Chapter 17

The Maldives sun glared down, turning the ocean into a shimmering mirror. Elena lounged on a deck chair by the villa’s infinity pool, black bikini stark against her skin. A mango smoothie dripped in her hand, cold against the heat. Derek floated in the water nearby, arms out, sunglasses low on his nose. Waves lapped soft against the shore, and a warm breeze stirred the palms. Their first day married felt light—too light, considering what they’d just left behind. Elena sipped her drink, staring at the horizon. Derek paddled closer, smirking as he flicked water her way. She didn’t move, just raised an eyebrow.