twice."
Tears welled up, but this time, they weren't from pain-but from happiness... the kind I had long forgotten.
"I promise..." I whispered, and for the first time, I smiled without forcing it.
John kissed my forehead, whispering softly, "Welcome home, my princess."