Reborn Heiress: Escaping My Contract Marriage with the Cold CEO
Chapter 95: A Boat to Catch

Chapter 95: A Boat to Catch

VANESSA BELMONT JANG

The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, softer now than the moonlight had been hours before.

I blinked awake, my body still humming with the memory of Nathan’s touch, the way his hands had mapped every inch of me as if memorizing the terrain. He was asleep beside me, his breathing deep and even, one arm slung possessively across my waist.

I didn’t dare move. Not yet.

Instead, I studied him—the way his dark lashes fanned against his cheekbones, the faint stubble shadowing his jaw.

My husband. The word sent a thrill through me, so bright and sudden I had to press my lips together to keep from laughing.

Husband.

As if sensing my gaze, Nathan stirred, his fingers flexing against my hip before his eyes fluttered open. Dark, drowsy, and instantly warm when they found mine.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

"Morning," I whispered back.

His thumb brushed over the curve of my waist, slow and deliberate. "Have you been staring?"

I bit my lip. "I like the view."

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he pulled me closer, until there was no space left between us at all. "I like the view, too. My wife is beautiful."

I traced the line of his collarbone with my fingertips, marveling at the way his skin warmed beneath my touch. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

For a long moment, we just lay there, tangled together, the world outside our little cocoon of sheets and shared breath feeling very far away. Then, with a sigh, Nathan pressed a kiss to my forehead and reluctantly sat up.

"As much as I’d love to stay here all day," he said, running a hand through his already-messy hair, "we have a boat to catch."

I groaned, flopping back against the pillows. "You mean like we have to get up and shower and dress and go out in the world?"

He shot me a look—half amusement, half exasperation—before leaning down to kiss me properly. Deep and lingering, the kind of kiss that made my toes curl. "Yes," he said when he finally pulled away, his voice husky. "But I promise, it’ll be worth it."

I watched him pad across the room toward the bathroom, the morning light gilding the lines of his back, the lean muscles of his shoulders. My stomach did a slow, delicious flip.

"Hey!" I called as I scrambled from the bed. "Wait for me!"

***|***|***|***|***

VANESSA BELMONT JANG

The boat was smaller than I’d expected—a sleek, white motor yacht bobbing gently in the marina, its hull gleaming under the mid-morning sun. Nathan helped me aboard with an easy grip on my waist.

"Where are we going?" I asked, squinting against the sun’s glare on the water.

He flashed me a grin as he started the engine, the low thrum vibrating beneath my feet. "It’s a surprise."

As the boat sliced through the waves, the coastline shrinking behind us, I let myself relax into the rhythm of the sea, the salt-kissed wind tangling in my hair. Nathan steered with one hand, the other resting on my thigh, his thumb tracing absent circles through the fabric of my sundress.

After about an hour, a small island came into view—a crescent of white sand and lush greenery, completely untouched. No other boats, no people. Just us.

"Nathan," I breathed.

He cut the engine, letting the boat drift the last few yards toward the shore. "Told you it’d be worth it."

I turned to him, my heart suddenly too big for my chest. "How did you even find this place?"

His smile was soft, almost shy. "I may have bought us an island."

I reached for him then, my fingers curling into the front of his shirt, pulling him down until our lips met. It wasn’t a gentle kiss—it was more of a promise for what I would do to him later. Heh.

When we finally broke apart, Nathan’s eyes were dark with promise. "Let’s go," he murmured, pressing his forehead to mine.

The sand was warm beneath my bare feet as we stepped ashore, the gentle waves lapping at the shore like a whispered welcome. Nathan’s fingers tightened around mine as he led me up the beach, toward a narrow path cut through the swaying palms.

"You bought an island?" I asked, still trying to wrap my head around it.

He shot me a sidelong glance, his lips quirking. "Technically, we did. It’s in your name too, Mrs. Jang."

The path curved, and then—there it was.

A sprawling, elegant villa nestled between the trees, its white stone walls glowing in the sunlight, floor-to-ceiling windows reflecting the turquoise sea beyond. A wide veranda wrapped around the front, dotted with plush loungers and potted tropical flowers.

My breath caught.

Nathan’s voice was soft beside me. "Do you like it?"

I turned to him, my throat suddenly tight. "Is it really for me?"

He nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. "Every detail. For you. Only you."

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. I swallowed hard. "Show me."

He led me up the steps to the front door. Inside, the air was cool, scented with ocean salt and sweet flowers. The interior was all clean lines and warm wood, sunlight streaming in through the windows, illuminating the open living space.

But it was the little things that undid me.

The bookshelves already stocked with my favorite novels. The kitchen with its gleaming appliances and the espresso machine I’d once mentioned loving. The framed photo on the mantel—us, laughing, taken months at our wedding photo shoot.

"It’s amazing," I said. "You’re amazing."

"No," said Nathan. "I’m grateful. I’m happy. I don’t deserve you, baby. I know this." Nathan came up behind me, his arms sliding around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder. "I will spend this entire lifetime cherishing you."

I turned in his embrace, looping my arms around his neck. "I adore you."

I kissed him instead of answering, pouring every ounce of gratitude, every spark of desire into it. His hands slid down to my hips, gripping tight as he walked me backward until my knees hit the edge of the sofa.

"Later," he promised, his voice rough. "There’s one more thing I want to show you."