So

zily, I felt surprisingly well-rested despite the emotional chaos of the previous ni

Alex and I are going to the Maldives tomorrow! We're taking his private jet

s? Are you serious? I've always wanted to go there

dream destination with its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters,

es, bikinis, sandals-everything that screamed "tropical paradise" was hastily thrown in. I

perfect book to read by the beach, and even arranged for a mani-pedi to prepare for the island glamo

king my bags, I called a cab and headed straight to the airport. The idea of flying in a private jet felt surre

ig smile, her energy infectious. "Re

" I laughed, givin

for a friendly embrace. "Glad you could make it,

settled into the plush leather seat, I stared out the window, watching the airport disappear beneath us. Th

e plane began its descent, I caught my first glimpse of the Maldives. The endless blue of the Indian Ocean glistened below

he plane. We were met by a friendly staff member from the re

ully. "Your villa is ready, and your bags

with excitement. "This is going to

o contain my joy. "It's

than I had ever imagined-spacious, elegant, with a stunning view of the ocean from the balcony. Martha an

ach was serene, with only the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore. I stood the

or the first time in a long while, I felt a deep sense of content

ned, my heart pounding in my chest as my eye

oice barely above a whisper

ident smile that had once char

dredged up painful memories I had tried so hard to bury. "You were g

, please," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I never meant to h

ing my head. "That doesn

h his hair. "I'm sorry. But that's not who I

de me and the undeniable chemistry that had once drawn

whispered, unsur

know I've messed up, but I'm asking for a ch

nally, I let out a sigh. "I can't promise anyt

his eyes as he nodde

lp but feel a strange mix of emotions. There was something unfinished between us,

anyway?" I asked af

e of my wineries caught fire last night.

heart racing. "Oh my God,

ile was soft,

ht?" I asked, the weight of his revelation pres

orry you, besides, we just met, it wasn't right telling you about my problems

art beginning to rac

eyes roamed my face. "You," he w

se quickening. "Nathaniel..." I

"You're beautiful," he murmured, his words a t

"Stop it," I teased, though I couldn'

ous," he said, his tone unwavering. "You'r

heart continued its wild r

me with me to the wine tasting tonight," he urged, his v