The Day

Max lay still, not wanting to wake Ella just yet. The morning light bathed her face in a soft glow, making her look even more serene and beautiful. He marveled at how lucky he was to have her in his life, someone who believed in him even when he doubted himself.

Gently, he brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. Ella stirred slightly but didn’t wake, her hand unconsciously tightening its hold on his chest. Max smiled, feeling an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and love for her.

He knew he could stay like this forever, just watching her sleep, feeling her warmth beside him. But he also knew that the responsibilities of the day would soon come calling. Still, for a few more moments, he allowed himself to just be in this peaceful bubble with her.

Eventually, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. Ella’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him with a sleepy smile. “Morning,” she whispered, her voice husky from sleep.

“Morning, beautiful,” Max replied, his voice just as soft. “Sleep well?”

“Mmm, I did,” she said, stretching lazily before snuggling back into him. “I could get used to waking up like this.”

“So could I,” Max agreed, his heart swelling with affection. “But I know you’ve got a busy day ahead, and I’ve got a few things to handle too.”

Ella sighed, her fingers tracing small circles on his chest. “Yeah, I know. But can’t we stay here just a little longer? Just a few more minutes?”

Max chuckled, pulling her even closer. “Anything for you.”

They lay there for a while longer, wrapped in each other’s embrace, savoring the quiet moments before the day began. Eventually, though, Max knew they couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer.

“I’ll make breakfast,” he offered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before gently extricating himself from her embrace. “You just relax.”

Ella smiled, watching him as he got out of bed and headed toward the kitchen. She stretched again, feeling more rested and content than she had in a long time. After a few minutes, she joined him in the kitchen, leaning against the doorway as she watched him move around with easy familiarity.

“What’s on the menu, Chef?” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Max turned to her with a grin. “How does your favorite sound? Pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup.”

Ella’s face lit up. “Sounds perfect.”

As Max cooked, they chatted about their plans for the day, the ease between them making everything feel effortless. The aroma of pancakes filled the kitchen, and soon they were sitting at the small table, enjoying their breakfast together.

“So,” Ella said between bites, “what’s on your agenda today?”

“I’ve got a few meetings lined up, but nothing too intense,” Max replied, taking a sip of his coffee. “What about you?”

“I’ve got some work to catch up on, but I’m hoping to finish early so we can spend some time together later,” she said, a hopeful note in her voice.

Max reached across the table to take her hand. “I’d love that. How about dinner tonight? I’ll cook.”

Ella smiled, squeezing his hand. “It’s a date.”

As they finished their breakfast, Max felt a deep sense of contentment. The challenges of running the company were still there, but with Ella by his side, he knew he could face whatever came his way. And as they cleaned up together, laughing and joking, he realized that these simple moments with her were what made everything worthwhile.

Later, as they both got ready to tackle their respective days, Max pulled Ella into one last embrace. “Thank you,” he said again, his voice sincere. “For being my rock.”

Ella looked up at him, her eyes filled with love. “Always, Max. I’ll always be here for you.”

With one last kiss, they parted ways for the day, both of them looking forward to the moment they’d be back in each other’s arms again.

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