The Real Love
Emma had always believed in fairy tales. Growing up, she dreamt of a prince who would sweep her off her feet, love her unconditionally, and make every moment magical. But real life had a way of proving otherwise. Her past relationships had left her heart bruised, each one promising forever but delivering heartbreak instead. By the time she turned twenty-eight, she had stopped searching for love altogether.
That was until she met Daniel.
Daniel wasn't the prince she had imagined—no grand gestures, no sweeping declarations of love. He was simple, kind, and always there. They met at a bookstore where Emma worked, and their first conversation had been about a worn-out copy of Pride and Prejudice that Daniel was purchasing for his sister.
Over time, they grew closer. Their love was not fiery or passionate in the way Emma had once thought love should be. Instead, it was steady, warm, and comforting. Daniel noticed the little things about her—the way she furrowed her brows when she was lost in a book, how she took her coffee with just a dash of cinnamon, the way she smiled at the first snowfall of the year. He never made grand promises, but his actions spoke louder than words. He showed up when she needed him, listened when she spoke, and held her hand when she was afraid.
One evening, as they sat together on her small balcony, watching the city lights flicker, Emma turned to him and asked, "Why do you love me?"
Daniel smiled. "Because with you, love isn't about proving something or chasing an illusion. It's about being real. And with you, I can be exactly that."
In that moment, Emma realized that love wasn't about grand fairy tales. It wasn't about being swept off her feet or waiting for a prince. Love was about quiet moments, small gestures, and feeling safe in someone's presence.
And that was the real love she had been searching for all along.