Chapter 17 - Harbor of Love

"Hmm, it's been a long time since I've felt the harbor air," said Serena as she opened the car window.

She liked to breathe in the scent of the sea air. The smell of the beach sand and water was different from the air she breathed, making her feel as if she was doing therapy.

"When was the last time you were here?" asked Vernon.

Serena looked at him and dropped her glasses to her nose. "You wouldn't want to know."

"I see. With your ex, right?"

Serena chuckled because she didn't want to discuss her ex at all. But seeing and even hearing Vernon mention it as if it wasn't a burden to him, made her upset. She wanted to see how he was jealous of her ex, but it turned out he wasn’t at all.

Vernon smiled at Serena's annoyed expression and they got out of the car after leaving the car at the daycare center.

Walking towards the cruise ship, a gentle breeze swept Serena's hair. The scent of her fragrant body entered through Vernon's nasal cavity.

And when they arrived inside the magnificent ship, suddenly a group of paparazzi appeared, photographing them and shocking Vernon and Serena who should have felt peaceful on that day.

Vernon instinctively pulled Serena close to his embrace, shielding her from the cameras and the reporters' questions that sounded the same.

"Serena! Serena! Can you explain your relationship with Vernon?"

"Serena, is Vernon the reason you and Henry broke up?

"Serena, how long have you been together?"

“Serena, please answer us!”

Vernon quickly brought her inside where no one would be able to enter the ship without the ticket. Vernon was relieved, but he felt guilty for Serena.

"I'm sorry, Serena," Vernon murmured, his voice laced with regret as he took her hand. "I wasn't careful that there were paparazzi around."

Serena squeezed his hand in return, trying to calm her emotions. "It's not your fault, Vernon. It's just ... part of the life I live. I used to feel that way anyway."

His eyes looked into her, filled with a mixture of frustration and concern. "I hate it when it's like this. You deserve so much better. Their stupid question earlier was beyond me. Is this the first time or what? I mean about their questions."

His words touched her heart, reminding her why she liked him so much. Despite the chaos around them, his presence calmed her down, offering comfort in the midst of the storm.

"I think Henry paid the paparazzi to ruin my reputation. But, no big deal to me."

"I'll make him pay for what he did to you," he said firmly, pulling out her cell phone to consult with their team.

"Relax, Vernon. I'm fine with it. After all, it's nice to be rumored to be close to you."

Vernon sighed and ruffled her hair knowing that Serena always seemed calm about the gossip from the paparazzi.

Some time passed, and Vernon was still observing whether anyone was still following them or not. He never left Serena's side either. He didn't want Serena to be uncomfortable because of the paparazzi even though she said it was normal for her. He wanted to give her the impression of a good vacation that only they could enjoy together.

After some time, they found themselves leaning into each other, finding comfort in the closeness they shared. Their bond deepened with every glance and gentle touch, unspoken words of affection between them.

"We'll get through this," Vernon whispered, his voice filled with determination and love.

And at that moment, Serena believed him. Together, they would navigate the challenges of fame, emerging stronger and more united than ever before.

Their love, though unspoken in words, spoke volumes in the way they embraced each other, finding strength in their shared journey.

"Want to sunbathe?" asked Vernon, offering.

"Do you like women who tan from sunbathing?" Serena teasingly asked.

"I like whatever color your skin is, Serena."

Serena was happy to hear the confession, it sounded so sexy and dominating in her ear.

"Very honest."

On the sun-drenched deck, they found a secluded spot with a wide view of the sea. Vernon draped a towel over a deck chair and motioned for Serena to sit beside him.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the soothing sound of the waves on the hull.

"I'm sorry about all this," Vernon said softly, breaking the peaceful silence. "I wanted this vacation to be a time of rest for us, away from everything."

Serena turned to him, a small smile on her lips. "It's not your fault, Vernon. You did everything you could. Besides, we can still make the most of it. Just don’t feel guilty for it.”

He nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. "You're right. Let's not let them ruin our day."

Vernon enjoyed his time gazing at the sunbathing Serena while closing his eyes. Her sun-kissed skin made her look so perfect in his eyes.

Slowly, his hand touched her, making Serena open one eye and close it again. A smile on her lips was then beautifully arranged.

"How was it? Does touching me make you horny?" Serena asked seductively.

"I can still hold my own, you know."

Serena chuckled and tilted her body, facing him. "Really? Even though I'm already this sexy?"

"Hmm, I'm not easily tempted, Serena."

Serena could only smile and remember the first time she made love to Vernon in the forest, in the tent when she was heartbroken and thought she would never see him again.

Then, fate brought them here, together and close with each other.

At night, they stood on the deck of the ship under the stars, Serena leaning into Vernon's arms. The gentle rocking of the ship and the sound of the waves in the distance created a serene backdrop for their private moment.

"Thank you for this," Serena murmured, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude.

Vernon kissed the top of her head, hugging her tightly. "I'm glad we can have this time together."

"But it's really too early for me to thank you, isn't it? We'll even be here for a few days," Serena said.

"That's true. It's best to save your thanks, Serena."

They stood together in comfortable silence, soaking in the quiet of the night and the depth of their feelings for each other.

Vernon's hands clung around her neck, giving her warmth even though Serena did not feel cold. But even so, Serena felt happy with the touch she got from him.

"By the way, am I okay with asking about your ex-girlfriend?" asked Serena suddenly.

"Cherry you mean. What do you want to ask?"

"Hmm, does she contact you often?"

"Every day. She's still trying to get back to me but in a way as if I should apologize if I want to get back to her."

Serena chuckled. There was no jealousy creeping into her heart. Only the mockery in her heart felt that Cherry was indeed that childish.

"And how do you think she'd respond if she saw our news this morning?" asked Serena curiously.

Vernon was silent for a while, busy smelling the intoxicating scent on Serena's body that entered his nose.

"She'd be jealous and wish we were done."

"Are you going to be that easily done with me, Vernon?" Serena asked.

Vernon pulled Serena's hair out of the wind and looked at her while touching her cheek. "I'll never be done with Serena Olive Clarkson. Because she has really driven me crazy since the start."