Date The CEO.com

"The recent hostage incident at The Magical Symphony left many in fear and affected the expansion plans of the school. To support the institution, the Hathaway Family has offered to help increase its security on top of their yearly donation. The Hathaway Family has many ties with the school, including Ambryan's significant partner, Evangeline Reed—"

The LED screen blacked out.

"Stop watching the news," Ambryan said, standing behind the living room couch. He tossed the remote back on the cushion. "It's bad for your health right now."

Eve took a deep breath. She wore matching pink cotton pajamas and put her feet up on the coffee table. Kiri laid on her lap. She brushed the feline's soft white fur. "I didn't know the news could be part of a doctor's diagnosis."

"It can be if it doesn't bring any good to a person's mental state."

"Since when does the news bring any good then?" 

Ambryan stopped mid-step. He carried two mugs, one filled with coffee and the other filled with tea. His violet eyes hooded in playful disdain. "Sometimes I regret falling for your smart mouth."

"Imagine how dull your life would be without it," Eve retorted with a flutter of her eyelashes.

Suppressing a smile, Ambryan continued the rest of the way and sat beside Eve on the couch. Then, he set down her mug on the coffee table, already taking a sip of his tea. Eve leaned forward to take her drink and made sure not to disturb Kiri. 

She blew on the coffee before taking a small taste.

"I'm still amazed by your family's influence on the press," Eve couldn't help but say. She stared at her coffee. The golden brown hue reminded her of mornings on a wheat field. "It didn't even cross my mind until Aunt Avery mentioned it."

Ambryan scooted closer and rested his arm on the back of her neck. "You're Everlee Hart now. No one needs to know you were once Everlee Spinster and that the man was your father. The few people that knew had also agreed not to tell."

Eve had another deep breath, inhaling and exhaling through her nose. The sun hovered on the other side of the window. The couple had decided to enjoy a quiet day inside the penthouse. Kiri joined them happily while Blueberry stayed by the window and watched the tiny cars.

"I'm worried about Eri and Ede," Eve spoke all of a sudden.

"They're strong girls. They will be fine."

"Still… there has to be something I could do." She craned her neck and rested the base of her head on Ambryan's arm. Her brown eyes stared up at the ceiling. "I can't just sit here and think about myself."

Ambryan placed his tea on the table. "Then, what do you propose we should do?"

"I don't know…" Eve racked her brain for an idea. They needed a distraction, an escape from reality. Anything that could make the current situation go away. "A trip maybe?"

"Pick a country and I can book first class tickets right now."

She straightened her posture and widened her eyes at Ambryan. Her mouth hung open. She shook her head quickly, making herself clear. "Not a country just… just somewhere."

There were too many places to choose from. She didn't know how she wanted to narrow them down. Distance wasn't a problem. Budget wasn't a problem. The important thing was to be in one car while they travelled to their destination. 

Ambryan considered her words. "Why don't we ask the twins then?"

Eve clapped her hands. Her gaze sparkled with excitement. "That's a good idea!"

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An hour later, Eve and Ambryan picked up the twins from Hathaway Manor. They drove out of the city. Eri rolled down the window and stuck her head out. The fresh air filled her lungs. She feasted on the endless greenery in front of her.

"Eri!" Eve scolded over her shoulder. "Don't do that. You'd lose your head."

Pouting, Eri rolled the window back up. "But there was nothing there to hit my head."

"Don't take any chances."

"But—"

"Your sister is right, Eri," Ambryan backed up. He kept his eyes on the road. 

"That's because you're marrying her," Eri muttered under her breath.

Ede pulled out the earphones she wore. "Are we there yet?"

She tilted her head sideways and peeked in between the two front seats. Eri did the same, causing their heads to bump gently. They had no idea where they were at the moment. But that was alright. What they really cared about was—

"The beach is still far away, Ede," Eve answered. "We could probably get there in half an hour though. I don't know why you picked a summer destination in the middle of spring season."

"That's exactly why we should go now," Eri explained. "It would be less crowded."

"It would be cold though."

"Then, the resort should have some hot springs to warm up their guests."

Eve scowled and faced her younger sister. What Eri had said sounded impossible. "Hot springs are in the mountains. The beach is nowhere near the mountains."

"Make artificial ones."

"..." Eve surrendered, leaning on the backrest of her seat. She pinched the bridge of her nose.  There were limited resorts nearby. They didn't have the time to search for another just for the hot springs.

She let her nose go and shifted her attention back on the road. A line of goats walked near the path. Eve prayed they wouldn't block the way. "You can warm up in the hotel room we booked. No hot springs."

Eri beamed. "Good enough for me."

Eve shivered all over as soon as she opened the door. She almost regretted agreeing to this. They reached the beach a few minutes after her estimated guess. The valet came to park the car while the bellboys of the resort took their bags. They planned to stay for the night. Eve had even called the schools to let them know about the twins' absence.

They headed for a private spot away from the public eye. Their security teams stood around the perimeter, keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious. Eri and Ede started making sandcastles while Eve prepared the food.

She'd hear them laugh and glimpse in their direction.

The sound was literal music to her ears.

"Those aren't tomatoes, are they?" Ambryan asked, back from the changing room.

Eve looked up with her sunglasses over her eyes. The hem of her white beach dress brushed her knees. "For someone who hates tomatoes, you sure bring them up a lot—a-aren't you feeling cold?"

Ambryan wore nothing but blue board shorts. He had a towel around his neck. Eve could tell he had a quick shower by the dampness of his black hair as well as a few droplets that dripped down his ab—stomach. His beige skin looked more sunkissed than usual.

He took the white dress shirt he left on a chair. He shrugged it on, saying, "It's a little chilly but it's probably because of the shower."

Eve shook her head and continued slicing the watermelon. "I know there's no skin left but you could have noticed the seeds, at least. Is your vision getting worse?"

"Are you wearing a green bathing suit?"

"Yes?"

Ambryan stole a watermelon and smirked. "Then, it's not getting worse."

Eve looked down at herself. The dress had a thin fabric so the color of her bikini was noticeable. She rolled her eyes and tossed the watermelons into a bowl. "Don't you dare say that kind of thing in front of the girls."

"I doubt they want to be near us longer than necessary."

At that, the couple checked on the twins. Ede had managed to build a towel while Eri scrapped her original idea and decided to make a snowman made of sand. The latter hummed a tune about a snowman in the summer season, clearly drawing inspiration from it.

Eve felt five fingers slip between hers. 

Ambryan leaned close to her ear. "I want to show you something."

She turned her head, their noses nearly bumping. His violet eyes seemed brighter than usual. It must have been because of how much sun exposure the beach had. They almost looked like jewels upclose.

Clearing her throat, Eve looked for Nanzie and Wen. "Please look after the girls for a while."

They nodded and walked a little closer to the table. Except for two guards, the rest of the security team stayed put. Ambryan led Eve to the gulf connected to the beach. It had even more privacy than the spot they used.

"What's in here?" Eve asked, her gaze wandering around. "You're not about to propose, are you? Fair warning. I'm not sure I would say 'yes' a second time."

Ambryan chuckled. "Don't worry. The next words I'm looking for is 'I do.'"

They stopped at the entrance of a cave. Eve gasped and stepped inside. Unlike how she imagined most caves, this one had an opening at the center. Light enveloped the cave. She could see the layers of rock that made up the walls as well as the tiny crystals that glistened all over them. 

Ambryan stayed behind and snapped a photo.

The shutter sound echoed inside the cave, catching Eve's attention. 

"HEY!" She marched right out and aimed for his phone. Ambryan raised it out of her reach. He backed away while he free hand held her arm, making sure she wouldn't trip. 

The attempt was futile as Eve jumped to get the phone. 

She crashed into him and Ambryan lost his balance. They fell on the sand with Eve on top. A collective groan came from both parties. Eve propped her hands on either side of his head. 

For a moment, they saw nothing but each other.

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"Heeyyy! What are you guys doing?!" Eri and Ede screamed from the beach.

Eve pushed herself off Ambryan, heading back immediately. "You found us! Good job, girls!"

Ambryan glanced up at the sky and squinted at the sun. His patience was running thin. 

The wedding couldn't come any sooner.