Chapter 15 – Honeymoon by the Sea
Zack's POV
The car rolled to a gentle stop, and Zack let out a deep breath, feeling the tension of the wedding week finally melt from his shoulders. Ahead of him stood their villa, perched on the edge of the sparkling sea, sunlight glinting off the waves like scattered diamonds. The world had narrowed down to one perfect truth: Vanessa.
He opened the door first, holding out his hand. "After you, Mrs. Zack Hudson," he said, a teasing grin tugging at his lips.
Vanessa laughed, her hand slipping into his. "Mr. Hudson, I think you're forgetting who's the boss of this honeymoon."
He chuckled, letting her lead the way inside. But even as they crossed the threshold, Zack's eyes kept drifting to her — the way her hair caught the sunlight, the sparkle in her eyes, the soft curve of her smile. He could hardly believe she was his, that no one else would ever get to see her this way again.
The villa smelled faintly of salt and fresh flowers. Windows opened onto a balcony with a panoramic view of the endless sea. Zack stepped forward, wrapping an arm around her waist. "We made it," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Just you and me, Vanessa."
She leaned into him, laughing softly. "I can already tell this place is going to be dangerous for our hearts — too much beauty, too much quiet, and zero distractions."
He smirked. "Sounds like heaven to me."
Vanessa's POV
Vanessa's heart was still racing, though not from nerves or the wedding chaos. This was different — a slow, simmering thrill that came from being completely, blissfully alone with him. She tugged off her sunglasses, letting the sun warm her face, and inhaled the scent of the sea.
"This is… wow," she breathed, stepping onto the balcony and letting the breeze play with her hair. The villa was stunning, but it was Zack's presence that made it magical. His hand brushed hers, and heat pooled in her chest.
"I could stay here forever," she said softly, turning to him. His eyes caught hers, full of that quiet intensity she could never get enough of.
"We will," he said, his voice low and certain. "This is just the beginning."
She laughed, spinning in a circle and letting the dress flutter. "You say that now, but I expect you to fetch me coffee every morning. And breakfast in bed, preferably."
"I'll do my best," Zack said with a grin, pulling her close. "But only if you promise to keep looking at me like that."
Vanessa leaned into him, pressing her forehead to his. "Deal," she whispered. "Forever, right?"
"Forever," he echoed, wrapping her in a hug that made everything else fade — the world, the worries, even time itself.
Later that afternoon, exploring the villa…
Zack found himself wandering toward the kitchen first, a sly smile on his lips. Vanessa followed behind, laughing at the way he dramatically inspected the coffee machine like it was a new invention.
"I think this one deserves a name," he said, poking the button gently. "Mr. Brewster?"
Vanessa snorted, shaking her head. "If you keep this up, we'll never leave this villa."
"Good," he said, spinning her into his arms for a twirl. "Why would we?"
She laughed, the sound like music over the gentle roar of the sea outside. For a moment, they simply stood there, spinning and laughing, letting the day stretch on around them like a dream.
Evening – Balcony by the waves…
The sun dipped lower, painting the sea in shades of molten gold and pink. Vanessa sat on the balcony railing, her feet dangling as Zack settled beside her, his arm around her shoulders.
"Do you ever think about the future?" she asked, leaning into him.
"All the time," he said, kissing the top of her head. "But it never scares me, not when I know it's with you."
Vanessa smiled, resting her head against his chest. "I used to think love like ours only existed in stories."
"Maybe it does," Zack murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. "But now it's ours. And we get to live it."
The waves whispered below, the wind wrapped around them, and for the first time in a long time, everything felt perfectly, blissfully right.
They stayed there long after the sun had disappeared, talking, laughing, sharing secrets and dreams. Every glance, every touch, every soft laugh was a reminder of what they had survived — and what they had finally found: each other.
And in that golden haze of evening, Vanessa knew it was only the beginning of their forever.