CHAPTER 189: BEACH

The car sped down the road as Lilia sat quietly, her hands entwined with Zethan’s, resting gently on her lap. Her heart sparked with warmth as the thought of earlier swept in—he remembered. Something she had mentioned so long ago, something even she had forgotten... yet he remembered. That alone was enough to widen her smile.

She turned to him and slowly pulled her hands away. Zethan’s gaze shifted toward her, noticing the absence of her soft, small hands in his. But before he could speak, Lilia gently placed his hand back onto her lap. With her index finger, she began to trace letters softly across his palm. Zethan watched her hand move, curious and still.

L loves Z

She drew a heart at the end and looked up at him with a soft smile. He stiffened slightly at the gesture.

"What did I write?" she asked gently.

Zethan’s smile deepened as he answered quietly, "I love you."

Lilia’s mouth opened and closed as she bit her bottom lip softly.

"Am I correct?" he asked again, a playful glint in his eyes.

Lilia giggled. "I don’t know. You’ll just have to prove it to me," she teased with a shrug.

Zethan chuckled, his lips curling into a mischievous smile.

Just then, the car rolled to a smooth stop. Before Lilia could catch up with what was happening, Zethan’s door opened. He stepped out briefly and returned with something in hand. The door closed, and the chauffeur drove on.

Lilia opened her mouth to ask what had just happened, but Zethan turned toward her, holding out a small bouquet of flowers. Her mouth dropped open in shock as her eyes landed on the vibrant mix of colors.

She looked from the bouquet to Zethan, stunned by the thoughtful surprise. But then she noticed something nestled inside.

"Chocolate," she whispered in disbelief, lips trembling with emotion. "Why are you so sweet, Zethan? You’re too caring... You’re making me so happy, and I feel like I can’t even do the same for you."

Zethan’s expression darkened slightly as he leaned in, cupping her chin to make her look at him.

"Don’t say that, sweetheart. You being here... just being here with me, it’s priceless. Never doubt that. I’m forever grateful for you."

Lilia nodded slowly, her heart swelling with emotion. How did he remember? How did he still remember that she loved chocolate?

She gently set the bouquet beside her and picked up the chocolate, tearing the wrapper with her teeth. Zethan watched her with satisfaction. Every little move she made captivated him—this wife of his was his whole world.

She broke off a piece and moved it to his lips. Zethan’s gaze remained fixed on her fingers as he opened his mouth and let her feed him. The chocolate melted slowly on his tongue.

Then she took another piece for herself, pushing it between her lips, her eyes fluttering shut. Her tongue peeked out to lick the sweetness lingering on her lips. Zethan’s eyes darkened, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he tried to compose himself.

Unable to hold back, he gently took her chin and leaned in, kissing her lips softly—just a taste—before pulling back. Lilia’s eyes flew open in surprise, her cheeks glowing with heat. She gave him a look that clearly said:

Zethan, we’re not alone.

A spark ran sweetly down her spine.

"You taste better than the chocolate," Zethan murmured, smirking.

Lilia’s eyes widened in disbelief. Did this man have no shame?

The chauffeur cleared his throat awkwardly, doing his best to remain professional.

Lilia pursed her lips and whispered under her breath, "Don’t do that here. When we get there, maybe you could..."

"My wife has given me permission," Zethan interrupted with a grin. "So once we get there, I’ll fu—"

He caught himself as Lilia shot him a sharp look.

Zethan cleared his throat.

Like a father who was almost caught by his child using a curse word.

Lilia shook her head and leaned back against the seat, trying to compose herself. She broke off another piece of chocolate and ate it quietly, trying to calm her fluttering heart.

She then turned to Zethan and spoke softly, "How long is the drive?"

Zethan replied calmly, "One hour and some minutes."

Lilia nodded. Zethan shifted to the side and pressed a button. To her surprise, a sleek compartment slid open and a wipe dispenser popped out.

Lilia’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard. How was that even in there? she wondered silently.

Zethan took one of the wipes and gently held her hand, cleaning it with practiced ease. Lilia simply watched, touched by how calmly and naturally he did it.

When he was done, he pressed another button. A soft zing echoed through the car, and a chilled bottle of water slid out from another compartment. Lilia watched in awe. She had no idea things like this were in the car. Just how advanced was this car?

Zethan uncapped the bottle and handed it to her. Lilia took it silently and gulped it down. The water flowed smoothly down her throat, refreshing her deeply. It was just too good to be true.

She handed the bottle back to Zethan. He took it and finished the rest in a few quick gulps. Lilia smiled softly.

"You know, you’re pampering me too much. I fear I won’t even be able to walk if you keep this up," she teased gently.

"Then I’ll carry you. I wouldn’t mind that at all, sweetheart," Zethan replied smoothly.

Lilia’s lips curled up in a small smile as she nodded. "Then I’ll spoil you as well."

Zethan’s eyes gleamed at her words.

"Thank you, honey," she continued softly. "I’ve always wanted to go to the beach, but I never thought I could. And now... we’re going. Isn’t that perfect?"

"It is, sweetheart. Very perfect," Zethan replied.

Lilia slowly rested her head on his shoulder. Not long after, she drifted off to sleep. Zethan watched her for a moment before gently guiding her to lie with her head in his lap, careful not to wake her.

Time passed.

Lilia’s eyes fluttered open. She blinked, realizing the car was no longer moving. Just as she tried to sit up, Zethan gently held her shoulders.

"Calm down, sweetheart. You’re safe."

Lilia let out a soft sigh of relief. As she turned to him, her eyes lifted—and that’s when she realized her head had been resting on his lap. Zethan looked down at her, brushing a few loose strands of her hair back.

"Are we there?" she asked.

Zethan nodded.

Lilia’s lips curved into a smile. She sat up and turned to look through the window—her jaw dropped.

Before her stretched a breathtaking view. The ocean waves danced beneath the golden hues of the setting sun, casting soft glows over the endless stretch of white sand. She pressed her lips together in awe.

"It’s beautiful, Zethan."

Zethan nodded, his eyes still fixed on her, drinking in her reaction like it was the most precious sight of all.

"Do you want to step out?" he asked.

Lilia nodded immediately, turning to him eagerly. "Yes, I do!"

Zethan smiled and opened the door. He stepped out, then turned to help Lilia out as well. The moment her feet touched the soft sand, even through her flat shoes, she felt the warm, velvety grains press into her soles, as if the ground wanted to embrace her.

She couldn’t help but smile as she stepped forward, then began to move faster. Her steps turned into a light run, her laughter floating in the air.

Zethan watched silently, captivated.

Lilia spread her arms, spinning slowly as the ocean breeze swept through her hair. The sound of the waves crashing softly mixed with the feel of freedom in her chest. Her body felt light, her heart at peace—like paradise.

She turned with a soft laugh—and suddenly Zethan was right there in front of her.

Lilia gasped. She looked around quickly. Strangely, no one else was nearby. Had everyone gone inside? Or had they arrived early?

"Zethan, you have to calm down," she said, whispering urgently. "What if someone saw you use your speed?"

Zethan shrugged slightly. "Then I don’t mind. You already know I have powers, so even if someone else sees... there’s no problem."

Lilia turned her gaze back to the ocean, the horizon glowing softly in the distance.

"I can’t wait for us to swim there," she whispered. "But that’ll be tomorrow."

Suddenly, as if remembering something, her lips parted.

"Oh no... I completely forgot. I have a meeting with someone tomorrow."

Zethan moved closer and gently pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.

"You don’t have to worry, sweetheart," he whispered against her ear. "Lucas will handle the meeting. Just enjoy yourself."

Lilia smiled softly, wrapping her arms around him. She tilted her head up to look into his eyes.

"Oh, I’ve made lots and lots of changes in your company. You’re going to be so surprised," she said with a playful grin.

Zethan shook his head with a smirk. "You seem to forget that you told me your plans every day," he said, his voice gentle. "At least I have a little idea of what I’ll be walking into when I return."

Lilia nodded, then pulled back slightly, glancing around.

"Where are the others? Are they inside? It seems like we came early... or late," she murmured.

Zethan let out a low chuckle. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper.

"I booked the entire beach, sweetheart. Just for me and you. I wouldn’t want anyone else seeing my wife in a bikini."