As Simon returned from the shower, droplets of water still clinging to his skin, his eyes caught sight of the dressing table. On it sat a small box, neatly placed, with a folded letter beside it. His curiosity piqued, he pulled on his trousers and walked over. Picking up the letter, he unfolded it, his eyes scanning the familiar handwriting.
Dear Simon,
First of all, I owe you an apology. I took the liberty of deciding that today should be your birthday. It may have been impulsive, but it feels right, though I'm not sure what you'll think.
So, here it is—Happy Birthday.
To the man who believed in me when I couldn't, who helped me earn my degree, who taught me to fight, and who made my heart race a thousand times over—whether or not you knew the effect you had on me—I want you to know something.
Simon, I don't want to lose you.
Once upon a time, I believed in fairytales. I thought I'd have a love story like the ones I read about as a child. But life showed me how harsh and far from magical reality could be. Yet somehow, you reignited that spark, that hope in me.
I love you, Simon. In every language, in every possible way, I love you. I belong to you.
I can't predict what tomorrow will bring or what lies beyond, but I know one thing with certainty: this moment, this second, this life—it's all yours.
You've always been the one to write letters to me, so for a change, I thought I'd write one myself. I wanted you to have something that speaks to the depths of my heart.
Every second that passes, every breath I take, it all belongs to you.
And so, this little gift is a reminder—of me, of us, and of the love I hold for you. Whenever you see it, I hope it makes you think of me.
Happy Birthday once again, Simon.
Yours truly,
Stella Adams
(Your Lover)
Simon finished reading the letter, his fingers lingering over the word "lover." It brought back the memory of their dance just hours ago, the melody still echoing faintly in his mind. He held the letter close, as if afraid it might vanish, then turned his attention to the small box.
Opening it, he found a sleek black watch nestled inside. It was custom-made, adorned with a large "S" intertwined with another "S" in an elegant design. Toward the end of the strap, their names—Stella and Simon—were engraved in delicate script. A smile tugged at his lips.
Simon decided he wouldn't wear the watch just yet. It deserved the perfect occasion. Gently, he placed the letter and watch inside a hidden safe, one that even Stella didn't know about. It was his way of safeguarding the treasure she had given him—something far more precious than he could ever explain.
He made his way to the bed, slipping under the duvet. Simon reached for her, pulling Stella into his arms. As she slept soundly, her features softened in innocence, he couldn't help but smile.
"My innocent little fish," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, then her lips. He held her closer, her warmth fitting perfectly against him.
As she stirred slightly in her sleep, her arms instinctively wrapped around him. Simon's heart swelled with an emotion he rarely let himself feel—pure, unguarded love.
"I love you too, little fish," he whispered, his voice a soft vow in the quiet room. "You'll never be away from me. Not now, not ever."
With those words, Simon closed his eyes, content with the woman he held in his arms. Stella, still fast asleep, tightened her embrace, as if her soul had heard his promise.
The next morning, Stella woke up to an empty bed. Her fingers brushed over the cool sheets where Simon should have been, and a frown creased her face. Pulling on a robe, she headed downstairs toward his office. As expected, she found him there, hunched over paperwork, his focus unshaken.
Her gaze instinctively dropped to his wrist. He wasn't wearing the watch. A pang of hurt twisted in her chest, but she bit her lip, unwilling to let it show. She didn't want to disturb him, so she quietly turned to leave.
"Have breakfast and get refreshed," Simon said without looking up, his deep voice breaking the silence. He knew she was there.
Stella froze for a moment, glaring at the back of his head before storming off. "Heartless jerk," she muttered under her breath.
Simon's lips curved into a small, knowing smile as he caught the fire in her eyes. He didn't say anything, letting her go.
Days turned into weeks, and soon October arrived, bringing crisp air and the promise of snow. Stella's life felt like a dream—a blissful haze filled with Simon's presence. She convinced herself it was perfect. Her days with him were everything she'd ever wanted.
But as midnight approached, with Stella fast asleep, curled in Simon's embrace, she had no idea that everything was about to change.
As Stella lay in her sleep, a sudden and strange sensation washed over her. Without warning, her legs turned slimy, and shimmering greenish-blue scales began to emerge, spreading across her pale white skin. Her body twitched involuntarily, and she squirmed in discomfort, her breathing quickening as she stirred from her dreams.
A deep, foreign energy surged through her veins, something ancient and powerful awakening within her. She felt it—something flowing, activating—though she couldn't quite understand what was happening.
Before she could fully wake, strong arms lifted her from the bed. The motion was steady, almost calculated, as if whoever carried her knew exactly what was happening.
The night air brushed against her skin as the figure carried her outside, her body still in the throes of a transformation she couldn't control. Her legs fused, the iridescent scales glimmering under the faint moonlight. She groaned softly, caught in a hazy state between sleep and consciousness, unable to fight back.
Without hesitation, the figure hurled her into the dark waters surrounding the island. The cold shock of the water snapped Stella awake, and her eyes flew open. They were no longer their usual deep green. Instead, her gaze burned with a striking bluish-green hue, golden flecks gleaming like sunlight breaking through the ocean's surface.
Her breathing steadied as the water embraced her, her body fully transformed into its true form—a mermaid's tail gleaming with ethereal beauty beneath the waves. Slowly, her head rose above the surface, droplets cascading from her hair as she turned to face the shoreline.
Her piercing gaze locked onto the figure who had thrown her into the water.