Alicia flashed Tyrone a grateful smile as she tucked the blanket around him.
Once the plane leveled off, the flight attendants began serving the meal, handing out drinks and fruit to the other passengers. Winnie, thoughtful as always, made sure no one disturbed Tyrone and brought Alicia a fruit plate just for her.
Alicia nibbled on a few pieces, then handed the plate back to Winnie. Soon after, she leaned in against Tyrone’s shoulder and drifted off to sleep.
She never dared hope Tyrone would fall in love with her. Alicia understood all too well: theirs was a marriage of convenience, a contract, nothing more. She was there to shield Tyrone from his arranged engagement to the White family, and in return, he paved the way for her, helping her go further in life.
She always knew that sooner or later, their marriage would end.
But she wished that day wouldn’t come too soon.
…
When they arrived at the hotel, Alicia was practically buzzing with excitement.
She’d never left her home country before, had hardly traveled anywhere, and now, for the first time, she was swept away by the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives.
She felt a little like Alice stepping into Wonderland for the first time—overwhelmed, maybe a bit naïve, but thrilled all the same.
Their room was perched right over the water; open the door, and the endless blue sea was right there at her feet. It all felt surreal.
“Tyrone, can I post some photos on social media?” Alicia asked, unable to hide her excitement.
“You don’t need my permission. Do whatever makes you happy,” Tyrone replied, sitting beside her and gazing out at the ocean.
“Tyrone…” Alicia leaned against his shoulder, her legs dangling over the edge of the bed. “Let’s take a picture together.”
She wanted to capture as many memories with Tyrone as she could.
That way, when they eventually parted ways, there’d still be something left to look back on.
No regrets.
“Alright.”
Tyrone had always indulged her requests.
He was so good to her… Alicia couldn’t bear the thought of him ever being wronged.
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