Chapter 1: Preface

This story is purely fictional, and there is no intention to offend or hurt anyone based on gender, caste, or religion. All the events and characters in this story are imaginary.

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© Copyright 2015

Thank you so much for reading,

Anishaluv

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There's something about waking up to sunlight streaming through my closed curtains that drives me crazy—like the universe is playing a cruel joke, forcing me into a new day before I'm ready. I need to change those curtains. I tell myself this every morning, yet they remain untouched, taunting me with golden rays that slip through the fabric like tiny invaders.

"Sun, take a detour today," I mumble, burying my face deeper into the plush folds of my comforter. Maybe if I ignore it long enough, I can steal a few more minutes of sleep.

But my silent protest is interrupted. A warm hand slides over my waist, the slow, deliberate movement sending a ripple of awareness through me. His fingers move higher, tracing soft, lazy patterns over my stomach, igniting a heat that makes it impossible to pretend I'm still asleep.

I don't need to turn around to know who it is.

"Good morning, Princess."

Adrian's voice is low, thick with sleep yet smooth as silk, each word laced with amusement.

I finally roll over to face him, my lips curving into a soft smile. His eyes, dark and lazy with the last remnants of sleep, lock onto mine. The way he looks at me—like he's both completely at ease and entirely captivated—never fails to stir something deep in my chest.

His grin widens as if he can read my thoughts. Before I can say anything, his lips are on mine, a slow, unhurried kiss that tastes like warmth, like home. A kiss that reminds me just how much I love waking up beside him.

The moment doesn't last long.

The blaring sound of my alarm cuts through the quiet, yanking us both out of our bubble.

Adrian groans dramatically, reaching over me to shut it off. "Who even sets an alarm this early?" He sighs, falling back against the pillows, dragging me with him.

"You know I have work," I say, my voice muffled against his chest.

He hums. "Tragic."

I laugh, pushing myself up. "I have meetings. And we have a flight tonight, remember?"

"I remember." He smirks. "And I also remember you promised me breakfast in bed."

My brows lift. "I said no such thing."

He tilts his head. "You sure? Because I distinctly recall hearing something about pancakes."

I swat his arm, sliding out of bed. "You make breakfast. I'll make sure you don't forget the cream in my coffee."

His chuckle follows me as I pull on one of his oversized T-shirts—the one I always steal. It smells like him, and the comfort it brings is instant.

The Hawaii trip has been on my mind for weeks. Five days of nothing but sun, sand, and no work emails. It feels almost too good to be true, especially after the last time we had to cancel due to his mother's health. This time, nothing will get in the way.

Adrian's already in the kitchen by the time I get there, two steaming mugs on the counter. The scent of coffee fills the air, mingling with the faint traces of his cologne.

I walk up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Did you remember the cream?"

He turns, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You doubt me?"

I take the mug and sip. It's perfect.

"Alright, Muffin," he says, leaning against the counter, watching me. "I'll meet you back here at seven, then we head to the airport together."

I nod. "Sounds like a plan."

A comfortable silence settles between us as we sip our coffee, him flipping through the newspaper while I absentmindedly scroll through my phone. It's these little moments that make up the best parts of our relationship—the easy, effortless quiet where no words are needed.

Adrian eventually sets his cup down and stretches, his muscles flexing beneath his T-shirt. "Time to get ready for work," he says, ruffling my hair before disappearing into the bedroom.

I stay at the counter for a few more minutes, lost in thought. Then my phone buzzes.

Lisa.

"Are you even packed?" she demands the moment I answer. "Because knowing you, something is missing."

I roll my eyes. "I packed last night, thank you very much."

"Did you double-check?"

I pause. Did I?

A sudden wave of panic hits me as I mentally retrace my steps. The new dress—the one I specifically bought for this trip—did I pack it?

"Gotta go," I say quickly, hanging up. I rush to the bedroom, fling open my suitcase, and exhale in relief when I see the dress neatly folded in the corner.

Crisis averted.

I shake my head, laughing softly at myself.

Nothing is going to ruin this trip. Not work, not forgetfulness—nothing.

I close my suitcase, my heart thrumming with excitement.

Because after everything, we deserve this.

And for the first time in a long time, I feel like everything is exactly how it's meant to be.

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