Chapter 242

Chapter 242

Queenie’s Pov

The beach town gave me something I didn’t even know I needed, peace. No sirens blaring in the distance. No lawyers or reporters blowing up my phone. Just the soothing rush of waves meeting the shore and Anton’s warm hand wrapped gently around mine.

We walked barefoot along the beach that morning, sand squeezing between our toes and gulls gliding lazily overhead. I could breathe here. Really breathe.

We stopped by a tiny dockside restaurant and ate the freshest seafood I’d ever tasted, grilled shrimp, lemony crab legs, and buttery clams. Anton fed me one, laughing as I nearly dropped it. And I laughed too, genuinely. That hadn’t happened in a long time.

Later, we sat on the porch of the cottage, watching the sun melt into the ocean like golden honey. My head rested on Anton’s shoulder, his arm around me as we sipped wine in comfortable silence.

I didn’t realize how much stress I’d been carrying until this trip began to strip it away, layer by layer. My shoulders didn’t feel so tense. My breath came easier. My heart didn’t feel so heavy.

Anton turned to me, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “What do you want to do when we get back?”

I blinked, thinking for a second. “I want to focus on the clinic. On myself. I’ve spent so long fighting fires, I forgot what it was like to actually build something… for me.”

He nodded, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. “I love that. You deserve that.”

I smiled, feeling warmth spread across my chest. “What about you?”

He glanced out at the horizon. “My plans to launch the modeling company are almost finalized. I’ve found the right team. I think we’re finally ready.”

My eyes lit up. “Anton, that’s amazing! I should’ve asked more about how you were doing, but with everything that’s been going on, I just—”

He cut me off gently. “Hey. Don’t apologize. You were surviving. Healing. That came first.”

Still, I felt guilty. “But I care about you too. And your dreams.”

He leaned closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “And I care about yours. That’s what makes us… us.”

“We’ve come so far,” I murmured, resting my head on his shoulder.

He turned to me, his eyes reflecting the same sentiment. “We have. And I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Anton pulled me into his arms, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss. It was soft, unhurried, filled with the promise of forever. As we parted, he looked into my eyes, a playful glint appearing.

“Speaking of the future,” he began, “I’ve been thinking about Junie. She’s growing up so fast. Maybe it’s time we start teaching her a few things, schooling and a little bit of Anton humor, maybe even how to ride a bike.”

I laughed, the image of Junie wobbling on a bicycle flashing in my mind. “She’d love that.”

He smiled, then reached into his pocket, pulling out an envelope. “Also, I have some news. Your clinic program, it’s ready. All the paperwork, the approvals. It’s all set.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Anton, are you serious?”

He nodded. “I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed to succeed.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, I threw my arms around him. “Thank you. This means the world to me.”

Just then, someone walked up to us and interrupted our moment. A hotel staff member stood there, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“For Miss Queenie,” he said, handing them to me.

Confused, I looked at Anton. “Who would send me flowers here?”

He shrugged, feigning innocence.

I opened the card nestled among the blooms. It read: “To my sunshine, for all the brightness you bring into my life. Love, Anton.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to him. “You did this?”

He nodded, pulling me into another embrace. “I just wanted to remind you how special you are.”

As I held the bouquet close to my chest, breathing in the soft scent of the flowers, I looked up at Anton with a warm smile. His words still echoed in my heart, ‘I just wanted to remind you how special you are.’ I bit my lip, feeling overwhelmed by how thoughtful he had been these past weeks.

“You’ve been spoiling me with gifts and surprises,” I said softly, brushing his arm. “But I want to give you something too.”

He raised an eyebrow, looking curious. “Oh really? What could you possibly give me that tops this moment?”

I laughed and reached for my bag on the chair beside the bed. I pulled out a small box, one I had hidden there days ago.

“I got this for us,” I began, my voice tender. “A symbol for the three of us as a family, me, you, and Junie.”

Anton opened the box and inside was a simple but beautiful bracelet. Masculine and elegant, with a small charm that had our initials engraved.

“I got you the bracelet,” I said, gently placing it into his palm. “Junie and I have matching necklaces.”

Anton stared at the bracelet for a moment, visibly touched. “Queenie…”

Before he could say more, I leaned in and kissed him, letting it speak the words I couldn’t say out loud fast enough.

“I wanted you to have something that reminds you of us. Always,” I said as I pulled back.

He smiled, slipping the bracelet around his wrist, locking it in place. “Now I’ve got you with me wherever I go.”

I clutched the flowers closer, looking down at them. “You really didn’t have to do all of this, Anton. But thank you… again.”

“I’m just glad we don’t have to deal with Michael ever again,” he said, his voice laced with relief.

I nodded, heart light. “Me too.”.

Then Anton’s lips curled into a grin. “There’s a small club about 30 minutes from here. Live music, ocean breeze, no paparazzi. Are you up for it tonight?”

I looked at him, eyes narrowing playfully. “A club?”

He nodded, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Nothing wild. Just dancing and maybe a drink or two. You in?”

A grin stretched across my face. “I’m in.”

Anton’s POV

The club was far more crowded than I’d anticipated. In this sleepy beach town, I expected a laid-back vibe, maybe a few locals swaying to mellow tunes. Instead, the place pulsed with energy, bodies packed tight, music thumping, lights flashing.

I leaned toward Queenie. “This is more intense than I thought. Want to head back?”

She shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. “No, let’s stay. It’s kind of fun.”

Navigating through the crowd, I secured us a VIP table, slightly elevated and less congested. As we settled in, a group of dancers approached, attempting to entertain. I politely declined, “We’re good, thanks.” They moved on without fuss.

Queenie sipped her drink, the alcohol loosening her laughter. She leaned in, eyes sparkling. “Dance with me?”

I hesitated, glancing at the packed floor, but her enthusiasm was infectious. We made our way to the dance area, moving to the rhythm. Suddenly, she paused, her face paling.

“I think I’m gonna be sick,” she murmured.

I guided her swiftly to the restroom. Afterward, I helped her to the car. During the drive back, she sang softly, her head resting against the window. Despite the unexpected turn, I couldn’t help but smile. This was Queenie, unfiltered, genuine, and entirely herself.

The car was quiet except for the soft hum of the tires on the road. Queenie leaned against the window, her eyes half-lidded, cheeks flushed from the wine. She murmured, “I love you, Anton,” her voice a gentle slur. Then again, “I love you, Anton.”

I glanced over, heart swelling. She kept repeating it, like a lullaby. Even in her tipsy state, those words felt sincere, beautiful. I reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I love you too, baby.”

Pulling into the driveway, I parked and stepped out, opening her door. She blinked up at me, smiling sleepily. “My Anton,” she whispered.

I chuckled, lifting her into my arms. “Always yours.” She nestled into my chest, sighing contentedly.

Inside, I laid her gently on the bed, removing her shoes and tucking the blanket around her. The ocean breeze drifted through the open window, cool and calming. I sat beside her, watching her chest rise and fall. Leaning in, I kissed her forehead. “I’m here, always.”

She stirred slightly, a soft smile on her lips. I whispered, “I’ll protect you, love you, make you the happiest woman alive.”

After ensuring she was comfortable, I stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower. The warm water cascaded over me, washing away the day’s fatigue. Drying off, I grabbed my phone, scrolling through our photos. One of her laughing, eyes sparkling, caught my attention. Setting it as my wallpaper, I smiled.

Returning to the bedroom, I slid under the covers beside her. She instinctively curled into me. Holding her close, I hummed softly, a tune only for her. “Forever, Queenie. I promise.”