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Chapter 109: Hidden Haven-2
Maya felt a lump rise in her throat, warmth spreading through her chest. She reached up, resting her hand lightly on his chest. Her fingers traced the fabric of his shirt as if to anchor herself in the moment.
Damien tilted his head, resting his forehead briefly against hers, his eyes soft and glistening. “Maya…” he murmured, voice low and steady.
“Damien…” she whispered, her voice barely above the quiet hum of the room, reverent and tender. “Whatever you’ve ever wanted… whatever you’ve ever needed, we’ll do it together. All the things you’ve kept to yourself, all the moments you’ve never shared… we’ll experience them together. You don’t have to carry any of it alone anymore.”
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. For a heartbeat, the world outside vanished-there was only them, the quiet of the cabin, and the warmth of being truly seen.
They continued into the open kitchen, where polished marble counters gleamed beneath pendant lights and a wall of glass revealed an herb garden flourishing just outside. Maya paused, tilting her head with a smile. “You grow your own herbs? Does that mean you cook?”
Damien’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Maybe… I guess you’ll be the judge.”
Maya raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, so you’re saying I get to be your taste tester?”
Damien’s gaze softened, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. “Who else would be deserving of tasting my cooking?”
Maya tilted her head, a playful smirk curving her lips. “Hmm… okay. We’ll see… but be careful -I can be a very strict critic.”
Damien’s lips curved into a teasing grin. “If that’s the case, I better bring my A-game.”
Maya let out a hearty laugh, the sound light and genuine. They continued down the hallway, and Maya’s eyes widened as they passed a glass panel revealing a meticulously stocked wine cellar.
“Please don’t tell me you drink all that?” she said softly, half in awe, half in disbelief.
Damien chuckled, voice low and playful. “Not all at once. Each meal is best paired with a good wine… and sometimes, each mood has one too.”
Damien’s smile deepened, a spark of amusement in his eyes. He led her down a hallway lined
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Chapter 109 Hidden Haven 2
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with subtle recessed lighting, pausing to show her a sleek office tucked into one corner-its dark oak desk angled toward a private view of the sea, bookshelves running floor to ceiling, filled with carefully curated volumes.
Finally, he reached the door to the master bedroom and held it open, a soft invitation in his
gesture.
Maya stepped inside and paused, taking in the room as the last light of day faded into twilight. The glass wall framed twilight streaks of violet and indigo over the ocean. The bed, dressed in pale linen, and rustic wood headboard, echoed the warmth of the room. Soft rugs muffled footsteps, and sliding doors opened onto a star-dotted deck.
Her heart fluttered. “Damien… it’s like something out of a dream.”
He watched her take it all in, then stepped closer, his voice lowering, intimate and deliberate. “Only a few people know this place exists. James knows, and Nick knows too, though he’s never actually been here. The resort staff have no idea-except for the senior manager, who oversees the upkeep with a small team of handpicked staff. It’s hidden, on the far side of Aurelia. When I first bought the island… this was the reason. A place just for me, away from everything.”


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