Chapter 161: Unexpected Discoveries

Mia: POV

Nathan and I walked hand in hand toward the resort's dining area, our footsteps synchronized on the stone pathway. My face still felt warm, and I wasn't sure if it was from the hot springs or the lingering embarrassment of what we'd just done.

I couldn't stop replaying those moments in the hot spring—his hands on my body, the way he'd whispered my name, how I'd lost all inhibition. Every time the memory flashed through my mind, my cheeks burned hotter.

"You okay there?" Nathan asked, squeezing my hand. "You look a little flushed."

"I'm fine," I mumbled, avoiding his eyes. "Just... thinking."

His lips curved into that knowing smirk. "About what happened back there?"

I nodded, feeling like a teenager caught with a crush.

"Need me to carry you?" he teased, pulling me closer. "You seem a bit... weak in the knees."

"Oh, shut up," I laughed, playfully pushing him away. "I can walk just fine, thank you very much."

I pulled out my phone, grateful for the distraction. "I should text Camellia to let her know we're on our way."

[On our way to the restaurant. Where are you guys?]

Her reply came almost instantly: [Already got a table on the terrace. Your mom's on her way too. We're waiting for you two lovebirds.]

"They've saved us seats," I told Nathan, slipping my phone back into my pocket. "And apparently my mom is joining us too."

Nathan nodded.

As we approached the restaurant, I spotted Camellia and Richard already seated at a table on the outdoor terrace. The setting sun cast a golden glow over everything, making the moment feel almost magical.

In the distance, I noticed my mother walking slowly from the direction of the meditation gardens, looking relaxed in a way I hadn't seen in weeks.

"There they are," Camellia called out as we approached. "Took you long enough."

Richard smirked. "Found something more interesting than dinner, did you?"

I felt my face flush again and avoided Richard's knowing gaze.

"The springs were very... therapeutic," Nathan replied smoothly, pulling out a chair for me.

"I bet they were," Camellia said with a suggestive raise of her eyebrow. "We heard the therapy was quite successful."

Before I could respond, I spotted my mom getting closer. "Mom!" I called, grateful for the excuse to escape Camellia's teasing. I hurried over to her, linking my arm through hers. "How was your spa treatment?"

"Wonderful, sweetheart," she said, looking refreshed. "Just what I needed."

"What would you like to eat?" I asked, guiding her toward our table. "They have a farm-to-table menu with lots of organic options."

"Anything is fine," she replied with a small smile. "I'm just happy to be here with all of you."

I led her to the table, where Nathan immediately stood and pulled out a chair for her. "Jennifer, you look radiant," he said. "The spa treatments clearly agree with you."

As we settled in, Nathan took charge of ordering, showing a side of him I was still getting used to—attentive and considerate.

"Jennifer, I'd recommend the grilled salmon with lemon herb sauce," he suggested. "It's light but nutrient-dense, perfect for rebuilding strength after your treatments."

He turned to me next. "And for you, they have that avocado toast you like, with the heirloom tomatoes and microgreens." He nudged Richard with his elbow. "Order whatever you want, man. No need to stand on ceremony."

I couldn't help staring at him in amazement. This Nathan was nothing like the one who'd been driving me crazy in the hot springs hours ago—he was just as sure of himself, but now he was putting all that intensity into looking after everyone else.

As we waited for our food, Camellia suddenly leaned across the table toward me. "By the way, Mia, did you hear any... unusual sounds near the hot springs earlier?"

I nearly choked on my water. "What do you mean?"

"You know," she pressed, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Some rather passionate noises coming from the direction of the right-side pools?"

My face burned hot enough to reheat our food. "I, uh... might have heard something," I admitted, staring intently at my water glass.

"Funny," Camellia continued, "because I could have sworn I heard your voice among—"

"It was probably just someone else," I cut in, desperately trying to change the subject.

My mother cleared her throat. "The gardens here are lovely," she said smoothly. "I met the most interesting gentleman there, he seems to know a lot about native plants."

I shot her a grateful look as the conversation shifted.

A server approached our table with a friendly smile. "Just to let you know, there's a dance performance starting in the pavilion in about thirty minutes. Many guests enjoy watching after dinner."

"A dance performance?" Camellia perked up. "What kind?"

"A mix of styles—some traditional, some contemporary. Guests are welcome to join in afterward."

"We should go," Richard suggested. "Might be fun."

After finishing our meal, we made our way to the pavilion. The space was already filled with resort guests, and the performers were moving gracefully to the music.

After their routine ended, the lead dancer invited everyone to join them.

"Shall we?" Nathan asked, extending his hand to me.

I hesitated. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"Neither am I," he smiled. "We'll be terrible together."

As we moved onto the dance floor, I immediately stepped on his foot. "Sorry!" I winced.

"Take it slow," Nathan murmured, his hand warm against my lower back. "Follow my lead."

I looked up into his eyes, suddenly aware of how close we were. His fingers tightened around mine, and I could feel his breath on my face. My heart raced as his other hand slid slightly lower on my back, guiding me through the steps.

The music seemed to fade into the background as Nathan pulled me closer. I could feel the solid warmth of his chest against mine, the slight pressure of his fingertips as they traced small patterns on my back. Everything else disappeared—the crowd, the room, even time itself.

When the music finally stopped, I blinked in surprise. The dance floor had emptied except for Nathan and me. Confused, I looked around for Camellia, Richard, and my mother.

"Where did everyone go?" I asked, still slightly dazed.

Nathan nodded toward the edge of the pavilion where Camellia and Richard stood watching us, matching grins on their faces. I hurried over to them.

"What happened? Where's my mom?"

"We might have arranged a little something with the event coordinator," Camellia admitted with a sly smile. "Thought you two could use some time alone."

"But where's—"

"Look over there," Richard pointed toward the lounge area.

I turned and spotted my mother sitting on a cushioned bench, deep in conversation with a distinguished-looking man in his fifties.

He had that whole distinguished thing going on—rich brown hair with just hints of gray and those smile lines that made him look experienced. But what really got me was seeing my mom like this—so lit up and full of life. I hadn't seen her this way since before the whole cancer scare.

I watched as she laughed at something he said, her hand briefly touching his arm. The contrast between this vibrant woman and the pale, worried one who'd received a cancer misdiagnosis just days ago was striking.

"Who is that?" I whispered.

"His name is Nicholas," Camellia supplied. "He's an attorney specializing in medical law. They've been talking for almost an hour."

A warm feeling spread through my chest. My mother deserved happiness and companionship, especially after everything she'd been through.

"They look good together," I said softly, not wanting to disrupt their conversation.

When my mother finally rejoined us, there was a slight flush to her cheeks that had nothing to do with the spa treatments.

"Making friends?" I asked innocently.

"Just discussing some legal perspectives," she replied, smoothing her hair self-consciously. "Nicholas has some fascinating insights on medical malpractice."

"Uh-huh," I nodded, trying not to smile too broadly. "He seems nice. You should get his number—you know, for legal consultation."

My mother gave me a look that was half embarrassment, half warning. "What matters right now is that you're happy, Mia."

I glanced at Nathan, who was chatting with Richard a few feet away, and felt a surge of contentment wash over me. "I am, Mom. I really am."