Chapter 96
The morning sun cast golden streaks across the Venetti villa as Carmen and Marco walked barefoot along the beach, their hands intertwined. The soft sand cradled their feet, warm from the sun’s gentle touch. Carmen’s dress, a light sundress the color of the sky, swayed with the sea breeze, and Marco couldn’t help but glance at her, a smile tugging at his lips.
“You keep looking at me like that,” Carmen teased, “and we won’t make it to wherever you’re taking me.”
Marco smirked, his grip on her hand tightening. “Maybe that’s the plan.”
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The water was warm and inviting as they slipped into the ocean for their snorkeling adventure. Below the surface, the coral reef stretched out like an underwater garden, filled with vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold. Fish swirled around them in shimmering schools, moving as one before scattering like confetti.
Carmen surfaced, pushing her mask up onto her forehead, her laughter light and carefree. “This is incredible. It’s like another world down there.”
Marco treaded water beside her, brushing a strand of wet hair from her cheek. “It’s beautiful,” he agreed, his voice soft. “But not as beautiful as you.”
She rolled her eyes playfully but leaned forward, their lips meeting briefly before she splashed him and dove back under. Marco laughed, following her, their playful chase through the water leaving them breathless and exhilarated.
When they climbed back onto the boat, the sun sparkled on their damp skin, and Marco wrapped a towel around Carmen, pulling her into his arms.
“Cold?” he asked, his voice low.
“A little,” she admitted, leaning into his warmth.
He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering. “I’ll keep you warm.”
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As evening approached, Marco led Carmen up a hidden path that wound through the lush greenery of the island. The scent of saltwater mixed with the fragrance of tropical blooms, and the sound of distant waves created a peaceful melody.
When they reached the cliffside, Carmen stopped, her breath catching. Before her was a secluded dining setup: a table draped in white linen, surrounded by lanterns that flickered softly as the breeze passed through. Beyond the table, the ocean stretched endlessly, its surface reflecting the fiery colors of the setting sun.
“Marco,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe. “This is… it’s perfect.”
He stepped behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders as he kissed her neck. “You deserve perfect,” he murmured against her skin.
As they dined, the world seemed to slow down around them. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, paired with crisp wine that danced on their tongues. Carmen laughed at Marco’s stories, her eyes sparkling in the fading light.
“You make me feel like we’re the only two people in the world,” she said, her voice quiet but steady.
“That’s because, right now, we are,” Marco replied, his gaze never leaving hers.
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As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, Marco stood and extended his hand to Carmen.
“Dance with me,” he said softly.
“Out here?” she asked, laughing as she placed her hand in his.
“Where else?” he teased, pulling her into his arms.
They moved slowly, their feet sinking into the soft grass near the cliff’s edge. The stars emerged one by one, dotting the darkening sky, and the ocean below shimmered faintly in the moonlight.
Marco’s hands rested firmly on Carmen’s waist, pulling her close, while her arms wrapped around his neck. “You’re more beautiful than the stars tonight,” he whispered, his breath brushing against her ear.
“Marco,” she murmured, her voice catching.
“I mean it,” he said, his tone serious. “You’re everything, Carmen. My strength, my heart, my future. I never imagined I could feel this way about anyone, but you… you’ve changed everything.”
She leaned back slightly to look into his eyes, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. “And you’re my everything,” she said, her voice steady. “The man who’s taught me to dream bigger, to believe in something more. I love you, Marco.”
He kissed her then, slow and deep, his hands tightening on her waist as if he never wanted to let her go. Carmen melted into him, her fingers threading through his hair as the world faded away.
When they finally pulled apart, they stayed close, their foreheads touching as they swayed to the rhythm of the waves.
“I could stay like this forever,” Carmen said softly.
Marco smiled, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “Then we will. Forever, Carmen. I promise.”
