The moonlight shimmered across the quiet ocean, wrapping the beach in a silver glow. The only sounds were the gentle waves and the soft rhythm of their breathing.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Rafael simply looked at Aria. His gaze was no longer filled with confusion. It carried certainty... and something far deeper.
"Aria..."
His voice was barely above a whisper. She slowly lifted her eyes to meet his.There was no fear in them this time.Only quiet anticipation.
Rafael took a slow step closer until only a breath separated them.
"If I do this again..."
he murmured softly,
"...will you stop me?"
Aria searched his face.
The uncertainty that had haunted him for so long had begun to disappear. In its place stood the man whose heart kept finding its way back to her, again and again.
A tiny smile touched her lips.Instead of answering with words...
She gently shook her head.The gesture alone was enough.Rafael's heart skipped.
