CHAPTER 95

The Amalfi Coast shimmered under the morning sun, the golden light casting a warm glow over the villa. Maya woke to the sound of the waves crashing gently against the cliffs below, her heart lighter than it had been in months.

She turned to see Zane still asleep beside her, his silver eyes closed, his features soft and unguarded. She allowed herself a moment to admire him, marveling at how far they’d come.

Zane stirred, his eyes opening slowly. When they landed on her, a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Maya replied, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead.

“Is it just me, or does this place feel like a dream?” Zane asked, his voice still husky with sleep.

“It’s real,” Maya said, her green eyes shining. “And it’s ours.”

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Exploring the Town

After a leisurely breakfast, they decided to explore the nearby town. The narrow streets were lined with colorful buildings, their balconies adorned with blooming flowers. The scent of citrus and freshly baked bread filled the air as they strolled hand in hand.

Maya stopped at a small market stall, her eyes lighting up at the sight of handmade jewelry. She picked up a delicate bracelet, its beads shimmering in the sunlight.

“Do you like it?” Zane asked, his silver eyes watching her closely.

“It’s beautiful,” Maya said, smiling.

Without hesitation, Zane pulled out his wallet, handing over the cash to the vendor. “Then it’s yours.”

Maya laughed softly. “You don’t have to buy me everything I look at, you know.”

“I know,” Zane said, fastening the bracelet around her wrist. “But I like spoiling you.”

Maya shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” Zane teased, pulling her close for a kiss.

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A Local Tradition

As they wandered further, they came across a small café with outdoor seating overlooking the sea. The owner, an older woman with kind eyes, greeted them warmly.

“You must stay for lunch,” she insisted, guiding them to a table. “My family has been running this café for generations. You’ll love it.”

Maya and Zane exchanged a glance before agreeing.

The meal was simple but delicious—fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and a bottle of local wine. The café owner chatted with them as they ate, sharing stories about the town’s history and traditions.

“Newlyweds?” she asked, her eyes twinkling.

Maya blushed, but Zane didn’t miss a beat. “Something like that.”

“Well, you’re lucky,” the woman said. “This place has a way of bringing people closer together. You’ll see.”

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A Quiet Afternoon

After lunch, they returned to the villa, the warm sun and the gentle sea breeze lulling them into a state of relaxation. Maya sat on the terrace with a book, while Zane worked on his laptop, his focus shifting between emails and the view.

“Do you ever stop working?” Maya teased, glancing up from her book.

Zane smirked, closing the laptop. “I could ask you the same about reading.”

Maya laughed, setting the book aside. “Touché.”

He joined her on the lounge chair, pulling her close. “You know, this is the first time I’ve felt truly at peace in years.”

Maya rested her head on his shoulder, her voice soft. “Me too.”

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A Surprise Revelation

That evening, as they prepared dinner together in the villa’s spacious kitchen, Zane hesitated, his movements slowing.

“Maya,” he said, his tone thoughtful.

She looked up from slicing vegetables, her green eyes curious. “What is it?”

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Zane said, his silver eyes meeting hers.

Maya set down the knife, her heart skipping a beat. “What is it?”

Zane exhaled, his expression serious. “I’ve been looking into something—something personal. About my family.”

Maya’s brows furrowed. “Your family? What do you mean?”

“Helena wasn’t the only one keeping secrets,” Zane said, his voice steady. “Before she was arrested, I found some documents in her files. They mentioned someone—a sibling I didn’t know about.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “A sibling? You mean Luca?”

Zane shook his head. “No. Someone else. Someone she tried to keep hidden. I don’t know all the details yet, but I’ve hired someone to look into it.”

Maya reached for his hand, her voice filled with quiet strength. “We’ll figure it out, Zane. Together.”

Zane nodded, his silver eyes softening. “I knew you’d say that.”

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A Night Under the Stars

After dinner, they sat on the beach, a blanket spread out beneath them as they watched the stars. The gentle sound of the waves provided the perfect backdrop to their conversation.

“Do you ever think about what life will be like when the baby comes?” Maya asked, her hand resting on her growing bump.

“All the time,” Zane admitted, his voice filled with wonder. “I think about holding them for the first time, teaching them how to swim, watching them grow up. It’s overwhelming, but in the best way.”

Maya smiled, her heart swelling with love. “I think about it too. About the kind of parents we’ll be. The kind of life we’ll give them.”

Zane took her hand, his silver eyes reflecting the starlight. “They’ll have the best life, Maya. Full of love, security, and everything they could ever need.”

Maya leaned into him, her voice a whisper. “I believe you.”

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A New Chapter

As they returned to the villa, Maya felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known in years. The weight of their past struggles seemed lighter here, the future brighter and filled with endless possibilities.

She stood on the balcony, watching the moonlight dance on the waves, Zane’s arms wrapped around her from behind.

“This feels like a new beginning,” Maya said softly.

“It is,” Zane replied, his voice steady. “And it’s just the start.”