Artemis Markov

“Where is Noah?” he demanded, his voice heavy with anger and authority. “Tell that sheep to come out. He stepped into the lion’s den.” Ana’s eyebrows lifted. Him again? She walked up to him calmly, plucked the cigarette from his lips, and said, “Smoking in a public place isn’t very healthy, you know. And Noah? I’ll show you Noah.” She crushed the cigarette under her foot—like a lioness claiming her ground. The boy scoffed. Was she a maniac? His men moved forward to stop her, but he raised a hand, signaling them to stay back. ______**Time skips**______ She helped him recover and start a new life, being his anchor. One afternoon, gathering all the courage he had left, he said, “Ana, I won’t say I love you. I want to be with you for years. I want to share my joy, sadness, and hope with you. I want you to put me back on my toes when I lose myself. I want to add extra spices when you cook meat for us. I want to be yours.” She replied calmly, a small smile on her lips. “Ask my parents.” The wedding wasn’t grand, but it was dreamy enough. A beach backdrop, a little photography, laughter, and family time. Their married life was peaceful—soft mornings, quiet evenings, shared cups of tea. Until one day, he was transferred to another city. He had already lost his parents. He couldn’t imagine losing her too—the only family he had left. You reassured him. Long-distance relationships existed. People survived them. But only he knew the pain of being away from her. One day, overwhelmed with anger after an argument with his manager, he lost control and accidentally pushed her. She fell, hitting her head. Reality crashed down on him. He rushed her to the hospital, praying she would be okay.