Get away

The car pulled up to the sprawling entrance of the resort, a grand archway adorned with tropical flowers and a sign reading “Azure Bliss Resort.” Victoria gazed out the window, taking in the stunning landscape. Tall palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, their shadows dancing across the cobblestone driveway. Beyond the gates, she could glimpse the turquoise ocean meeting the horizon, its waves glittering under the midday sun.

“It’s even more beautiful than the photos,” she murmured, stepping out of the car as Zander came around to her side, offering a hand.

“Pictures never do justice,” he said with a soft smile, his sunglasses perched casually on his nose. “I thought we could use a change of scenery.”

The lobby was just as breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of the ocean, while the open-air design allowed the sea breeze to waft through. Decorated in soothing earth tones with touches of blue, the space exuded understated luxury. Guests in flowy beach attire and sunhats meandered about, the atmosphere buzzing with a relaxed energy.

A friendly concierge greeted them. “Welcome to Azure Bliss! Your suite is ready. Shall I arrange for your bags to be sent up?”

“Yes, thank you,” Zander replied, slipping the woman a generous tip. He turned to Victoria. “Ready to see the room?”

As they rode the elevator to the top floor, Victoria found herself unusually nervous. This was their first trip together—a deliberate effort to create new memories outside the chaos that had defined their recent past.

Their suite was nothing short of stunning. The moment Victoria stepped inside, her breath hitched. The living area opened onto a private terrace with an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean. The bedroom boasted a king-sized bed draped in crisp white linens, and a large glass wall offered an uninterrupted view of the sea.

“This is… perfect,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zander set his bag down and leaned against the doorframe. “I wanted this to feel special. For you, for Ethan… for us.”

The mention of Ethan brought a smile to her lips. “He was so excited when we told him he’d stay with your mom. He practically pushed us out the door.”

Zander laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “He probably sees this as a win—he gets spoiled while we’re away.”

They spent the afternoon exploring the resort. Strolling hand in hand along the beach, Victoria marveled at the fine white sand that felt cool beneath her feet despite the sun’s heat. They passed couples lounging under canopies and children building sandcastles near the shore.

As they walked, Zander’s hand tightened around hers. “You seem more relaxed,” he observed.

“I think it’s this place,” she admitted, looking up at him. “It’s hard to hold onto stress when you’re surrounded by this much beauty.”

Dinner that evening was on the terrace of their suite, with a private chef preparing a meal for them. The table was set with flickering candles and fresh flowers, the sound of waves providing a soothing backdrop.

“This feels surreal,” Victoria said as she sipped her wine. “Like we’re in a bubble, far away from everything.”

“That’s the idea,” Zander replied, his tone serious. “We’ve been through enough. You deserve a break, Victoria. To just breathe.”

Her gaze softened. “We both do.”

After dinner, they lounged by the infinity pool. Victoria dipped her toes into the water, its coolness contrasting with the warm evening air. Zander sat beside her, his arm brushing against hers as they stared out at the starlit ocean.

“Do you think it’s possible to just… start over?” she asked after a long silence.

“With the right person?” Zander met her eyes, his voice steady. “I think it’s not only possible—it’s worth it.”

Victoria felt her heart tighten. There was something in his voice, in the way he looked at her, that made her believe it might be true.

For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope.

The next morning, Victoria woke to the soft sound of waves crashing against the shore. The sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting golden hues across the suite. She stretched lazily, momentarily disoriented, until she saw Zander standing by the terrace, his coffee in hand as he gazed out at the ocean.

He turned at the sound of her stirring. “Morning,” he greeted with a gentle smile. “I didn’t want to wake you. You looked peaceful for once.”

She smiled back, pushing the covers aside. “I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.”

“Good,” Zander replied, setting his cup down. “Because we have a full day ahead.”

After a leisurely breakfast by the pool—where Victoria indulged in tropical fruit and flaky pastries—they made their way to a nearby lagoon, a hidden gem the resort concierge had recommended. The path wound through dense greenery, and Victoria marveled at the vibrant flowers and the calls of exotic birds.

When they reached the lagoon, it felt like stepping into a postcard. Crystal-clear water shimmered under the sun, surrounded by cliffs draped with lush foliage. A small wooden dock extended into the water, where a kayak awaited them.

“Ever kayaked before?” Zander asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Once,” she admitted, eyeing the kayak nervously. “But it didn’t go well.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll do the heavy lifting. You just enjoy the view.”

True to his word, Zander guided the kayak smoothly through the water. Victoria trailed her fingers in the cool lagoon, marveling at the fish darting beneath the surface. The serenity of the moment was intoxicating, a stark contrast to the chaos of her life back home.

“This feels unreal,” she murmured, tilting her head back to soak in the sun.

Zander glanced at her, his expression tender. “You deserve unreal, Victoria. You’ve spent too much time settling for less.”

Her breath caught, but before she could respond, he steered them toward a small cove tucked into the cliffside. The sound of a waterfall echoed softly as they stepped onto the sandy shore.

They spent the afternoon exploring, laughing as they splashed in the water and took turns daring each other to climb the rocks. For the first time in years, Victoria felt carefree.

Later, back at the resort, they decided to bake cupcakes together in the suite’s kitchen—a suggestion Victoria made in a burst of spontaneity.

“Are you sure about this?” Zander asked, eyeing the assortment of ingredients spread across the counter.

“Absolutely,” she said with a grin. “Ethan loves cupcakes. Let’s surprise him when we get back.”

Zander tied an apron around his waist, looking slightly out of place in the domestic setting. “Alright, but don’t blame me if these turn out inedible.”

As they measured flour and cracked eggs, their banter filled the suite. Victoria couldn’t stop laughing when Zander accidentally spilled sugar everywhere, his look of mock horror sending her into hysterics.

“Cooking is definitely not your calling,” she teased, wiping a smear of batter from his cheek.

“Maybe not,” he admitted, “but I’ll do whatever it takes to see you smile like that.”

Her laughter faded, replaced by a warmth that spread through her chest. She turned back to the mixing bowl, focusing on stirring the batter to avoid meeting his gaze.

The cupcakes turned out better than either of them expected, their sweet aroma filling the suite. As they sat on the terrace, sampling their handiwork, Victoria felt an unfamiliar sense of contentment.

“You know,” she said thoughtfully, “this trip—it feels like the start of something.”

Zander reached for her hand, his touch grounding her. “Then let’s make it count.”

Victoria didn’t respond immediately, but the way her fingers tightened around his spoke volumes.

As the evening settled over the resort, Victoria and Zander decided to take a walk along the beach. The moonlight cast a silver glow over the water, and the sand was cool beneath their bare feet. Victoria carried her sandals in one hand while the other swayed loosely by her side.

Zander walked close enough that their arms occasionally brushed, but neither spoke, letting the sound of the waves fill the silence.

They eventually reached a cluster of large rocks near the edge of the shore. Zander helped her climb to the top, where they found a flat surface perfect for sitting. From their perch, the view was breathtaking—the ocean stretching endlessly, the horizon blurred between sea and sky.

“This place feels like a dream,” Victoria murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Zander leaned back on his hands, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Maybe that’s what makes it special. Dreams are fragile. They don’t last forever.”

She glanced at him, sensing a deeper meaning behind his words. “Do you think that’s true for all dreams? Or just the ones we’re afraid to chase?”

He turned to her then, his expression unreadable. “I think some dreams are worth fighting for, even if they scare us.”

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause. The unspoken tension between them hung heavy in the air, a delicate thread waiting to snap. But just as quickly, Zander broke the gaze, clearing his throat.

“We should head back. It’s getting late,” he said, standing and offering her a hand.

Victoria hesitated, searching his face for something she couldn’t name. But she took his hand, letting him help her down the rocks.

When they returned to their suite, the atmosphere had shifted subtly. Zander disappeared into his room, leaving Victoria alone in the living area. She sat by the large window, staring out at the ocean as her thoughts swirled.

Memories of the day played in her mind—the laughter, the quiet moments, the way Zander looked at her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. There was something different about him on this trip, a softness she hadn’t seen before.

But with that softness came a weight. She couldn’t ignore the complicated history they shared, nor the uncertainty of what lay ahead. The idea of opening herself up again, of risking her heart, was both exhilarating and terrifying.

A knock at the door startled her from her thoughts. She opened it to find Zander standing there, his hands shoved into his pockets.

“Couldn’t sleep,” he admitted with a sheepish smile. “Thought I’d check if you wanted company.”

She stepped aside, letting him in. They settled on the couch, a comfortable silence enveloping them as they watched the moonlit waves through the window.

After a while, Zander spoke. “I used to think I could keep my distance. That it was better for everyone if I stayed away.”

Victoria glanced at him, her brow furrowing. “And now?”

“Now I’m not so sure,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

They sat there, side by side, as the night deepened. Neither knew what tomorrow would bring, but for now, the quiet companionship was enough.