“No matter what, I will not leave. You are my husband — my family.”

When he regained consciousness and saw I was still there, his eyes filled with tears—this time, not of sadness, but of warmth. We both knew then: we didn’t need a traditional marriage, just a real one. Built not on perfection, but on quiet loyalty and mutual care.

The villa by Lake Tahoe stopped feeling like a gift. It became our home. I planted flowers outside, and Michael set up a painting corner in the living room. At night, we’d sit together, listening to the rain tapping against the pine trees, sharing simple dreams and quiet joys.

Maybe true happiness isn’t about flawless love or a perfect life. Maybe it’s about finding someone who stays—even when things aren’t easy.
And I realized… I found that happiness. It began the night I trembled in uncertainty—and chose to stay.