Chapter 45 MATERIALISTIC.
\~~~SERENA.
His hand lingered on the small of my back as we climbed the steps to the plane. The door was open, and inside, it looked nothing like what I'd imagined from movies. Plush leather seats lined the cabin, wide and inviting, with polished wood tables and soft lighting. A few attendants in neat and sharply pressed uniforms nodded hello, their smiles warm but professional.
Damien guided me in, his presence steady behind me.
I felt my heart race already. The air inside smelled clean, like fresh linen mixed with a hint of leather. I hurried to a seat by the window, sliding into it quickly, my hands trembling just a bit. I didn't want him to see.
“I’d like to sit alone,” I mumbled, not meeting his eyes. “I just... want to take in the scenery while we travel.”
He paused for a second, then nodded without a word. His eyes searched mine briefly, but he didn't push.
Instead, he moved to a seat across the aisle, a couple of rows back, settling in with that calm ease of his. I let out a quiet breath, staring out the small oval window at the tarmac. The lie sat heavy in my chest. It wasn't about scenery.
I was terrified and my stomach twisted at the thought of being up in the air, trapped in this metal tube hurtling through the sky. I'd never flown before, and I didn't want to admit that to him.
I'd rather deal with the panic alone, white-knuckling it until we landed.
The cabin was quiet, just the soft hum of engines warming up outside. I fiddled with the hem of my dress, trying to act normal. Then, a voice crackled over the intercom, smooth and reassuring.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Mr. Hale's private aircraft. This is your captain speaking. We're cleared for takeoff in a few minutes. Please ensure your seatbelts are fastened and your personal items are stowed. The flight time to our destination is approximately 8 hours. Sit back and enjoy the journey.”
Before I could process that, one of the air hostesses approached me, her heels clicking softly on the carpeted floor. She had a bright smile, her uniform hugging her frame neatly. “Mrs. Hale, just a quick reminder to fasten your seatbelt as we prepare for takeoff,” she said, gesturing to the belt draped across my lap.
I nodded quickly, forcing a smile that felt too tight on my face. “Of course, thank you,” My voice came out higher than usual, but she didn't seem to notice. She gave a polite nod and walked away, leaving me alone with the stupid belt.
I glanced over at Damien. Thank God he wasn't looking at me.
I grabbed the ends of the belt, fumbling with the buckle. It was heavier than it looked, the metal clasp cold and tricky. My fingers slipped once, then twice.
Come on, I thought, grunting softly under my breath. Why was this so hard? Sweat beaded on my forehead, and I could feel my pulse thumping in my ears.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over me. I gasped, jerking my head up to find Damien towering there, his broad shoulders blocking the light. His expression was a mix of amusement and concern.
“Would it kill you to ask for help?” he said, his voice low and teasing.
Before I could stammer a response, he knelt down, took the belt from my hands, and clicked it into place with ease. It snugs against my hips, secure. Then, without waiting, he straightened and slid into the seat right beside me, fastening his own belt.
“Y-you can go back to your…” I started, my words trailing off as I gestured vaguely toward his original spot. But he just ignored me, buckling up like it was the most natural thing.
I shut my mouth, heat creeping up my neck. The cabin lights dimmed a touch, and the engines revved louder outside.
“How is it embarrassing that you've never been on a plane?” he asked, turning to face me. His dark eyes held mine, soft but probing.
“W-what? I have... not,” I blurted, then pressed my lips together, looking away. The lie crumbled so fast and my cheeks burned.
He chuckled quietly, the sound warm. “It’s not scary, okay? I am here beside you. That is okay, is it not?”
His hand dropped onto mine, his thumb brushing my knuckles and I nodded, whispering, “It... it is.”The touch grounded me, easing the knot in my chest just a little.
We sat in silence for a moment, the plane taxiing slowly on the runway. I could feel the vibrations through the seat. Then, I turned to him suddenly, needing to distract myself.
“I knew you were rich, but damn, there are levels to yours. You own planes and helicopters!”
I whisper-shouted it, my eyes widening as the reality hit me again.
He leaned in, whispering back with a light chuckle, “I even have a jet.”
I gasped louder, clapping a hand over my mouth. And there it was, a quick smile flashing across his face, and it was rare and genuine.
“Woah, I really married a billionaire.”
“Oh, moonlight. Did you marry me for my money?” His tone was pure tease, and his eyes were sparkling.
I leaned closer, playing along, and nodding dramatically. “You bet. If I knew you were this rich, I'd have married you sooner.”
“Woah, you're so... sweet. I love that. All my money is yours, by the way. I'd buy you anything you ask for.”
My heart skipped. “Even if I ask you to buy me a whole building?”
“I'd buy you the world if you ask for it.”
I burst into laughter, shaking my head. The sound bubbled out, lightening the fear buzzing in my veins. “I suddenly want a lot of things now.”
“You just have to mention them.”
“Even if I want a plane with my name imprinted on it?” I giggled, the words tumbling free.
“Baby girl, I'd buy you the whole airline instead.”
“Fuck meeee!” I laughed loudly, covering my mouth as the absurdity hit. He broke into a laugh too, his deep chuckle mixing with mine.
“You are so dramatic,” he said, shaking his head, but his eyes were warm.
“I'm materialistic too, by the way,” I clasped my hands together, resting my chin on them, and batting my lashes.
“Don't you talk too much, baby? Would you just take my card?” He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet, holding it out like a peace offering.
“Now, let's just take things slow," I said, shaking my head and laughing even louder. The joy of it chased away the last edges of my panic, at least for now.
Then, the plane shifted. The engines roared to life, a deep rumble that vibrated through the floor and seats. We were speeding up, and the runway was blurring past the window. My body tensed instinctively that I gripped the armrest.
Damien's hand tightened around mine, firm and reassuring. “I am here, moonlight. I'm here,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I looked at him, those steady eyes locking on mine. And just like that, in the middle of the rush, the world tilted as we lifted off, and I didn't even realize when the plane was in the air.
The ground fell away, and clouds were starting to peek into view, but with him beside me, it felt... okay.
Too perfect, in fact.