Chapter 14
Morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains into the bedroom as Victoria opened her eyes.]
She stared at the unfamiliar ceiling for a few seconds before remembering where she was.
Checking her phone, she found a text from Askhan that had come in early
[Breakfast is outside your door. Make sure to grab it when you wake up. Getting g some groceries–back at 9 to pick you up.
Clean and straightforward, just like Askhan himself
Victoria took a sip of water from the glass by her bed, feeling unexpectedly… good.
She padded barefoot to the window and pulled back the curtains to reveal brilliant blue sky, sunshine so bright it made her squint[]
Last night she’d slept better than she had in months–no nightmares, no tossing and turning, like she’d finally let go of something heavy she’d been carrying.
After getting ready, she found the insulated bag by the front door filled with an incredible breakfast:
Fresh croissants, berry parfait, scrambled eggs with herbs, and a stack of blueberry pancakes she favorate.
Everything was still warm, like he’d timed it perfectly.]
She’d barely taken two bites when the doorbell rang-
Askhan stood outside holding a bag of fresh fruit.
toned forearms.
Today he was wearing a light blue button down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his to
Sunlight streamed in behind him, highlighting his tall frame.
“How’d you sleep?” He came in and started washing the fruit at the kitchen sink, moving like this was totally normal
Victoria nodded: Really well, actually. Thanks for breakfast.“]
“Don’t mention it.” Askhan glanced over with a slight smile. “So about that honeymoon I mentioned yesterday–you ready?”
Victoria remembered him asking tentatively outside city hall:
“Since we’re married now… could I maybe ask for just a little more? Like a proper honeymoon?
The hope in his eyes had been impossible to say no to
“Yeah, let me go change.” She put down her chopsticks and headed upstairs
Two hours later, they pulled up to a private beach.
Crystal blue water sparkled in the sunshine, soft white sand felt like silk under her feet.[]
The ocean breeze carried that salty scent, blowing the loose strands of 1
(hair around Victoria’s
[ace]
“It’s pretty secluded here, really peaceful.” Askhan set up a beach umbrella and laid out towels with practiced efficiency.
“Just relax here for a minute. I’m gonna grab us some drinks.“]
Victoria sat under the umbrella watching him walk away.]
Askhan had this great build–broad shoulders, narrow waist, perfect posture like he’d done military training or something.
Different from Kerian’s flashy good looks. Askhan’s appeal
I was g
quieter, but somehow more substantial.]]
Try this.” Askhan came back with a cold coconut
drink
“It’s a local thing–sweet but not too much. Thought you might like it.”
Victoria took a sip, the cool liquid sliding down her throat with this subtle coconut flavor.
“Oh wow, this is really good.” Her eyes lit up as she took another drink
Askhan smiled, something warm flickering in his eyes: “Glad you like it.”
He sat down next to her, keeping just the right distance–close enough to feel connected, but not so close she’d feel crowded.
“Vic, do you swim?” he asked.[]
Victoria shook her head, looking a little embarrassed: “Not really. I took lessons as a kid but got bored and quit pretty fast.”
“Want me to teach you?” Askhan stood up and held out his hand.
The water’s really shallow here–perfect for beginners.“]
His palm was broad with calluses from working out. Victoria hesitated for a second, then took his hand.
The ocean was warmer than she’d expected, like being wrapped in soft silk.
Askhan’s touch was gentle–one hand barely supporting her lower back, the other guiding her arm as he patently showed her how to breathe and move through the water.[
“That’s it, just relax… don’t tense up,” his voice was right by her ear, warm breath brushing against her skin.
Victoria’s heart suddenly started racing, and in that split second of distraction, she lost her balance and started sinking
“Whoa!”
Strong arms immediately wrapped around her waist, pulling her steady against him.]
Victoria’s back hit Askhan’s chest, and through his wet t–shirt, she could feel his heart absolutely pounding
“You okay?” His voice was rougher now, laced with concern.
Victoria nodded quickly, her face burning:
ne: “Yeah I’m fine.”
She tried to stand up straight but accidentally locked eyes with him
Those dark eyes that were usually so unreadable were reflecting the blue of the ocean, and she could see herself clearly in then–the look he was giving her was so gentle it made her chest tight
For a moment, Victoria completely forgot how to breathe.
That evening, they went to this oceanfront restaurant
Their table faced the sunset, golden light dancing on the water, painting everything in warm shades of orange and pink |
The seafood here is incredible.” Askhan pulled out her chair, his movements careful and his smile soft.
“Especially the lobster–caught fresh this morning”
Victoria stared at the ment, completely lost with all the foreign text.
She knew some basic Spanish, but this was way beyond her.
Askhan caught on immediately and smoothly switched to the local language with their server, ordering for both of them.]]
“Oh my god, you’re fluent? Victoria looked genuinely shocked.]]
“Yeah, had some business deals here a while back, so I figured I should learn. Makes everything easier.” Askhan poured her some sparkling water, his voice casual.
The rest of dinner, Askhan told her stories from his travels around the world.
Northern lights in Iceland, safaris in Kenya, rainforests in Brazil, ancient ruins in Jordan. []
His voice was smooth and engaging, funny without trying too hard to show off
Victoria was completely captivated, and before she knew it, her plate was empty.
“You’ve literally been everywhere,” she said, genuinely impressed.
Askhan shook his head with a humble smile
“Just lucky with work. Traveling comes with the territory.” He paused, then added quietly
“If you want… we could travel some of those places together sometime.
skip!
The word “together” made Victoria’s pulse skip
She suddenly realized this wasn’t just some quick honeymoon trip–this was the beginning of a completely different life.]
And
d this me
man sitting across from her was slowly, carefully opening up the whole world for her.
When they got back to the house, it was completely dark outside.
Askhan parked and walked around to open her door.
The night air was soft, carrying the scent of jasmine from the garden.[]
“So what’s the plan for tomorrow?” he asked, looking at her with that focused attention that made her feel like the only person in the world.
“There’s this amazing botanical garden nearby, or we could explore the old town.“[]
Victoria looked up at the stars, feeling like some of the heaviness that had been crushing her chest for months was finally lifting.
“Whatever you want. I trust your judgment,” she said softly.
It was the first time she’d ever completely handed over control to someone else.
Askhan seemed to pick up on the significance of that, his expression growing even gentler: “Then let’s sleep in and take it easy. No rush”
Victoria smiled: “Perfect“]
He walked her to her bedroom door, saying polite goodnight the same way he had the night before: “Sleep well. Call if you need anything.”
“Askhan.” Victoria suddenly stopped him.
“Yeah?”
Thank you.
“Not just for saying yes when I randomly asked you to marry me, but for everything. Taking care of me, trying to make me happy.”
“All of it I seriously
y don’t know how to repay you.”
Askhan looked at her with those intense eyes, his voice soft but certain: “You don’t need to thank me, Vic. This is everything I’ve ever wanted.”
His words were quiet, but they hit her like a freight train.
She closed the door and leaned against it, her heart hammering in her chest.
