Emma

The gentle hum of the private jet fills the cabin as we glide through the sky, en route to a quiet Caribbean island for our honeymoon. Asher is sound asleep in front of me, and for the hundredth time today, I wonder how we ended up here.

Stealing a glance at him, I feel a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. There's a certain vulnerability to him when he's sleeping, a peacefulness that contrasts the tension that had gripped him during the wedding.

His role as the interim CEO has subtly altered him; a change that's more clear in the nuances of his demeanor than in any explicit declaration.

It's like he's using this mask, this shield between him and the world. But he's never used it with me before.

Until today.

As the plane continues its journey, I close my eyes, remembering how handsome he looked today. His vows still echo in my mind, and I swallow the lump in my throat.

"Emma," he spoke with a steadiness that contradicted the emotion in his eyes.

I've spent countless nights dreaming of this moment, imagining how I would express my feelings to you. Looking back on the path that led us here, one thing is clear—I've loved you from the start. This love has taken hold in my heart like a powerful and unwavering force that has always reassured me we would find each other again. Life has given us a precious opportunity, a blank canvas on which we can create a story that is truly our own. It's a second chance I'm truly grateful for. I've realized that love isn't just a fleeting emotion; it's a commitment, a choice to stand by someone. And I choose you, Emma. I choose to love you. Forever.

For a brief moment, I had my Asher back. His words hung in the air, a testament to the depths of his feelings for me.

In return, I vowed to stand by his side, not just as a companion, but as a steadfast presence through the highs and lows that life would inevitably unfold.

The flight attendant interrupts my thoughts, announcing our imminent landing. Asher stirs awake, his eyes focusing on the attendant.

"Thank you," he murmurs, his gaze shifting to me. There's an unreadable depth in his eyes, a silent conversation that I can't decipher.

The realization of how little we've communicated before and during the wedding tightens in my chest. He surprised me by suggesting we spend Sunday and Monday away, but I can't help but notice how things have changed between us in such a short period of time.

The jet begins its descent, the anticipation of the unknown rising within me. We're embarking on a journey to a tropical paradise and into the uncharted territory of our newly forged marriage. The secrets I'm concealing cast a shadow over our union, and I can't escape the nagging question of how we'll move forward.

As we disembark and slide into a waiting limousine, I notice the breathtaking beauty of our paradise location. Both of us are undoubtedly exhausted, but the allure of exploring this tropical haven tomorrow is too enticing to resist.

Just as I'm about to express my excitement to Asher, I see him pour himself a stiff drink and open his laptop.

My heart sinks as I settle into the plush seat. "Is everything okay?" I ask.

"Yeah..." He keeps his eyes on the computer as he plugs a pair of wireless earphones into his ears. "There was a problem with our Japanese branch," he says, his voice distant and his eyes absorbed in the virtual world on his laptop.

In silence, I watch him work, the rhythmic tapping of keys creating the only sound around us.

After a moment, the phone in Asher's hand rings, and he answers with a businesslike demeanor I've never witnessed before. I catch snippets of his conversation, tension clear in his tone.

"Yeah," he says. "I need it sorted by Monday... No mistakes. It's crucial for the merger... Make it happen."

The coldness in his tone is palpable, and it's disheartening to witness the detachment surrounding him. A feeling of loneliness settles in, but I tell myself his job is really demanding.

When I see him ending the call, I hesitate for a moment before speaking. "Is there anything I can do?"

"I'll probably spend a few hours trying to solve a few things." Asher glances at me, weariness clear in his eyes. "You should try to get some rest when we arrive. Maybe order something in if you're hungry."

A lump forms in my throat as the weight of his words settles in. The man I've just vowed to spend my life with is inches away, yet the barriers erected between us feel insurmountable.

I had hoped our honeymoon would bring us a chance to bridge the gaps and navigate the complexities of our relationship, but now I'm not even sure what we're doing here anymore.

As we arrive at our luxurious beachfront villa, I can't shake the heaviness in my chest. I wanted this honeymoon to be a beginning, a fresh start, but the reality feels like an extension of the challenges we faced before.

While Asher continues to work, engrossed in the intricate details of his business, I take a quick shower and sit on the terrace overlooking the moonlit ocean.

The tropical paradise around us seems out of place with the turbulence in my heart. I watch him through the sheer curtains, the glow of his laptop casting a blue hue on his face.

Tears threaten to spill as I confront the heartbreak of realizing that our journey is so full of obstacles. The secrets I carry are heavy, and I know they contribute to the growing distance between us, but right now, I just don't know what to do.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, trying to relax. I think I fall asleep because some time later Asher's touch on my shoulder startles me. "Hey..." he says.

"Hey." I turn to him, noticing he has taken a shower and changed into a pair of shorts.

"I'm sorry..." He cups my cheek, so he's looking deep into my eyes.

"Why are you sorry?" I whisper, managing a weak smile.

"This isn't how I envisioned our honeymoon..." He shrugs. "I just... I don't know what to do."

I reach for his hand, hoping to bridge the growing gap between us. As our touch lingers, he leans in, and our lips meet in a tender kiss. It's a bittersweet blend of longing and reassurance, a silent promise that the love we feel for each other is still real.

"I love you," I whisper against his lips.

He pulls away, his eyes softening. "I love you too," he says, and for a moment, it feels like the distance between us is closing.

"Can we just... can we just take one day at a time?" I say nervously. "I know it's a lot to ask considering everything but... We got married today, Ash."

He closes his eyes tight, letting out a deep breath before looking at me and nodding in agreement.

For a moment, we just keep looking at each other, but then he scoops me up in his arms and carries me across the threshold into the bedroom.

The door closes behind us, shutting out the outside world. Our eyes lock with a silent understanding as he places me in the center of the bed. God, I wish I could live in this bubble where it's just us forever.

Sitting up, I pull my dress over my head. Asher's eyes fall down to my bared chest, and I see the moment his gaze goes dark with lust.

"Em..." He cups my nape, pulling me into a kiss.

I press my palms to his chest, feeling his bare skin. "I missed you so much."

He groans, bending over me so his mouth stays connected with mine as he yanks his shorts away. In a second, he's settling over me as his mouth moves down to my throat.

The weight of his body over mine is both grounding and reassuring. The lingering turbulence in my heart begins to ease, replaced by a familiar comfort that only Asher can provide.

"I love you so fucking much," he breathes against my lips, his voice husky. It sends a tingling sensation down my core, and I can't help the moan that leaves my lips.

"So much, Ash..." I murmur when his tongue flickers over my nipple. "I love you so much. It's you. It's always been you. Always."

He groans, his hands parting my legs, so he's settling between them. "You drive me crazy. Did you know that?" he groans, tearing my panties apart.

"God..." I whisper, already wet for him.

"You'll be the death of me."

"Tell me you know how much I love you... how much I crave you." I circle my legs around him, moaning when the tip of his cock nestles into my entrance.

His reply is to drive into me with a long, deep thrust.

"Ah!" I cry out, surprised, and turned on at the same time. I have every inch of him crammed to full, and that's exactly what I need right now.

"Emma," He rasps, leaning down so our chests are touching.

"Tell me..." I grab his butt, pulling him impossibly closer. "Tell me you know that marrying you today was the most important day of my life."

"Fuck," He hisses, his arms tightening around me so I'm completely at his mercy.

"Tell me I still have you..." I whisper over his lips and he starts pumping his hips harder. My lower belly starts clenching and my heartbeat increases. Asher knows my body like no one else, and soon I can feel my orgasm brewing.

"I'm crazy about you." Asher drives in deeper. Harder. Faster. "You consume me." He grabs my butt, angling my body so he's hitting the sweet spot inside me.

"Ah!" I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my lips over his. "I'm coming."

He groans, and my body shudders into one million pieces as Asher continues his relentless rhythm until he's coming with me.

As the waves of pleasure subside, Asher collapses beside me, our breaths mingling in the moonlit room. "You have every part of me, Em..." he whispers, and I turn to him so we're facing each other.

"One day at a time?" I breathe.

He smiles, his eyes shining with emotion. "One day at a time, Em."

_____

A/N: Is this a peace offering I'm hearing?

Thank you so much for the support, guys! You guys are the best!

XOXO

Celeste