oom at La Viv Resorts. She lay still for a moment, listening to the rhythmic patter of rain, wishing she could w

rcelain floor that gleamed even in the dim light. Outside, the veranda overlooked the gardens, shimmering under the mist. But Marissa d

tween them and to the little girl she lost, whose laughter haunted her dreams. She pre

ut speaking to anyone, except Lilian who brought her meal

cept for the soft tapping of his fingers on the polished mahogany desk. His study was lined with dark w

ould demand his full attention. Yet despite the papers, the beeping pager, and the flickering glow

she hid beneath her composed exterior. Marissa's presence

inally rose with the day, feeling the familiar ache softened by the promise of somethi

the soft grass beneath her feet, the gentle brush of flowers and leaves whispering secrets. She sat by the pool,

quiet knock came-Lilian, holding a carefully wrapped hamper.

." she said pointedly

nge and walked towards Lilian,

burgundy, a small velvet box with understated pearl earrings, artisan chocolate

e without words. It was more than a gift. It was a

," Lilian added and without waiting

he bed. Her head was now a jumbled mess. She sat there a while, trying to put

th blooming jasmine. She walked slowl

n the fragrant blooms. Lazar was already there, leaning against the wrought-

beautiful man she had ever seen. His face was dark

f flooded his face. Then, he sm

you'd come." hi

she hadn't felt in a long time. "The basket was...

till low. "I've been thinking about

wrapping her arms

. "Marissa... I

er of them moving. Her heart was fl

w step forwar

ight mean." her

p feeling this way. But you fee

ity mirroring her own. "Yes," sh

ce between them. "You shouldn't fight it, Marissa

y strand of hair behind her ear. "I

have to think. Some things are best left out of o

understand, M

l him she was married, but s

vering over hers. "I want y

petal from her sleeve. "This.

ped her face. "Te

ushing her cheeks lightly, she gazed up at him, heart pounding.

ed him, remembering they had agreed n

a breath. "There's no ru

ed and the atmosphere between them got tense. His eyes moved over the soft

nged and she k

pressed his lips to hers. A soft kiss at first but clai

without restraint, her hands wound up and around his neck, t

s down her body, his warmth, he

carried the promise of everything they ha