Claire's POV
My phone buzzed with an incoming text just as Raquel was examining a particularly stunning piece of jewelry at the boutique's accessory counter. I glanced down at the screen and felt my heart skip a beat when I saw Theo's name.
"The stylist is waiting for you both at the salon. Time to get Raquel ready for tonight. - T"
I quickly angled my phone away from Raquel's line of sight, but not before she caught my sudden movement and the way my expression had changed.
"Everything okay?" she asked, her tone curious as she set down the necklace she'd been admiring. "You look like you just received some important news."
"Oh, it's nothing urgent," I replied, forcing a casual smile while my mind raced to come up with a believable explanation. "Just my roommate checking in from back home. You know how roommates can be—always worried when you're traveling."
Raquel studied my face for a moment, her intuitive nature clearly picking up on
Claire's POVMy phone buzzed with an incoming text just as Raquel was examining a particularly stunning piece of jewelry at the boutique's accessory counter. I glanced down at the screen and felt my heart skip a beat when I saw Theo's name."The stylist is waiting for you both at the salon. Time to get Raquel ready for tonight. - T"I quickly angled my phone away from Raquel's line of sight, but not before she caught my sudden movement and the way my expression had changed."Everything okay?" she asked, her tone curious as she set down the necklace she'd been admiring. "You look like you just received some important news.""Oh, it's nothing urgent," I replied, forcing a casual smile while my mind raced to come up with a believable explanation. "Just my roommate checking in from back home. You know how roommates can be—always worried when you're traveling."Raquel studied my face for a moment, her intuitive nature clearly picking up on
Claire's POVAfter the spa, I insisted we visit the resort's high-end boutique, claiming that no proper girls' day was complete without at least looking at beautiful clothes. The boutique was an elegant space with carefully curated pieces from designer labels, the kind of place where a single dress could cost more than most people's monthly salary."Oh, this would look stunning on you," Raquel said, holding up a flowing emerald dress that perfectly matched my eyes.I fingered the luxurious fabric, admiring the way it caught the light. "It's beautiful, but I really shouldn't—""Not again," Raquel interrupted, already moving toward other pieces that had caught her eye. "You're on vacation at one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. When else are you going to have an excuse to buy something completely impractical and gorgeous?"Despite my protests about the expense, she continued pulling items from the racks—silk blouses, designer s
Claire's POVLater in the afternoon, we headed to the resort's luxury spa for massages that Raquel had insisted were absolutely essential for a proper girls' day. The spa was a tranquil oasis nestled among tropical gardens, with open-air treatment rooms that allowed the sound of ocean waves and gentle trade winds to enhance the relaxation experience.As we settled into our massage beds, the tension I'd been carrying in my shoulders and neck since last night's dinner began to slowly ease under the skilled hands of the therapists. The scent of frangipani and coconut oil filled the air, creating an atmosphere so peaceful that for the first time in hours, I felt my mind begin to quiet."This is exactly what I needed," Raquel murmured from the bed beside mine, her voice already drowsy with relaxation. "Bob has been so wound up about this business trip that I think his stress has been affecting me too."I made a noncommittal sound of agreement, not trusting myself to speak about stress and
Claire's POVThe remainder of dinner felt like an eternity. After Theo's blunt declaration that he would "never marry again," the atmosphere at our table had become strained despite everyone's efforts to maintain normal conversation. I could feel his eyes on me periodically, could sense him trying to gauge my reaction to his words, but I kept my expression carefully neutral and focused on my plate.When Raquel returned from her brief absence, she seemed to sense the shift in mood immediately. Her cheerful demeanor faltered slightly as she took in the tense body language around the table, but she was too polite to comment directly on whatever had transpired in her absence."You know what," Theo said suddenly, his voice carrying that authoritative tone he used when making executive decisions, "I think Claire is getting tired. It's been a long day, and we should probably head back to the villa."I wanted to protest that I was perfectly fine, that I didn't need him making decisions about
Theo's POVThe conversation had taken a direction I hadn't anticipated, and Bob's knowing looks were becoming increasingly pointed. As we finished the main course, he leaned back in his chair with that satisfied expression he wore when he thought he'd figured something out."So, Theo," Bob said casually, swirling his wine glass, "Claire mentioned earlier that you two have an... exclusive arrangement."I nearly choked on my drink, shooting a quick glance at Claire, who suddenly seemed very interested in the pattern on her napkin. When had she discussed our relationship status with Bob? And more importantly, what exactly had she told him?"Did she now?" I managed, trying to keep my voice neutral while internally scrambling to figure out how to navigate this conversation.Bob's grin widened. "She did. Very discreet about the details, of course, but it's clear you two have something serious going on." He paused dramatically, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Which makes me think you migh
Theo's POVThe beachside dinner was truly spectacular. Helen's team had outdone themselves, creating an atmosphere that managed to be both intimate and celebratory.Despite the beautiful setting and excellent company, I found myself constantly distracted throughout the meal. My eyes kept drifting to Claire, drawn by the graceful way she moved, the musical sound of her laughter, the animated expressions that crossed her face as she engaged in conversation with Bob and Raquel. Even when I was actively participating in discussions about pack politics and business ventures, part of my attention remained fixed on her.The white dress she'd chosen seemed to shimmer in the candlelight, and every time the ocean breeze caught the flowing fabric, I found myself mesmerized by the way it moved around her body. When she reached for her wine glass, I noticed the elegant line of her neck. When she smiled at something Raquel said, I was captivated by the way her eyes lit up with genuine warmth."The