Ethan drove slowly along the nighttime streets toward the upscale restaurant he had reserved for himself and Sofia. The city's neon lights flickered outside the window, but his thoughts were still somewhat hazy, occasionally drifting back to that strange face he had seen in the rearview mirror. However, when he spotted the familiar restaurant sign, his inner tension eased slightly. This was the place where he and Sofia would celebrate their wedding anniversary, and tonight was meant to be their romantic time together.
He parked the car carefully, turned off the engine, picked up the bouquet of roses from the passenger seat, and hurriedly got out. He realized he was running a bit late, which made him feel anxious. As he walked toward the restaurant, a polite waiter took his coat at the entrance and guided him inside.
The restaurant's lighting was soft, adorned with exquisite decorations, and a tranquil atmosphere accompanied by gentle background music enveloped the space. Sofia was already seated at their table, elegant and poised in a modest dark evening gown that made her look noble and enchanting. Her hair was casually pinned up, with a pair of delicate earrings dangling by her ears, perfectly complementing the restaurant's refined ambiance. However, when she saw Ethan rush in, there was no trace of joy on her face; instead, it revealed a hint of displeasure.
As Ethan approached Sofia with quick steps and a smile while holding the bouquet of roses, he hoped this romantic gesture would diffuse any impending complaints. But when he reached the table, Sofia had already furrowed her brow and spoke with a slightly reproachful tone: "Ethan, today is our wedding anniversary, and you still managed to be late?"
Ethan stopped in his tracks and sighed inwardly, knowing this moment was unavoidable. He gently handed the bouquet to Sofia with an apologetic smile and said, "I'm sorry, my dear... work ran a bit late, but I rushed over as quickly as I could." His tone was sincere and tinged with regret as he tried to calm her anger.
Sofia accepted the roses, her eyes flashing with a hint of emotion but still unable to suppress her quiet grumbling: "On such an important day as our anniversary, you actually worked overtime."
Ethan sat down, his gaze softening as he gently comforted her: "I know, I know; it's my fault. But now that I'm here, let's enjoy tonight together, okay?" He reached out and lightly held Sofia's hand, his eyes earnest and sincere.
Sofia's expression softened slightly; although she still felt some discontent, she was ultimately moved by Ethan's tone and attitude. She sighed lightly, her gaze becoming gentler: "Alright then, you better make it up to me; this is our anniversary."
Ethan smiled and raised his glass as if all previous tension and confusion had been dispelled by this warm scene. He felt grateful that this moment of beauty had arrived just as it should.
Sofia sat quietly at the table; candlelight flickered gently on her face, casting a dreamy glow over her features. Her complexion remained smooth and firm; time seemed particularly lenient with her, leaving no traces on her skin. Her eyes were still as bright as they had been fifteen years ago, filled with warmth and depth like a calm and profound lake that could instantly draw one in. That unhurried grace made it impossible not to be captivated by her.
Ethan gazed at her as if time had reversed back to their university days when they first met. He remembered how Sofia sat by the library window with sunlight streaming onto her face, dazzling enough to leave him momentarily spellbound. Now she remained just as enchanting as ever; it was as if time had never weighed upon her. Her skin still glowed healthily under both candlelight and daylight alike. A warm smile blossomed on that familiar face as if conveying tranquility and stability.
Ethan's heart brimmed with tenderness; in that moment with Sofia, he deeply felt time's gentleness and love's steadfastness. Even as years passed by, his love for her had not diminished in the slightest; rather, it grew deeper and more sincere over time. His gaze softened with abundant affection as he gently reached out to hold Sofia's hand.
Her palm remained so soft and warm, her fingers delicate, the tips still carrying a hint of warmth. Ethan's fingers gently caressed her hand, as if he were feeling the silent connection between them. He lowered his head and pressed a tender kiss on the back of her hand, a kiss filled with gratitude and affection, as if this simple gesture was meant to express his endless love for Sofia.
Sofia's cheeks flushed slightly; under the candlelight, her face appeared especially shy and beautiful. She lowered her head slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting into a shy smile. Her voice was soft, laced with playful reproach: "Ethan, don’t make such a big deal; there are so many people watching..."
Her voice was warm and gentle, as if it had instantly transported them back to the days when they had just fallen in love. Back then, Sofia would always blush at Ethan's affectionate gestures. Now, even after many years had passed, that reaction had not changed. This made Ethan feel incredibly warm inside, as if nothing had ever changed.
Seeing her blush made Ethan unable to suppress a laugh, his eyes filled with love. His tone was gentle yet teasingly mischievous: "What’s wrong? You are my wife; I have the right to do this, don’t I?" He deliberately emphasized the word "wife," his voice rich with deep affection and tender possessiveness.
Sofia glanced up at him, her gaze carrying a hint of light reproach, but more than that, it was filled with sweetness and dependence. She shook her head lightly, the corners of her mouth curving up slightly before she lowered her head again to hide the blush on her face. "You always do this..."
Ethan chuckled softly, his heart brimming with indulgence for her. Over the years, they had experienced so much together; the storms of life had never affected their love for each other. In every moment—sweet or difficult—they had supported one another and arrived at this point together. Looking at Sofia's slightly bashful expression made him appreciate the rarity and preciousness of their relationship even more.
At that moment, the noise in the restaurant seemed irrelevant to them; time felt as if it had stopped. No matter how many people were watching around them, they were immersed in their own little world, their emotions flowing like a warm current, warming this beautiful night.
Ethan leaned in slightly, meeting Sofia's gaze. He held her hand tightly, as if this action would lock them together in this moment of happiness that belonged to them alone. No matter how time passed, their love would remain unchanged, just as it always had been.
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