Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 18000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 90(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 90(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
My heart, on the other hand...
Instead of exit strategies and plan Bs, my heart is already in la-la land...and that's how it should be.
Because I promised to trust God, and part of that means taking one day at a time.
So start acting like it, Eden!
I push all worries away and allow myself to savor every moment of my newfound freedom.
Paris, Eden!
You're in Paris!
C'est la vie!
My stint as a tourist only comes to an end when we leave the city behind us, and the lights begin to dim. Darkness reclaims my surroundings, and I settle back in my seat.
One day at a time.
Another half hour passes, but just when I start to feel nervous and wonder if they're about to take me to my personal Golgotha, the views change anew, and I find myself holding my breath.
Is this real, God?
It's just one amazing surprise after another, and I'm back in tourist mode as we drive past landscaped gardens that seem straight out of a fairytale. Up ahead is something I can only describe as a castle, with its multiple turrets and flower-decked balconies. All of its cathedral windows are also ablaze with lights, and massive wooden gates automatically slide open as our limousine rolls into the inner courtyard before cruising to a stop.
How is this possible?
How?
It was only fifteen hours ago when we were under attack, and I had no idea whether I'd live to see tomorrow.
It was only ten hours ago when my father was forced to negotiate a treaty and give me away as a peace offering to his enemy.
And now this.
Only a miracle from God could have changed my life in a proverbial link, and my eyes start to burn as everything starts to really sink in, and I realize that this is truly it.
He's saved me.
Just as promised.
I'm saved.
I'm free.
And even though I have no idea how long this new life of mine will last---
Thank You, thank You, oh God, thank You.
I'm determined to keep trusting Him.
And take it one day at a time.
Because there's nothing to be afraid of.
Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Stranger Danger
Iwake up with my heart in my throat.
Please, God, please.
Please let it not be a dream.
Please.
I slowly open my eyes, and God, oh God.
Thank You.
I'm already crying my eyes out before I even get to sit up.
How can this be real?
How?
How?
I know it's only been less than 24 hours since I left the island, but the past nineteen years already feel like it's an eternity ago, and one I don't ever to relive.
All I want to remember now is this.
A bedroom that literally feels like it's been designed for a princess with its four-poster bed, intricately carved furniture, and elaborate gold moldings on its walls and ceiling.
It's definitely no surprise that I slept like a babe last night, and---
Someone knocks on the door, and my body involuntarily tenses. "Who is it?" A part of me still thinks this whole thing is too good to be true, and I'm already scanning the room for possible weapons and exit points as the door opens.
"It's me."
The voice is instantly recognizable, and I sigh in relief as I pad barefoot towards the door. I open it, a smile already on my lips because I genuinely thank Mr. Stranger-In-Charge for allaying my fears about my husband.
"Good...morning."
My voice trails off, and all I can do is stare in shock. Idiot that I am, I had still expected him to show up with a balaclava covering his face, but that's obviously not the case, and...
Oh no.
Please help me, God.
Mr. Stranger-In-Charge turns out to be the most beautiful man I've ever seen in my life, and the fact that a married woman like me has noticed this is not good at all.
A Wish Come True
Ilook away so fast I feel like I've given myself whiplash.
But who cares?
The less I see of this man, the longer I'll keep my head attached to my neck.
"Have you had a good night's sleep?"
I can only nod in answer. I don't think I can trust myself to speak just yet.
"That's good to hear."
I nod again.
"Is there a reason you're suddenly avoiding my gaze?"
I shake my head.
"Are you sure?"
I nod for the third time, but vehemently. There is absolutely no way I'm letting him know how he's affecting me. I may be young and unused to being attracted to the opposite sex, but I'm no idiot either. I haven't forgotten for one second I'm married to the Prince of Killers, and I have no plans of being my husband's next victim.
"I see."
If he means that, and he really does see why I'm avoiding his gaze, then I'm dead.
"I came to ask if you'd like to have breakfast first."
I think I sense an 'or' coming.
"Or---"
Knew it.