Chapter 92The next morning, the scent was what hit Mia first. Warm ginger. Honey. A hint of lemon.She stirred beneath the soft sheets, one arm slipping out from under the comforter as her eyes cracked open to golden sunlight.Her gaze swept the familiar space slowly.Wait… no, why was it familiar. Her breath hitched.This was their suite.She sat up abruptly, heart skipping once. She remembered clearly..... she hadn’t slept here. Her hand instinctively reached out, brushing over the other side of the bed. It was cold and empty.But beside her was a small tray. On it, a mug of something steaming. And two little white pills.She squinted at them. Ginger tea… hangover relief?Her head did ache a little. Not pounding..... just a soft, annoying throb behind her eyes.She picked up the mug and inhaled. It was perfectly warm. Fresh. Like someone had just made it. Her lips met the rim slowly, and she took a careful sip.Warmth bloomed down her throat. Her chest tightened as she thought of t
Chapter 91And then… Stefan froze. His hands held her in place, but his lips stopped moving.Mia blinked, confused and breathless. She watched with confusion as Stefan's hands loosened around her ass, and his arms slowly fell away as he lowered her to the floor in a careful manner.Her legs felt weak and shaky from being wrapped tightly around him. She stumbled slightly when her feet touched the ground. Her knees wobbled under her weight, but she caught herself before falling back against him. Her skin tingled where his hands had been, and where his lips had left their mark.Stefan's hands folded tightly behind him as he mentally held himself from reaching out to her. He couldn't afford to touch her again; if he did, he'd regret it forever.Mia drew in a sharp inhale, her chest lifting fast like she was trying to catch air after being underwater. Her eyes found his, searching them for something... anything.But Stefan had already stepped back, the warmth of his body replaced by the e
Chapter 90Stefan returned with Matteo just as Mia was finishing a quiet conversation with Aidan. She looked up the moment she saw him approaching, and her words came to an abrupt stop, the smile on her face softening.They went round and handed the drinks over to everyone.Aidan winked at Mia before turning towards his husband, and Mia turned her attention fully to Stefan, who took his place behind her again, settling easily like she was right where she belonged.He leaned forward, the warmth of his breath brushing her ear as his mouth came dangerously close. His voice was low and rough, laced with curiosity.“What were you two discussing?” he asked.Mia shivered unintentionally. Her body responded before her mind did. She cleared her throat quickly and shook her head with a half-laugh. “Nothing serious. Aidan just asked me a random question.”She didn’t even know why she was nervous. But his mouth was still close, his presence a little overwhelming, in a way she couldn’t explain. Ma
Chapter 89“Hello there, newlywed,” Matteo greeted with a grin as he dropped onto the empty spot beside Stefan, his long legs stretching out like he owned the ground under him. Aidan followed, sitting at his front. The same style they all sat. His arm rested casually over Mia's shoulder like they’d been friends forever.Stefan raised his brow, but said nothing. There was nothing to be worried about. He doesn't have to cut off anyone's hand's.The conversation picked up like it had never paused...... teasing, laughter, light swats on shoulders as stories flew around. Everyone was loose, relaxed, basking in the warmth of the flames and the kind of companionship that came without effort. Mia was really enjoying her day, it's been a while she's been in such a warm gathering where everyone let love lead.After a while, Matteo pushed to his feet with a stretch. “Alright, I need to mix more drinks. Stefan, help a man out?”“Sure,” Stefan replied without hesitation. He kissed Mia on her back
Chapter 88Just as the laughter from Josh and Mira’s story started to die down, Beth leaned forward with a mischievous smile. “Okay, Mia, Stefan… I have to ask. How long did you two date before tying the knot?”Mia froze a little, unsure how to answer without sounding ridiculous. She glanced at Stefan, silently pleading for help. But he just raised a brow like he was daring her to answer.“A day,” she blurted out.Everyone blinked. Sammie choked on her drink. “Wait—what?”Kenny looked stunned. “You mean, like, twenty-four hours?”Stefan, calm as ever, leaned back slightly and said, “Actually… she proposed to me.”Mia whipped her head toward him, mouth falling open. “Stefan!” she cried, swatting his arm in horror. “Must you say that?!”The whole group burst into laughter.“Oh, don’t be embarrassed,” Sammie said, waving her hand like it was nothing. “That’s the 21st century, sweetheart. Women propose all the time. You took charge of your happiness.”Mia covered her face with both hands,
Chapter 87The walk to the get-together was short. Just a few steps from their side of the resort. The sky had melted into a deep navy blue, stars freckling the horizon, and the subtle scent of coconut oil and firewood hung in the air.She could already see the glow from the small bonfire. Six people sat around it, their laughter rising softly with the night wind. Three women. Three men. But no sign of Matteo or Aidan. Their heads turned as she and Stefan approached.Before either of them could say a word, one of the ladies stood. Her face was warm, her smile even warmer.“Hi!” she greeted, her tone light and friendly. “You must be Mia and Stefan?” Her eyes flicked between them with ease.Mia nodded politely. Stefan said nothing, but the subtle lift of his chin was enough.The woman stepped closer. “I’m Samantha. Everyone calls me Sammie. I’m Aidan’s older sister,” she added quickly. “He and Matteo forgot to pick something up..... again. They tend to forget a lot.” She chuckled softly