Chapter 98
The sun had just begun to rise, casting a warm, golden glow across the private villa.
The soft sound of waves crashing against the shore could be heard from the open windows, filling the room with a serene melody.
Elena stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find herself wrapped in Angelo’s arms. His grip was firm but gentle, his breathing steady against her neck.
She turned slightly, watching him sleep. The sharp edges of his face softened in rest, and for the first time in a while, he looked entirely at peace. A faint smile tugged at her lips.
“Watching me again, Mrs. Fabian?” Angelo’s voice was husky with sleep, and his eyes remained closed as he spoke.
Elena chuckled softly. “I can’t help it. You’re too handsome when you’re not scowling at someone.”
He opened one eye, his lips quirking into a smirk. “If I’d known marriage would make you so cheeky, I might have married you sooner.”
She laughed, her cheeks warming. “Good morning, Mr. Fabian.”
“Good morning,” he murmured, pulling her closer. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a baby,” she admitted, resting her head against his chest. “It feels like a dream being here with you.”
Angelo kissed the top of her head. “It’s no dream, Elena. This is our reality now.”
After a lazy morning spent in bed, they eventually rose to explore the villa. Angelo led Elena by the hand, showing her the beauty of the place he had brought her to. The villa was more than just a luxurious escape; it was a piece of his family’s history.
“This villa belonged to my grandparents,” Angelo explained as they walked through a spacious hallway. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, illuminating the intricate artwork on the walls.
Elena stopped to admire a portrait of a regal-looking woman with piercing eyes and a delicate smile. “Who is this?”
“That’s my grandmother, Isabella Fabian,” Angelo said, a hint of pride in his voice. “She was the heart of this family. She built this place with my grandfather. They’d come here to escape the chaos of the world.”
Elena studied the painting, her fingers brushing the ornate frame. “She’s beautiful. And she looks… strong.”
“She was,” Angelo said softly. “She taught me that love is worth fighting for, no matter the odds.” He turned to look at Elena, his gaze unwavering. “She would have liked you.”
Elena felt a lump form in her throat. “That means a lot,” she whispered.
*****
By the time the sun was high in the sky, Angelo and Elena found themselves lounging by the villa’s infinity pool. The water sparkled like diamonds under the sunlight, and the view of the ocean beyond was breathtaking.
Elena had changed into a white swimsuit that hugged her figure perfectly. When she stepped out onto the pool deck, Angelo, who had been sipping a drink, nearly choked.
“You’re trying to kill me,” he muttered, his eyes darkening as they roamed over her.
Elena laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Come on, Angelo. Let’s see if you can keep up.”
She dove into the pool, her laughter echoing as she surfaced. Angelo set his drink aside and shrugged off his shirt, revealing his sculpted chest.
“Keep up?” he teased, stepping into the water. “You forget who you’re talking to.”
They spent the next hour playing like children, splashing each other and engaging in playful races. At one point, Angelo caught Elena around the waist, pulling her close.
“You’re mine,” he whispered, his voice low and possessive.
“Always,” she replied, her arms wrapping around his neck.
***
Hours later, Angelo led Elena down a private path to the beach. The soft sand felt cool beneath their feet, and the salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean.
Waiting for them on the beach was a candlelit dinner, complete with a table set for two. The flickering flames cast a warm glow, making the scene look like something out of a fairy tale.
Elena gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Angelo, this is… this is amazing.”
He smiled, pulling out her chair. “Only the best for my wife.”
She sat down, still in awe of the setup. The meal was a feast of fresh seafood, paired with a wine so rich and smooth that Elena couldn’t help but marvel at it.
“You’ve outdone yourself,” she said, taking a sip of her wine.
Angelo leaned back in his chair, watching her with an affectionate smile. “I wanted to make this trip unforgettable for you.”
“You’ve succeeded,” she said, her voice soft.
As they ate, their conversation flowed naturally. They talked about their childhoods, their favorite memories, and even their future plans. Elena found herself laughing more than she had in months, the weight of her past mistakes feeling lighter with every moment.
“You know,” she said, setting her fork down, “I never thought I’d end up here. With you. Like this.”
Angelo reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn’t it?”
Elena nodded, her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. “Do you think this happiness will last?”
Angelo’s expression grew serious. He stood, pulling her up from her chair and holding her close. “Happiness isn’t something you wait for, Elena. It’s something you fight for. And I promise you, I’ll fight for this-every single day.”
Tears welled in Elena’s eyes as she looked up at him. “I love you, Angelo.”
“And I love you,” he said, leaning down to kiss her.
*****
Later that night, they returned to the villa. Angelo scooped Elena into his arms, carrying her up the stairs while she laughed and protested.
“Put me down!” she giggled.
“Not a chance,” he said, grinning.
When they reached the bedroom, Angelo set her down gently on the bed. The room was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, the perfect backdrop for the passion that followed.
They spent the night lost in each other, their love expressed in every touch, kiss, and whispered promise.
As dawn broke, Elena lay curled against Angelo’s chest, her heart full and her mind at peace. She looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“I was just thinking,” she said softly. “If my father hadn’t owed you that debt, I might never have met you. And despite everything that’s happened, I’m grateful.”
Angelo’s lips curved into a smile. “Fate has a strange way of bringing people together.”
“Do you believe in fate?” Elena asked, her voice curious.
“I believe in us,” Angelo replied.
And with that, he pulled her close, sealing the moment with a kiss.