The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of their honeymoon suite in Paris. The city stretched before them, its rooftops bathed in golden light. The Eiffel Tower stood in the distance, a silent witness to the new chapter unfolding in Alexander's life.
Eleanor lay beside him, still asleep, her auburn hair spilling over the pillows.
Alexander exhaled slowly. He had done it. He had chosen her first.
In their past life, this moment had never happened. Instead of waking up beside his wife in Paris, he had been in a hotel suite in New York, drowning in work emails and market reports. That was the moment their marriage had started to fracture.
But not this time.
Eleanor stirred, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw him watching her, a sleepy smile curled her lips.
"Good morning," she murmured.
"Good morning," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She stretched slightly, her fingers grazing his. "I still can't believe you're here," she admitted. "Part of me expected to wake up alone."
Guilt tightened in his chest. That was exactly how things had played out before.
"I made a promise," he said gently. "To put us first. And I intend to keep it."
She studied him for a long moment, as if searching for the truth in his words. Then, she leaned forward and kissed him softly.
"Then let's make this the best honeymoon ever," she whispered.
And for the first time in a long time, Alexander felt at peace.
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