CHAPTER 108: FRONT SEAT OF LOVE STORY

Ella’s POV

"That question is a trap," I muttered under my breath, but I finally managed to say, "You look... better now," letting my voice trail just enough to keep him guessing.

His lips curved into a slow smirk. "Better now, huh? I’ll take that as a yes."

Before I could argue, he opened the door, and I followed him out.

We walked side by side, our shoulders brushing every few steps. Each accidental touch sent a jolt straight through me, and I couldn’t tell if the pounding in my chest was from the brisk pace... or from him.

The marina was just a few blocks away, and when the marina came into view, bathed in gold by the rising sun, Liam slowed down, his voice low and teasing. "Bet you’ve never had a morning like this."

And he was right, this morning felt dangerously close to something I might never forget.

"It’s beautiful here," I murmured, my gaze locked on the endless stretch of sea shimmering under the early sun.

"It’s the same view Nick fell in love with," Liam said, his voice low, as if sharing something sacred. "Being a ship captain was all he ever dreamed of for as long as I can remember. We were in third grade when our father brought us here. It was supposed to be a business trip, but Nick and I refused to stay home."

"You were both in third grade?" I asked, my ears catching on the detail instantly.

He froze for a fraction of a second."Ooohhh... Did I say that?" His tone was light, but I could sense the shift—like he’d just revealed more than he meant to. Then clicked his tongue and took a long sip from his water bottle, avoiding my eyes.

I tilted my head, smiling playfully. "So... fraternal twins? Or did one of you skip or repeat a grade? Which is it?"

Liam’s lips curved into a mischievous smirk. "I’ll take the genius card. Skipped a level. Let’s keep it at that." And before I could push further, he jogged over to an empty air walker, his tall frame moving with easy grace, completely distracting me with my follow-up question.

There was something there, something he wasn’t ready to say.

He patted the machine next to him, that sly smile tugging at his lips. "Come on, Ella. Let’s see if you can keep up."

I didn’t push him for more answers. Instead, I let myself sink into the moment: the salty air from the sea, the golden light spilling over the horizon of sunrise, and the quiet presence of the maddeningly handsome man beside me. For a while, it felt like the rest of the world didn’t exist.

When the sun finally claimed the sky, we wandered to a cozy coffee shop just a block from the hotel. But of course, the universe had other plans; two very familiar faces were lining up at the cashier.

"Georgia!" I called, weaving through the people going out of the cafe toward her.

Her brows arched. "What are you doing here?"

"That’s my question," I shot back, glancing between her and Nick. "I woke up early, and you were nowhere in the suite. Where did you two go?"

Nick leaned back casually, though his eyes gave nothing away. "I took her to watch the sunrise."

"Uh-huh..." My tone dripped with sarcasm. Nick was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, and Georgia’s outfit... God bless her... It was an awkward, mismatched ensemble that screamed anything but a romantic sunrise.

Nick’s lips quirked. "Why don’t you ladies grab a table? We’ll eat here."

"How about Vicky and the rest?" I asked, suddenly remembering the others.

"Called her already. They’ll just order room service. Katie’s still asleep, and Oliver’s prepping to leave the suite. It’s just going to be her and Wendy."

"Oh? It’s too early. He’s not joining us at the ocean park?"

Nick shook his head. "Paperwork. If he finishes today, we can all head home tomorrow."

I nodded slowly, then hooked my arm through Georgia’s and tugged her toward an empty table.

"So, sissy... where have you really been?" I teased, wiggling my brows in exaggerated suspicion. Georgia chuckled, but there was a faint blush creeping up her cheeks.

"We went on a date," she admitted. "Watched a movie, ate Chinese stir-fry noodles. At first, it was perfect, like curling up for a movie marathon in the living room of some warm, cozy home. But..." She exhaled, her shoulders sinking. "Something happened."

My gasp was instant, dramatic. "Oh my God. Did he touch you? Kiss you? What?! Spill!"

Her lips twitched into a straight line. "He fell asleep. I finished the movie alone."

I blinked, waiting for her to laugh. She didn’t. Then I burst out laughing for the both of us.

"And that was your first date?"

She nodded gravely. "Unfortunately, yes. It was a classic Pride and Prejudice, so... I can’t really blame him. Romance movies aren’t exactly every man’s cup of tea."

"So typical! You should’ve shaken him awake, pried those eyelids open!" I teased, and she laughed softly.

"I thought about it. But... when I looked at him, I just couldn’t. He looked so tired, Ella. I think it was the first time he truly slept well in a long while. On the island, he was always alert, sleeping late, waking early, and half-expecting a wild animal to attack.

And maybe the other night, he was thinking too much about Raymond. Last night... was the first time he let go." Her voice softened. "I owe him my life. He’s saved me more times than I can count. Letting him rest felt... right. It was the only thing I could do for him."

The way she spoke his name, quiet, steady, almost reverent, made something click in my chest. This wasn’t like the way she used to talk about Raymond, built on infatuation and imagined perfection.

With Nick, it was different. She fell for him for who he was, even if she didn’t realize it yet.

And sooner or later... she would, and I would love to see that unfold while I sit in the front seat of their love story.