The Maldives greeted them with warm winds and turquoise waters that stretched farther than the eye could see. Their villa sat perched over the ocean, a wooden deck leading down into the clear shallows. From their bed, all they could see was sky and sea, merging into one endless horizon.
"This doesn't feel real," Bella whispered, stepping barefoot onto the deck. The ocean shimmered below, schools of fish darting like sparks of silver.
Chris came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed his chin to her shoulder, his breath warm against her skin. "It's real. You're here. I'm here. And for once, there's no one chasing us, no cameras, no threats. Just us."
Bella leaned back into him, her heart aching in the best way. "We needed this."
That afternoon, they swam side by side, the water cool and soft. Chris laughed when Bella splashed him, and she nearly squealed when he scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her through the shallows until she begged to be put down.
"Not a chance," he smirked, lowering her gently against the deck railing before kissing her deeply, his wet hair dripping against her cheek.
They dined on the beach as the sun bled into the horizon, their table lit with lanterns, their feet buried in sand. A private chef brought dish after dish, but Bella hardly tasted any of it. Her eyes stayed on Chris his relaxed smile, the way he looked at her like she was the only star in the universe.
"You're staring," he teased over dessert.
"I'm memorizing," she corrected softly.
Chris reached across the table, threading his fingers through hers. "Then remember this when we go back, life will get busy again. Work. The kids. But no matter how loud it gets, this is who we are. You and me. Unshakable."
Bella swallowed past the lump in her throat. "You're getting romantic in your old age."
He raised a brow. "Old age? Bella, I'm only turning thirty one next month."
She grinned. "Exactly. Practically ancient."
Later that night, they lay tangled in sheets, the glass walls of the villa framing a sky full of stars. Bella traced circles on Chris's chest while his hand rested on her hip.
"Do you ever think," she whispered, "about how far we've come? A year ago I didn't know if we'd even survive... and now, we're here."
Chris kissed her forehead, lingering. "We survived everything because of you. You kept fighting even when I failed you. You're my anchor, Bella. Always."
Her breath hitched, her lips finding his in the quiet darkness. The kiss deepened, slow and certain, the kind of kiss that promised forever.
And as the waves lapped softly below them, Bella knew this last stop was more than an ending. It was the beginning of the life they had both fought so hard for.
The flight home was quiet, a sharp contrast to the whirlwind of their honeymoon. Bella leaned against Chris's shoulder, eyes heavy but content, while his hand absently traced soothing circles on her arm.
But peace ended the moment the wheels touched down in London.
As they stepped into the terminal, cameras flashed like lightning. Reporters shouted over one another, microphones shoved forward.
"Mr. Hampson, how does it feel to finally be married?"
"Bella, how was the honeymoon Italy, Greece, Maldives?"
"Any truth to the rumours about expanding your family?"
Bella flinched as the shouts grew louder, but Chris's arm tightened around her, shielding her from the crush of flashing bulbs. His voice cut through the chaos, deep and controlled.
"No comments today," he said firmly. His bodyguards formed a wall, pushing back the frenzy. "Give my wife space."
They moved quickly, escorted into a waiting black car. The doors shut with a blessed silence. Bella exhaled shakily, and Chris turned to her, brushing his thumb along her jaw.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
She nodded, managing a small smile. "I'll survive. Just not sure I'll ever get used to that."
"You don't have to," he murmured. "I'll handle them. Always."
When the car rolled into Romero's long driveway, Bella's heart leapt. Waiting outside were the people she had missed most.
The front doors burst open, and Arabella ran out first, her violet eyes wide and glowing. "Mummy! Daddy!" she squealed.
Behind her, the nanny carried Jessy, who was wriggling to be put down. The moment his little feet hit the ground, he toddled forward on unsteady legs, shouting with pure delight: "Mama! Dada!"
Bella dropped to her knees in the gravel, arms wide open. Arabella threw herself against her while Jessy stumbled into her lap, babbling happily. She hugged them both so tightly it hurt, tears streaming down her face.
Chris crouched beside her, wrapping his arms around all three of them. He pressed a kiss to Arabella's hair, then ruffled Jessy's curls as the boy giggled.
"Dada, up!" Jessy demanded, lifting his chubby arms.
Chris lifted him effortlessly, kissing his cheek. Jessy responded by planting a sloppy kiss on his father's jaw, making everyone laugh.
Inside, the house buzzed with life. Hailey had brought her children, who were already chasing Imelda and Raquel around the living room. Andrew and his wife stood near the fireplace, their three kids also joined in the chase. The twins, Jayden and Kayden, joked about how much Jessy looked like Bella whenever he pouted.
Bianca was there too, her small bump visible under her sweater, glowing as she accepted hugs and teasing from everyone. Alexis and Liam had brought gifts, filling the table with brightly wrapped packages.
The air felt lighter than it had in years.
For the first time, there was no Cassandra, no Frederick plots, no shadows lurking behind them. Just family. Just love.
Bella sat back on the sofa, Arabella curled against her side, Jessy toddling between her and Chris's lap. She watched her siblings, her friends, her husband her whole world in one room and felt the truth settle into her heart.
They had survived the storms.
Now, at last, it was time to live.