Chapter 198: I love you more

Freya

The waves kept coming and going, brushing against the shore like they were whispering secrets to the sand. I had my feet buried in them, watching Victor swim a few meters out, his head dipping beneath the clear blue water, strong and steady. There was something peaceful about just watching his laughter echo faintly, the way his body cut through the waves like he belonged to the ocean itself.

I liked the peace and quiet I’ve been enjoying on these trips, and Victor brings all the fun to balance it out.

So far, it’s just peace, me, and my husband.

I reached for my phone on the beach chair, scrolling absentmindedly through the news I promised myself I wouldn’t check. But one headline caught my attention before I could resist and that stopped me cold.

“Nolan Kane reveals his involvement in Elixir.”

I froze as I ready it out and my heart skipped, then raced. No… no, that can’t be right. It wasn’t even his name that stood out to me, it was the project. Elixir.

I tapped on the video, my stomach tightening as the screen filled with Nolan’s smug, perfectly composed face.

“Yes, I can now confirm that I’m involved in Elixir. It’s one of the biggest and most promising tech projects in the world, and I believe in its potential.” He said with so much confidence that irked me to the bones, causing my heart to sink.

Elixir isn’t just any project, it is Victor’s project. The one we’d poured months of sleepless nights into. The one that’s supposed to secure his company’s legacy for decades.

And then, as if that wasn’t enough, Nolan added with a calm smile,

“Also, I’m officially off the market. My wife will be revealed at the Elixir launch event next week.”

The reporters went wild and questions flew at him from every direction.

“Who is she?”

“How does it feel knowing you’ve broken millions of hearts?”

All the while, he just laughed, showing off his wedding band.

“I went for my heart, and trust me, she’s worth it.” He said smoothly, that infuriating smile still in place.

I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until the video ended. My thumb trembled slightly as I replayed it, just to be sure I hadn’t misheard.

My pulse started to race, and I instantly turned toward the water.

“Victor!” I called out loudly while he turned to look at me.

“What is it, love?” He quizzed.

“Come here, please!” I called, waving him over.

He swam back slowly, with droplets of water running down his shoulders as he grabbed the towel I held out. He looked so calm, so at ease, and I hated that I was about to ruin that.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, seeing my face and I handed him the phone.

“You need to see this.”

He took it, brow furrowing slightly. His expression didn’t change at first, he just watched silently with a blank expression until Nolan mentioned Elixir. I saw that quick tension in his eyes and when Nolan flashed his wedding ring, Victor’s lips tightened.

When the video ended, he exhaled deeply, staring out at the horizon for a long second. “Of course,” he murmured under his breath.

“Of course he’d get involved now.” He added and my heart sank.

“You knew he might?”

“I knew he was circling,” Victor said quietly. “But I didn’t think he’d jump in this fast. He’s not stupid, he knows what’s at stake. But a Wife? Nolan Kane was married? When? To who? I think he’s up to something.” He muttered under his breath and seeing the struggle on his face, I felt bad for him.

“Baby, I think we should…”

“Don’t say it.” He cut in sharply before I could finish.

“Victor,” I sighed, “we might need to go back. The honeymoon can wait. I know how important this is to you and if it’s at stake, we have to…”

“No.” He turned to me, eyes sharp and tone calm but firm.

He looked straight at me then, and I saw something soft in his eyes.

“Freya… I’m not cutting this short. Not for him or anyone.”

“But…”

He stepped closer, brushing his fingers against my cheek, and I loved how gentle his touch was.

“I’ve spent my entire life chasing after power, contracts, money. I’m always running, always competing. But this…” his voice dropped a bit.

“This is the one thing I don’t ever want to rush through. You… us… this…” he let out while my throat tightened and he smiled faintly.

“If I lose the Elixir contract, so be it. I still have you.” He added.

I stared at him, speechless for a moment, then laughed softly under my breath.

“You know, sometimes I hate how calm you can be about everything.” I retorted while he smirked.

“It’s part of my charm.”

I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t stop smiling. “So you’re just going to pretend a fierce competition isn’t gunning for your crown?” I quizzed while he grinned.

“He can try but I’m not giving him the satisfaction of ruining our honeymoon. Let him play his game, I’ll play mine when we’re back.”

Before I could argue, he leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to my forehead, then he moved to my lips. When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine, his voice barely a whisper.

“Now stop worrying. Come swim with me.”

“Victor…”

He didn’t wait for my protest, he just lifted me effortlessly, laughing as I squealed, “Put me down!”

“Not until you’re in the water.”

“Victor!” I laughed, slapping his shoulder, but it was useless. The next second, he stepped into the waves, and we both went under with a splash.

I came up floating, hair clinging to my face, but before I could complain, he kissed me again, this time, slowly and with every bit of passion in his. I laughed against his lips, all the tension from earlier dissolving into the ocean around us.

“I love you,” I whispered in his mouth while he pulled me in for another tight kiss.

“I love you more,” he replied.

And do I doubt him? Never! I believe every word he says. This is a man who would risk losing a multibillion dollar contract just because his wife deserved every bit of love and sx she’s getting on this honeymoon.

I’ll always be grateful for the day I said yes to him…