Chapter Thirty-Three
The morning sun spilled over the horizon, painting the sky in soft golds and pinks, its rays glinting on the gentle waves below. Elena woke to the rhythmic sound of the sea, the soft crash of surf acting as a gentle alarm. Stretching beneath the warm covers, she felt a strange sense of anticipation she hadn't felt in months—not for meetings, deadlines, or obligations, but for a day that belonged entirely to them.
Adrian was already awake, as usual, standing at the edge of the deck, hands tucked into the pockets of his linen trousers. The wind tousled his hair, and the sun softened the usual sharp lines of his face, revealing a rare, approachable vulnerability. For a moment, Elena felt caught between his strength and tenderness—a side few had ever glimpsed.
"Morning," she called softly, pulling on a light sundress.
He turned, smiling gently. "Morning. Ready for the beach?"
