Amara barely had a moment to compose herself before she heard Alessandro’s voice again, louder this time. “Amara, are you okay?”
She took a deep breath, smoothed down her dress, and finally opened the door.
Alessandro stood there, his brow furrowed in concern as he looked her over. “Why do you look like you’ve lost your breath?”
Amara forced a calm smile, though inside she was still reeling. “No, I’m fine.”
Alessandro’s eyes narrowed slightly as he took a closer look at her. “Your lips…”
Her heart skipped a beat, panic surging through her.
Did he know?
Had he figured it out?
No, it wasn’t possible. She had already reapplied her lipstick. There was no way he could tell.
“What about my lips?” she asked, keeping her voice as casual as possible.
Alessandro’s gaze lingered on her mouth for a moment longer before he shrugged. “Red lipstick looks good on you.”
Amara let out a quiet sigh of relief. “Oh, thank you.”
He gave her a small smile. “Shall we leave?”
Amara nodded, grabbing her bag and walking past him. As they left the room, Alessandro glance around, his gaze lingering on the space as if something felt off. He locked the door behind them, his expression thoughtful, but he said nothing.
And with that, they walked out, but Rowan’s presence still lingered on Amara’s mind, his kiss still burning on her lips..
And somewhere deep inside her, a part of her wondered what tomorrow would bring.
Amara’s footsteps faltered as they walked toward the dining section of the resort. Her eyes were drawn to the view before her, and for a moment, she forgot everything else… Rowan, Alessandro, the tension that clung to her like a shadow. What lay before her was simply beyond beautiful, as if she had stepped into another world, far removed from the tangled mess of her reality.
The resort’s dining area was nestled next to a serene pool that shimmered under the soft glow of the setting sun. Steam from the nearby hot springs rose delicately, curling into the air like ethereal tendrils, creating a dreamlike mist that hovered over the surface of the water. The pool itself was an impossible shade of blue…. deep, rich, and inviting. The kind of blue that reminded her of the clearest oceans she’d only seen in travel magazines. It contrasted beautifully with the stark white marble of the floor beneath her feet, a scene that made her feel as though she had been whisked away to Santorini, Greece.
The architecture was clean and modern, yet it carried an ancient elegance. The pristine white columns that lined the area stood tall and proud, their bases wrapped in vines of soft green ivy that seemed to breathe life into the otherwise immaculate setting. Lanterns hung from delicate chains above the tables, casting a warm, golden light that flickered in time with the soft breeze, their glow bouncing off the surface of the pool in hypnotic ripples. The entire atmosphere was surreal, almost too perfect, as if it had been crafted specifically for this moment.
Her gaze drifted upward toward the sky, which had begun to take on hues of pink, orange, and lavender as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. The colors reflected off the surface of the pool, turning it into a kaleidoscope of vibrant, shifting hues. Everything seemed to shimmer under the soft light, the world wrapped in a golden haze. For a brief moment, she could almost forget where she was, who she was with. The beauty of the view demanded her full attention, pulling her in with its tranquil, almost seductive allure.
Alessandro, walking beside her, noticed her pause and glanced in her direction, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” His voice was smooth, almost tender, but Amara barely heard him. Her mind was too absorbed in the scenery. It felt like a sanctuary, a place where the chaos of her life couldn’t touch her. If only it were real.
As they approached the dining table, positioned strategically beside the pool, Amara’s unease grew. The table was draped in a crisp, white cloth, adorned with a centerpiece of white roses and flickering candles. It was intimate, romantic even. The scent of jasmine and roses lingered in the air, mingling with the steam from the hot springs, creating an intoxicating environment for Amara..
For some reason she felt something was wrong..
Alessandro pulled out her chair with an air of practiced chivalry, guiding her into the seat with a light touch on her back. His hand lingered there a moment too long, and though he smiled warmly at her, it did little to ease her discomfort. As soon as she sat down, her gaze instinctively swept across the dining area.
And then she froze.
At a corner table, partially obscured by the mist rising from the hot springs, sat Rowan. His presence hit her like a punch to the gut, sending a surge of adrenaline through her veins. His expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed on her..
And then she saw a man seated across from him. From his profile, she recognized him immediately… Harvey.
Why was Harvey here? she thought, her mind racing. Why didn’t Rowan leave yet..?? Why was he still here..??
“Amara,” Alessandro’s voice pulled her back to the present. He was watching her with concern, his brow furrowed slightly as if sensing her distraction. “What would you like to eat?”
“Huh?” Amara blinked, her eyes snapping back to Alessandro, struggling to shake off the lingering sensation of being watched by Rowan. Her heart raced, but she tried to appear calm.
Alessandro’s hand reached across the table, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The gesture, though meant to be tender, felt invasive, and she tensed. “Where are you lost, Amara?” His voice was smooth, but there was an undercurrent of suspicion beneath the surface.
Before she could respond, he pressed the back of his hand against her forehead, checking if she was ill.
“Nowhere,” she said, her voice more composed than she felt. “I’m fine.”
Alessandro withdrew his hand but continued to scrutinize her. “You seem distracted,” he said, his tone light but probing. “I’m asking…. what would you like to eat?”
Amara forced herself to look at the menu in front of her, though the words were a blur. She couldn’t focus, not with Rowan’s presence hanging over her like a shadow.
She skimmed the menu, picking a few dishes at random, her voice barely registering what she ordered.
Alessandro smiled, seemingly satisfied, and waved the waiter over to place their order..