They picked a sleepy seaside town far from flashing cameras and busy lives, where time passed more like a whisper than a race and waves caressed the sand.
Everything Lorna hadn't realized she needed was provided by the honeymoon.
Their laughter was the first sound of the day as they awoke to sunlight streaming through gauzy curtains and tangled in white sheets. They shared melting gelato on sun-warmed steps, went for long barefoot beach walks, and danced late into the night to music that only they could hear. It was not about extravagance or show. Being together and burden-free was the key.
And Lorna felt free for the first time in a long time.
liberated from the past. Fearless. Free to love and to be loved—without restrictions or qualms.
When Michael thought she wasn't looking, she frequently caught him observing her. Awe, rather than hunger, though that was always present. With respect. As though he was still in shock that he had been granted another opportunity to shine in her light.
After a peaceful dinner on the terrace of their private villa the night before their arrival, Michael took her hand and ushered her inside. The bed was covered in soft white linen, the candles were flickering low, and the night breeze carried the aroma of jasmine.
The movements were not hurried.
Slow discovery only.
Like a prayer, Michael's hands moved over her body, and Lorna accepted his touch with an openness that came from trust. Gently, they undressed one another, becoming new in this holy beginning rather than strangers to one another's skin.
He kissed her slowly, deeply, and reverently, as if he was learning her gasps, sighs, and the way her nails dug into his shoulder when pleasure surged too quickly. He gave his full response as she repeatedly uttered his name in a vow-like whisper.
Their bodies synchronized in a rhythm that only they knew, and they moved in unison like music. Between the kisses, there was teasing glances, laughter, clutching hands, and mouths that trailed fire across skin.
It was more than just physical; it was also spiritual and emotional. As if longing, forgiveness, and love had all blended into a single, hot, gasping exhale.
Then Lorna lay on his chest, his fingers idly making circles on her back, tangled in sheets and heartbeats.
She muttered, "I used to think I'd never trust anyone like this again."
Michael's voice was low and confident as he kissed her forehead. This time, you don't have to fall. You can relax. In any case, I'll catch you.
She let her eyes close as she grinned against his skin.
Lorna understood what it meant to be genuinely loved here, in this peaceful part of the world, with his heartbeat beating beneath her ear and the sea humming just outside the windows.
Not for her survival rate.
But for the person she had turned into.