She inwardly deeply sighed. Here she was again at a party in Stefan's backyard just like she was three years ago. Still forcing a smile and forcing herself to not down her flutes of champagne. She eyed Stefan from afar as he engaged in conversation with a man she hasn't seen before but remembers his name as Kevin. As if he felt her eyes on him, his head turned towards her and a smile stretched in her lips as did his. She watched him pat Kevin on the arm before making his way over to her. She swayed a little and he shook his head wrapping his arms around her waist. He kissed her cheek and asked if she was having a fun time and since they have this no bullshit rule going on she told him that she would rather everyone leave.

He chuckled but agreed and moved his hands to the sides of her face. "Tomorrow, just you and me, I promise."

She nodded and inhaled as he hugged her close then exhaled once he released. "I'm still not sleeping over."

"Damn."

She laughed some. "I told you, I'm a responsible pet owner now."

"Babe, you own a fish."

"Stefan is still a pet."

"You really had to name it after me,"

"Of course I did, that way it'll be like you'll be sleeping over every night." He growled. "It's a compliment."

"Sure it is."

She smiled and hugged him close. "When is this over?"

"Another hour, I promise. Goldfish honor." He smiled when she laughed and pulled her in for a kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too." She smiled kissing him back.

Bonnie excused herself to the bathroom. She headed upstairs to the master bathroom and sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. She looked into her eyes and lifted her pointer finger up to her eyelashes noticing one losing its curl. She brushed it up with the side of her finger and smiled when it stayed in place. "Stubborn bitch." She pulled away from the mirror then bent down looking under the sink. She frowned seeing her things no longer placed out like the way she left it. Frowning more she spotted a box that was pushed to the back and pulled the box out seeing that her name was written neatly on the top in black sharpie. Bonnie opened the box spotting her products then sighed closing it. She wondered if he was planning on giving it to her one day somehow.

She placed the box back and stood up running her hands down her dress before heading down the stairs. She joined Stefan's side since he was talking to Kree who had his wife along with him. She smiled at them both before listening in.

After the hour passed, Stefan started kindly dismissing people and to those of whom didn't quite get the hint he made an announcement saying the famous line of "you don't have to leave, but you have to get out of my house,".

He took her hand leading them upstairs to the bedroom. They changed out of their clothes and into something more comfortable then got on the bed. He held her under his arm and kissed the top of her head. "Thank you for coming. I know you didn't want to,"

She chuckled lightly. "What are wives for? Besides, when you asked me, you were really shy and cute so I couldn't say no."

"I just didn't want you to think that I wanted you here to only keep up a facade. I wanted you to know that I wanted you here simply because I wanted you here."

She smiled looking up at him before she moved to straddle his lap. His hands moved to her hips. "I don't mean to sound like a creep or anything but I found the box."

He narrowed his eyes. "The box?"

"With my skincare and everything like that inside."

"Oh,"

"I uh- was it because of Jasmine or-"

"Bonnie," he sat up and moved his hands to her face. "It wasn't because of her, I was actually gonna track you down and show up at your door with a box of your stuff and hope that it would be like one of the movies, you know. You invite me in, we get to talkin' and kissin' and," he smiled when she chuckled, "lovin'." He watched her eyes before meeting their lips.

She moaned as his hands slid up her thighs, grabbed her ass before going up her ribs. He placed her on her back quickly pinning her hands above her head as he kissed down her neck. He met their lips again grabbing a handful of her hair and breathed deeply as she pulled away. "I'm sorry,"

"No, I'm sorry," she closed her eyes catching up on breaths. "It's just-"

"I know. You want to wait and I respect it, I swear. You're just so fucking beautiful I get distracted and forget sometimes."

She smiled. "Good job on the teasing."

He chuckled then lifted his head to be above hers. "Thanks," he kissed her once then moved to the side. "I still can't believe you named your goldfish after me."

"Oh get over it." She looked over at him laughing at the expression on his face. "No but seriously, I should head home."

He frowned. "OK." He sighed getting up from the bed as she did so. "I'll get your dress dry cleaned for you,"

"Thanks," she said grabbing her purse.

He grabbed her hand walking down the stairs and out the door to her car. He turned her to face him, pushing her back against the door and met their foreheads. "I'll miss you."

"I won't miss you that much since I'll see you as my goldfish."

"I'm going to kill that goldfish."

She laughed some then closed her eyes as their lips met. They kissed again before pulling away. He opened the door for her and closed it once she was buckled in. "Call me when you get there so I know you're safe."

She nodded and they shared one last kiss before she pulled off.

He sighed deeply turning back around walking through the door. "Now what." He thought aloud.


Stefan smiled hanging up the phone then checked the last thing off his list. Before he died of boredom, he thought of an idea to help his relationship with Bonnie. He was proud of himself because this is probably the most romantic thing he's ever done. Since he couldn't actually apologize, he decided that he start showing his forgiveness through surprises. It all starts tomorrow and a part of him is nervous and anxious but he stood up and took a few breaths calming him. "She'll love it. She'll love it." He told himself repeatedly bouncing on his toes some before sitting down. He then wrote out the entire time schedule and looked over it constantly to make sure nothing was forgotten.


Bonnie groaned rolling over in bed hearing loud knocks at her door. When they continued she slipped out of bed with her eyes still closed. "Who's there?" She rested her head on the door.

"It's me, Stefan."

"Stefan? Wha- why?"

"Open the door and you'll find out wha- why,"

She chuckled then opened the door. "I'm sleepy."

"Take a shower, I have a surprise for you. You can even bring your fish."

"I can?"

He nodded. "Yep, I'll pack it up for you and everything, go, go, go," he pushed her back forcing her towards the bathroom.

Once he heard the shower start to run, he checked her closet pulling out the outfit he thought she should wear then laid out several bathing suit options for her to choose from. The then grabbed one of her bags and filled it with a spare outfit, sunscreen, a small jacket, and sunglasses. He doubled back to lay out some shoes by the bed. He pulled out his list from the pocket of his jeans just to check making sure that he got everything. He searched for her towel hearing the water stop and before she could utter a word he handed it to her.

"Thank you, baby,"

"You're welcome,"

As the door closed he checked his watch to see that they were exactly on time. "I picked out some clothes for you on the bed and you have to wear one of each choice, it's important. Promise me."

"Okay, I promise."

"I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

He walked out closing her door behind him.

Bonnie stepped out shortly and narrowed her eyes at the selection on the bed but decided to just go with it. As she moisturized her body she thought about what she would wear. She decided to go with the one-piece bathing suit with the deep armholes, the white sundress that hugged her perfectly, and her black flip-flops. She kept two hair ties on her wrist then stepped out seeing him on the phone.

He looked up at her and stood smiling. "Wow," She smiled. "Uh, you ready?" She nodded and grabbed the fishbowl.

She wanted to protest the blindfold but decided that it would be more exciting if she was. She felt her excitement shoot up as soon as everything went black and hugged her fishbowl tighter as the car started. Stefan smiled over at her as he drove carefully down the road. She would ask for hints but he would simply ignore her and change the subject. She grunted every time, but he knew that once they get there, she'll forgive him easily for it.

Bonnie felt him parking then soon heard his seatbelt come undone. "We're here. I'm going to unbuckle you then go get you from the other side, okay?"

She nodded then felt her protection of the seatbelt be released then shortly the door opening and closing before she felt a breeze on her right side. The fishbowl was taken from her hands then they were filled with Stefan's as he helped her out.

"I need you to trust me, okay?"

"Okay," she nodded.

He squeezed her hand and they started walking. She heard the birds chirping and the sound of water and the smell of it as well. It wasn't a pool, it was more natural like a lake or pond.

"Okay," he sat the fishbowl down then stepped behind her to remove the blindfold.

Bonnie blinked having her eyes adjust before her mouth dropped in a gasp and her eyes inflated. Stefan chuckled then laughed as she jumped throwing her arms around his neck. "You remembered."

"I'm sorry I didn't take you sooner. I hope this makes up for it." He held her tighter as she nodded. "I love you and I'm going to show that to you."

She smiled then bit her lower lip. "Can we go inside?"

"Absolutely."

She squealed skipping in and he shook his head at how she forgot all about her fish. He picked it up then headed inside their yacht for the next twenty-four hours.


Bonnie smiled at the rose petals and the champagne and candles. She snapped a quick picture of the scene before heading up joining Stefan and the captain. She walked to the rail to look out into the ocean and smiled feeling Stefan's arms around her and topped his hands with hers. "This is beautiful."

"I was thinking that we watch the sunset together,"

"I would love that."

He smiled then took her hand as jazz started to play and swayed with her along the deck. He watched her smile and laugh some when he would twirl and dip her.

Once they were all danced out, they had lunch. Sushi, to be exact.

"I'm sorry that I dated someone else." She looked up at him. "I know that more than likely she will always be in the back of your mind and I hate myself for it. I just convinced myself that you would never want anything to do with me ever again and even though I was the one to push that on myself, I couldn't fucking handle it. So I tried to make it better, make the pain and anxiety stop. So I went out to a bar and she was sitting alone so I just walked up to her and we started talking. We exchanged numbers and talked some more. I thought that if I could fill the void of you then I could be happy but I couldn't because she wasn't you. She didn't look like you, she didn't talk like you, she didn't act like you. And I hated it and would try to force her to change to be like you and one day I wake up and call myself a fucking idiot for ever thinking that you could be replaced. Then I ended it. I never went on a date again, I never talked to another woman again that I didn't need to, I just got comfortable with the idea of dying alone, honestly. Then one day I see you walking into the McDonalds. My heart stung me and I knew that if I didn't say anything then I would've regretted everything afterward. So I go and I say your name for the first time in what seems like forever and I see your face. Then we hug and my heart is pounding a mile a minute.

"I am so sorry. I know what you said, but I am so sorry. I'm sorry that I even have to apologize for this because it shouldn't have happened in the first place."

"I forgive you mainly because I understand why. I get it. It was kind of like Enzo and I, even before the separation, I would use him to fill the void of you. But it's hard because I knew what I wanted and it just wasn't him. Not all the time. I can see in your eyes that you actually mean it and this isn't some bullshit apology. So thank you for not spewing bullshit on me and for being honest with me and sharing that story. It still hurts, but I know that with time I can get over it."

He nodded. "If there's anything at all, please tell me."

"I will,"

He exhaled glad that he was able to get that off his chest. He narrowed her eyes when she chuckled. "What?"

"I was just thinking that the last time we were on a yacht we were joking about the food and look at us now."

He smiled. "I hope this is better for you."

"Much better."

He smiled. "Excuse me, just a second," she nodded and he hurried down to the room. Bonnie plucked off his plate dipping the California roll in soy sauce and chewed seeing him walking back over to her. She set her chopsticks down seeing a gift in his hand. "This is an appreciation gift, and if you don't want, you don't have to take it, I just wanted to get you something."

"Okay,"

He opened the box and turned it towards her. Her shoulders slumped and she moved her attention from the necklace to his face. "Thank you."

"Here," he took it out its packaging and placed the diamond 'B'' necklace around her neck. "I know you don't wear jewelry but I was hoping it's because everything was too fancy for everyday wear so I wanted to get you something on the simpler side."

"It's perfect. Thank you, Stefan. I secretly always wanted one of these."

He chuckled. "No need to thank me, but you're welcome."

She smiled placing her hand on the gem.

...

She screamed jumping into the ocean and surfaced beside Stefan. He chuckled then kissed her before they swam back to the boat. "I haven't been in the ocean in forever." She twirled.

He smiled watching her some more. "God, you're beautiful."

She faced him watching his eyes then swam over to him wrapping her legs around his waist. She leaned in slowly kissing him moving her hands to his hair as the kiss deepened. He watched her dizzily as she pulled away and she chuckled swimming back to shelter. He exhaled following after her.

...

Stefan watched her face as she napped. He moved his hand to the side of her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb. He closed his eyes meeting their foreheads hating himself. He despises every ounce of wrong he showed her and acted upon against her. She deserved none of it and it only made the feeling worse. If he knew better he would let her go and possibly run to Enzo because though he hated to admit it, he's sure that he would treat her right. What's stopping him besides the love was that he knew he could change and be the man that she deserved, a man that's deserved her. And that's what he swore to himself. To be the ultimate boyfriend or husband or friend or whatever she wanted him to be because he knew that one more mistake he would lose her forever and seriously this time. He wouldn't be able to take that, once was more than enough and he knew that he wouldn't be able to adjust in time, no matter how many pills he pops, it would be over.

"Hey, it's okay,"

He opened his eyes now seeing her look at him in concern.

He closed his eyes sighing. "I'm sorry,"

"Stefan, you don't have to apologize. Seriously. I'll let any other apology pass but not when it comes to your anxiety. It's a part of you that you shouldn't have to apologize for." He nodded. "I love you."

"I love you more."

She smiled then held him close.

When it was time, they headed up to the deck so they should watch the sunset together. Bonnie smiled taking a picture before resting back in his arms, on his chest. "This was a perfect day."

He smiled moving his hand along her shoulder. "I agree."

She looked up at him then kissed him before moving her head back to his chest. "Babe?"

"Yeah?"

"I want to have sex."

He stuttered. "Are you sure? I mean not that I don't- I just want to make sure that- you know I didn't do this hoping that anything would happen, I mean I did this because I wanted to with no alternative motive behind it, I just-"

"Shut up," she chuckled sitting up, lifting the dress above her head.

"Right now?"

"Right here, right now. It's romantic because of the sunset." She smiled pulling on his shirt.

"O-okay,"

She chuckled. "You sound like a virgin about to get laid."

"I mind as well be," he held her hips as she straddled his lap.

He sat up some meeting their lips and moved his hands up her back pulling her in making her moan.

...

Bonnie woke up and smiled at his sleeping face. She kissed his lips wrapping a leg around him. She smiled seeing him do so and chuckled when his eyes opened. "Go to sleep." He muttered closing his eyes again.

"I can't," she whined holding him tighter.

"Why not?"

"I'm too happy,"

He snickered. "I'm happy you're happy, baby. Now go to bed."

She laughed then rolled on her back waiting awhile before getting out of bed. Bonnie grabbed her cardigan and walked out, heading up to the deck and watched the water wave. She closed her eyes inhaling feeling his arms move around her. He kissed her shoulder. "A lot is happening and I don't know how to sort it all out," she admits.

"You mean about us or about everything?"

"Both," she shrugged.

"Talk to me,"

"I'm happy when I'm with you, Stefan, I'm so happy because this is where I wanted to be two years ago. Not technically on a yacht but together. And now I want more things but things are stopping me from pursuing them."

"Things like what?"

She exhaled turning to him. "I want to have a baby."

His eyes grew slightly but relaxed. "Okay,"

"Stefan, it's not just "okay", it's bigger than that, it's a whole other human being. And we're not even- I don't-" she sighed. "What are we?"

He held her face, "I'm your husband. I want to be your husband."

"I hate that I still don't- that I'm scared." She watched him look away but return to her when she spoke again. "I don't want to be, but in the back of my mind I'll always be."

"I'm so sorry. I will do anything to earn your trust back. I'll wait another year, we can go to counseling, move far away from here, just say the word."

"I think counseling's a good idea."

He nodded. "Anything. What else?"

"I don't know I guess everything will change now. Eventually, I'll move out of my place and into yours and have a whole other routine-"

"You don't have to change for me. Wake up at twelve, stay up late, I don't care I just want you with me.

She watched his eyes before pulling him into a hug, snuggling her head against his chest.

...

Bonnie frowned waving the boat goodbye. Stefan chuckled leading her to the car and opened the door for her but instead of getting in, she turned and pushed him against it. His eyes widened and he watched her set down her fishbowl then her eyes once her spine was straight again.

"Thank you for yesterday, it was a day to remember."

"I'm glad I can make you happy again."

She smiled. "And thank you for letting me bring Stefan, we talked and he really enjoyed himself."

He chuckled. "We should've let him roam free in the wild."

"Oh, you would've loved that, wouldn't you,"

"I mean I think he would've loved that,"

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop her smile. "I love you."

He watched her eyes. "I love you too."

"Kiss me,"

He smiled then leaned in smoothly connecting their lips. Her arms went around him as the kiss grew more intimate. They slowly pulled away with their eyes locked and soon, they were on their way to Bonnie's apartment.


Caroline smiled as her friend opened the door and pounced asking her to tell her everything about the surprise Stefan planned for her. She squealed here and awed there and smiled seeing her best friend talk her through what she could tell to be one of the best days that she's had in a very long while.

"I'm happy that you're happy, and you're right, I think marriage counseling is a great idea. Although it can break you two again."

"I know, but I feel like if it does it'll give both of us closure. When I left there wasn't any of that and if this is what drives us apart again at least it'll be mutual and I'll know that I can't go down that path again."

"So you feel as though since you didn't get closure it's the reason why you're willing to give Stefan another chance?"

"Yes and no. I told you that I did always picture us getting back together so that's a reason there but at the same time if we actually talked things through instead of ignoring literally every problem and came to peace with it, I more than likely wouldn't have still had those hopes of another go with Stefan."

Caroline nodded. "Well however this goes, I wish you the best, I honestly do." Bonnie smiled. "So you want to have a baby. It's my fault, isn't it?"

"Yes and no. Again. I always wanted to be a mommy and I somewhat regret telling Stefan that out of the blue. I guess I just wanted to test his reaction for some reason. I don't want to move this fast so I hope it didn't seem that way."

"Something to bring up in counseling?" Caroline suggested and Bonnie nodded her head side to side. "Alright, friend. I hate that I have to cut this short," she stood and Bonnie followed. "Isaac is in the car probably burning up."

They paused then laughed. "Don't make me call CPS on you."

They smiled as they reached the door then held each other close. "I love you."

"I love you too. Thank you for coming over."

"Anytime. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Okay,"

They pulled away and Bonnie waved her off. She sighed closing the door then walked back to her room falling on her bed. She turned to her side and reached for her phone seeing a missed call from Stefan.

"Hey, babe, it's me. I was just calling to check in, see how you were doing on land." They chuckled. "No but I booked us an appointment for Tuesday at one, I hope it's not too soon, I probably should've called you first but just tell me if you want to push it back and I can. Um. Anyway, I- I miss you and I love you and I'll stop talking now." She smiled. "Don't forget to feed Stefan, sorry I forgot to grab his food so he must be extra hungry or probably not since I think fish can last three days without food? I have no idea what I'm talking about right now- anyway this is way too long my god- uh, I'll talk to you later. Bye."

Bonnie chuckled some then played the message again just because.


Stefan looked up from his laptop reaching for the remote hearing the doorbell sound. He sighed some then went to answer the door. A little girl in a scouts outfit smiled widely at him before confidently asking him if he wanted to buy any cookies. He looked up seeing her mother then looked back down at her before ordering two boxes of chocolate chip cookies. She told him the arrival date then expressed her thanks before she was off to the next house. Just as he was closing the door, he saw a car pulling into his driveway and smiled walking up to it as the door opened. He held her hips then kissed her twice.

"I got your long stupid voicemail."

"I meant to delete it but I pressed the wrong button."

She chuckled. "I missed you too. And I love you too."

He watched her eyes. "Come inside." He grabbed her hand.

"I can't, actually, I have a date."

He blinked. "Oh. I uh- I- I just- I… I didn't think we were seeing other people,"

"It's not that type of date, I promise. I am going out but just to lunch with an old friend."

"Is it a guy?"

"Yes. I just wanted to see you first."

He nodded. "Okay. Call me uh call me when you get back."

"I will." She kissed him once before getting back in her car.

Stefan waved her off then stumbled back to his house to retrieve his pills. He turned the key and popped open the top before quickly swallowing the two white circular pills. He breathed deeply then went to get a glass of water and drank that in five seconds before heading back to the couch. He laid flatly on it with his arms above his head taking deep breaths. "He's just a friend. He's just a friend," he repeated. "He's nothing. He means nothing." He stopped talking feeling his heart calm and imagined her lips on his before opening his eyes staring up at the ceiling. He sighed closing his eyes again then sat up. He needed to think of another surprise for her.

He grabbed his laptop and minimized everything before opening a new browser window and started his research. He started to think about buying a yacht for her and hire someone to clean it once every week or the day after use. Naming it after her and maybe getting her some lessons but he wasn't sure if she'd like it completely. Next. A date. A fun date at a jazz club where they can eat and dance all night. He'll have an excuse to be with her the entire time and keep a close eye just in case some other guy gets the stupid idea that she's open to anyone that isn't him. He sat his laptop to the side and placed his hands on the sides of his face before running them through his hair.

"I can't do this," he got up grabbing his keys not knowing where she went but he had a few places in mind.


Bonnie smiled resting her fist under her chin. She was surprised to get a Facebook message from her old friend Mark from high school but figured that it's been awhile since she's gone out like this so she took him up on his offer.

"So how's life been treating you?"

"Pretty good, pretty good. I've had some downs but now things seem to be looking up, you know."

"If you don't mind me asking,"

"Just some marital complications,"

"Right, I forgot you were married," she chuckled. "Uh well, I hope things continue to—"

"Bonnie,"

"Stefan," she stood in shock.

"Can we uh,"

"Uh, sure," she followed after him.

"I'm sorry but I couldn't- I couldn't take you going out with another man and I know you said he's just a friend but I-" he sighed looking at her eyes. "I feel like an idiot. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come, you can be friends with whomever you want I'm sor—" he was cut short when she kissed him.

"It's okay," she smiled.

"I got jealous."

She chuckled. "That went without saying,"

He exhaled shaking his head looking down. "I hate to bring it up but if this is how you felt about me dating someone else then again I'm so sorry."

She chuckled some then hugged him standing on her toes. "Tell you what, tonight I'll sleep over."

"Really?" She nodded. "You can't take it back."

"I won't."

"Okay. We'll get back to your date, I mind as well but something since I'm here, right?" She shrugged nodding her head then headed back to the table.

Stefan got a chicken club to-go then left feeling a whole lot better about everything.

...

He held her close as she was straddled his lap on the couch kissing him deeply. He moved his hands all over her back and grabbed her on occasion. He wasn't sure if he could initiate sex because though they had sex on the yacht, he wasn't sure if it was one of these what happens in the yacht, stays on the yacht type situations. So for now, all he would do is kiss and touch until she makes the first move. He frowned as she pulled away but watched as she slowly pulled the shirt up her body. Her bra was next but he held his eyes at hers before kissing her again gently this time feeling her hands shake up his shirt.

"Wait," she pulled away.

"What's wrong?"

"I-" she sighed.

"It's okay, we can wait longer if you-"

"No, it's not that I just- this place." She watched his eyes narrow. "You had sex with Cindy here." He looked away. "You probably hung out with Jasmine on this couch and kissed her or whatever." She waited for his eyes to meet her again. "I just- can we get a new one? A new couch?"

"Whatever you want." He kissed her then held her. "I'm so sorry,"

"Stefan."

He sighed holding her tighter. They broke away and he helped her put her shirt back on. He took her to a place where only they have moments in which is his office. She sat on his lap as they browsed through many couches and decided on a black velvet one.

"You know all this shopping got me thinking,"

"About?"

"How we should get another place. I mean when you're ready to move in with me, I think we should get a fresh start."

"Really?" He nodded. She smiled. "I would love that."

He smiled then closed his eyes as their lips met. "I kind of like this area, it's not too far from work so hopefully something around here but if not, it's okay. Just say when." Bonnie nodded and moved her lips to his neck.

"When,"

He smiled and moved her face to meet her lips and carried her upstairs.

...

Helene smiled watching the two sit close and hold hands. "So what brings you two here today?"

"Well," Bonnie exhaled, "two years ago I decided to separate from Stefan because a year prior to that he had an affair for six months and I thought that I could move past it but I couldn't. Our relationship- our marriage just switched completely, I felt unloved by him and neglected. He's a big deal at work so we had to put on shows around other people and I kind of hoped that it'll be a fake it till you make it type thing, but we just didn't get there. Now we decided after some time apart to give us another chance and to get help this time."

She nodded. "Stefan,"

"I don't have much to add, I mean I was a cold person and I regret everything but in a way, I didn't know how else to act. I felt as if I were to be extra loving, if you will, it would just come off as fake and she'd reject it so instead I- I cared but I didn't show it."

"Tell me about the way you two acted when you were around other people."

"Um, I would have business parties and get invited to them and Bonnie would be with me and I mean I hate to say it's like a movie when something like this happens to the main couple, but we would be touchy and try to be the perfect couple that we wanted people to believe that we were."

"And how would things be once the crowd would go away?"

"We would just go back to how we were."

"So let's backtrack to this affair, Stefan what was the cause of this act?"

"Bonnie and I have talked about this so um, honestly I just wasn't mature. We got married pretty quickly and you always hear how being married and dating is two completely different things but I wasn't expecting that big of a change honestly. Every decision, every move I made Bonnie was the first thing on my mind and after a while it annoyed me because I'm not used to thinking of someone so I felt like I needed a break and foolishly I had an affair to just remind me of my dating life, I guess."

"So did you come clean to Bonnie?"

He looked over at her, "I was out of town and had gotten back early and this happened to be the one time that he brought Cindy to our house and I walked in on them in our bed."

"What emotions were running through your mind?"

She exhaled in thought, holding back tears. "It was mostly shock. I wasn't sad or angry or anything like that, I was just completely shocked. I knew we were struggling but I didn't think it was that bad."

"And how did your relationship change after that?"

"We started sleeping in separate rooms and as I said earlier we became distant. I still loved him and I wanted to make things work but I felt like it was only one-sided."

"Would you agree, Stefan?"

"Yes. To be honest with you I was scared. I know how insane it sounds but I did, and still do love Bonnie and I thought my best course of action was to basically say and do nothing and let her do whatever she wanted to do and she'd stay. I wanted to reach out and connect but I guess I didn't know where to start."

"How long, Bonnie, did you stay with Stefan after the affair?"

She thought. "Another year I would say, close to it."

"What prompted you to leave?"

"I was just so tired of the fake. I didn't want to fake it anymore because the only thing that I got from it was hurt. So one evening when we were hosting a party I told Stefan that I was leaving him. He tried to stop me but by the end of the week I was gone."

"And how did that feel?"

"Not as good as I thought, honestly. I was so sad and hurt and I would cry every day. My friends helped me through it but in the end, I just couldn't let go of Stefan. My heart couldn't,"

"Stefan how were you?"

He exhaled shaking his head. "Well we were separated for two years and I suffer from anxiety and since we were married Bonnie was the only one that I trusted to get me through it. With her gone, I was hurt and broken so I took a break. Isolated myself from the world and when I got back I decided to see a doctor and got prescribed some pills and a few months later I met someone. I told myself that Bonnie would never want me back so I went for it and we dated for three months. During those months I was forcing Bonnie's attributes and nuances on her and I realized that she wasn't Bonnie that no one could be Bonnie so I ended it and got used to the idea of dying alone."

They talked about meeting again and how they felt when they talked and touched again after two years. They talked about their steady dating before their second official date on the yacht. They talked about the discussion they had on the dock and how Bonnie was still having issues in trusting Stefan but is doing everything's her power to trust him again and Stefan promised to do everything to earn her trust back.

Their session was over by then and Stefan drove them to Bonnie's apartment where on the way they decided that they would be staying at Bonnie's house for the time being. Stefan dropped her off then went to pack a few bags then joined her again. Bonnie smiled as he set his bags on the chair then joined her on the bed. He kissed her once. She kissed him again causing him to hold her close. He pushed her lower back causing her to lay flat as he hovered above her. Her fingers raced through his hair as she raised her leg around his waist, kissing him deeper turning her head to the side.

Slowly they undressed and she held him as he slid into her. Stefan kissed along her neck then raised his head hearing her sniffing in. "Do you want me to stop?"

She shook her head as a tear slid across her cheek. He kissed her several times continuing his movements. "I love you."

"I love you,"


He watched her eyes as his hand smoothed down her hair and moved in closer meeting their foreheads. "What's on your mind?"

"I'm sorry, I just- it was like I was losing my virginity again but this time with someone who I truly, truly love and with someone who truly loves me and I felt everything just overcome me and I got emotional."

He smiled. "Don't apologize," he pulled back to watch her eyes. "I love you so much. You mean everything to me and I promise that I will show you that."

She nodded. "I know,"

He kissed her. "How's Stefan?"

She laughed some wiping her eyes. "Pretty good," he smiled. "I know that this is really random but can we go visit my parents?"

"Sure,"

"It's just I've been avoiding them and I miss them,"

He nodded. "Just say when." He kissed her.

She exhaled through her nose then laid her head down on his chest and started playing with the small hairs there.