Chapter 21: The Key to His Heart!
Chapter 21: The Key to His Heart!
Renee’s POV
“Come on, babe… we’ve been walking for minutes now. Ain’t we there yet?” I complained, tugging lightly on Andy’s arm.
“We’re almost there,” he replied, voice calm, full of amusement.
“Almost there?” I whined. “You said that some minutes ago… but it seems like we’re just walking in circles. If the surprise is for us to walk in circles, then yeahh… I’m surprised.”
Andy laughed, a warm, deep sound that made me feel safe even in my impatience. “You’re cute when you whine,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. He pointed ahead. “Over there… That's our water taxi.”
I looked forward and froze for a moment. A wide, shimmering body of water stretched out before us, dotted with boats. Some were carrying people, some gliding silently, looking elegant and unique. My stomach knotted. Large bodies of water always gave me a creeping anxiety, and it began to rise like cold fingers in my chest.
Andy noticed immediately. My grip on his hand tightened, my nails pressing into his palm. He stopped, turned to me, and smiled softly.
“Hey… breathe,” he whispered. “I’m right here. Nothing’s going to happen. I’ve got you.”
“Why did you bring me here? You know I’m very much scared of water..” I panicked
“I know, but there’s no other way for the surprise i prepared for you.. just trust me.. I’ll protect you..” he assured me.. squeezing my palm in his
“Promise?” I asked
“Promise.. cross my heart, hope to die!” He said
“Don’t you dare die halfway across the water..” i joked letting out a shaky laugh, trying to calm my racing heart.
He took my hand in both of his, squeezing gently, guiding me forward. “Come on, we’ll take it slow.”
After several deep breaths and his constant reassurance, I finally let myself be led onto the boat. I kept my eyes closed for most of the ride, holding him tightly, feeling the gentle sway beneath our feet, letting his presence ground me.
I was already getting stomach sick when I heard
“Welcome to Murano Island,” he said, and I opened my eyes.
The boat was gliding closer to the shore, revealing a charming island bustling with people. The pastel-colored buildings glimmered under the soft morning sun, and shops lined the narrow streets. I could barely believe it… the place was beautiful.
He helped me out of the boat. As soon as my legs hit the ground, my stomach finally did it. I puked my gut out.. Andy laughed as he patted my back.
Helping me towards the nearest restroom. I washed up and rinsed my mouth. That was embarrassing but at least no one else had seen asides Andy and the boat driver.
I returned to his side near the shore.
“Are you okay?” He asked obviously worried about me.
“Yeah.. just the effect of my water phobia” i said smiling at him
“Okay, shall we?” He asked extending his hand to me
I took it and nodded with a smile.
Andy gently laced our fingers together and began walking toward the main part of the island. “You know, Murano is famous for glassworks. I’ve always wanted to visit this island but I wanted to have a Fantastic memory of it that’s why I waited to bring you here.. We’ll find lots of incredible things.”
I felt my chest lift with excitement as we approached a small shop with a polished wooden sign: Cristallo Sereno.
The bell above the door jingled as we entered. A woman greeted us with a warm smile behind the counter. “Welcome! How can I help you today?” She said in Italian.
I hardly heard her. My eyes darted around the shop, captivated by the intricate glassworks on display. A delicate Ruby crystal ball mask caught my attention. The light refracted through it, scattering tiny rainbows across the floor.
Andy leaned closer. “Do you like it? Want it?”
I shook my head. “I like it, but you know how I feel about parties, so I might never get to use it… it would be a waste of money.”
The woman returned, carrying something wrapped in gold paper. I turned, curious, as Andy signed some paperwork at the counter. He handed me the gold-wrapped item.
“Here,” he said softly, his eyes sparkling. “Open it.”
I carefully unwrapped the paper to reveal a small black velvet box. My fingers trembled slightly as I lifted the lid.
Inside were two exquisite glass pendants. One shaped like a heart with a tiny keyhole, the other like a key, both strung on silver chains. My breath caught.
Andy took the key pendant, threading it onto his chain. “Turn,” he said gently. I lifted my hair, letting him fasten it around my neck. Then I did the same for him.
He held my gaze. “You’ve got the key to my heart. Don’t lose it… or I’ll never forgive you,” he teased, though there was warmth and love behind his words.
I felt my chest swell with emotion. My hands went to his shoulders, and I hugged him tightly, almost wanting to disappear into his warmth, into his body.
“And that’s not all I have for you,” he murmured, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
We thanked the receptionist and left the shop, walking back toward our private boat. I couldn’t stop smiling, my heart still racing.
“You know, sometimes I can’t help but ask myself, Why are you spoiling me so much?” I asked softly, resting my head against his shoulder.
“Because you deserve the world… and more,” he said simply. “I’d move mountains just to give you everything.”
I stopped walking, turned to him, and pressed my lips to his. “I love you,” I whispered.
He hadn’t even started, and yet my heart spilled over with words and feelings.
I looked up at him, eyes bright, cheeks flushed, wondering… he only looked this way when he was excited.. What in heaven's name has this man planned for me?