T/N: This will be the final chapter for this week. Reopening is scheduled for the weekend, and classes begin next week as I enter my final year. I'll be using the week to prepare for college and build up a backlog of chapters.
Thank you all for the continued support.
— GRANDMAESTA_30
...
Lin Yi was already awake.
He lay against the headboard, one arm resting on the pillow, the other holding his phone low against his chest. The room was still dim, curtains half-drawn as early morning light filtered in softly. Outside, the lagoon was quiet, barely moving.
His screen glowed with muted notifications—missed messages from New York, updates from his team, a few headlines he skimmed without interest. He scrolled once, then twice, before locking the screen again.
None of it felt urgent here.
Beside him, Elizabeth shifted.
She let out a low, tired sound, half sigh and half protest, burying her face deeper into the pillow. "I swear," she muttered, voice thick with sleep, "my body is filing a formal complaint."
Lin Yi glanced down at her, amused. "About?"
"Stop pretending," she said without opening her eyes. "You know what I mean."
He said teasingly. "You were the one shouting, 'Har—'"
Lin Yi barely finished the first syllable before a pillow came flying at his face.
He twisted just in time, the pillow grazing his shoulder instead. Elizabeth had already pushed herself upright, hair a mess, eyes half-open but sharp with warning.
"Finish that sentence," she said, pointing another pillow at him like a weapon, "and I will end you."
Lin Yi laughed, genuinely taken aback. "So you do have energy."
She lunged first.
A pillow smacked into his chest, soft but forceful enough to knock him back against the headboard. He grabbed one from beside him and retaliated, sending it straight at her shoulder.
"Oh, you're dead," Elizabeth declared.
What followed was chaos—pillows flying, feathers puffing faintly into the air, the quiet luxury of the villa briefly forgotten. Elizabeth swung wildly, missing more than she hit, while Lin Yi countered with precision that felt entirely unfair.
"Why are you so good at this?" she protested, laughing despite herself.
"Hand-eye coordination," he said calmly, blocking another strike. "Years of training."
"Training for this?" she shot back, hitting him square in the arm.
Eventually, breathless and laughing, Elizabeth collapsed back onto the bed, arms spread, surrender written all over her face.
"I'm done," she said between breaths. "I refuse to move."
Lin Yi stood over her, victorious but gentle. "You say that now."
"I mean it," she said firmly. "My legs have officially resigned."
He shook his head, smiling, then bent down and scooped her up effortlessly.
"Hey—!" Elizabeth gasped, instinctively wrapping an arm around his neck. "I said I wasn't moving, not that I needed help."
"Same thing," he replied, already carrying her toward the bathroom.
"This is highly unnecessary," she said, though she made no effort to get down.
"You were refusing to walk, and it's time to clean up."
"I was negotiating."
Lin Yi nudged the bathroom door open with his foot. "Negotiations failed."
She rested her head against his shoulder, eyes finally closing again. "Fine. But if you drop me, I'm haunting you."
He lowered her gently onto the cool marble floor, steadying her until she stood. "Noted."
Elizabeth glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're carrying me back if I change my mind."
"I figured," he said.
...
Their butler knocked softly before gliding onto the private deck and carefully setting down a floating breakfast tray, its polished surface reflecting the pale morning light.
At the center sat an abundant island fruit platter: ripe papaya cut into crescents, golden pineapple glistening with juice, jewel-toned dragon fruit, slender bananas, and starfruit sliced into perfect stars. Everything was fresh, chilled, and precisely arranged.
Beside it was the baked selection, still warm. Pain au chocolat with flaky layers that released the faint aroma of butter and cocoa; a vanilla brioche loaf, and coconut–lime morning buns, glazed with butter to shine. A small porcelain dish of Tahitian vanilla honey accompanied them.
For the mains, there was a classic French omelette aux herbes et fromage—silky, pale yellow, folded—flecked with fine herbs and melted Comté. Alongside it were Crêpes Suzette Tahitienne bathed in a glossy orange butter sauce touched with vanilla rum.
Completing the spread was a refined selection of beverages: freshly pulled espresso, smooth café crème, loose-leaf teas ranging from Earl Grey to floral island infusions, and hot water kept at precisely the right temperature.
Elizabeth stepped out barefoot onto the deck, the morning air cool against her skin. Below them, the floating tray drifted gently on the lagoon, tethered just within reach—fruit gleaming with fresh color, pastries still warm, steam curling faintly from covered dishes.
"They somehow know exactly when we wake up," she said softly, impressed, slipping closer to the edge.
Lin Yi poured coffee into a cup and glanced at the water. "The pillow fight probably helped narrow it down."
Elizabeth laughed, then lowered herself into the lagoon, the water wrapping around her legs, then her waist. Lin followed, steadying the tray as they settled in, the water clear enough to see sunlight ripple across the sand beneath them.
They leaned against the edge of the deck, shoulders relaxed, sharing fruit and pastries as the lagoon carried the tray between them. No rush. No noise. Just warm water, quiet service, and a slow Bora Bora morning.
...
By midday, the butler led them quietly down a shaded corridor toward the spa suite tucked into the far wing of the villa. As the doors opened, the space revealed itself in layers of calm and light. Two treatment beds rested on thick glass panels suspended above the lagoon, the water below shifting in slow, luminous patterns. Floor-to-ceiling doors stood open toward Mount Otemanu, its jagged peak framed perfectly against the sky, clouds drifting lazily around it like a held breath.
The air carried the faint scent of coconut and citrus.
Two female spa attendants greeted them with soft smiles and gentle voices, presenting a slim menu of treatments on cream-colored cards. They explained each offering before moving to the side, waiting for their decision.
While reviewing the spa offerings laid out on the card, Elizabeth lingered over one option a little longer than the rest.
"The Golden Sun Ritual, then the Polynesian Massage," she read aloud, thoughtful. "That ritual sounds… incredible." She scrolled once more, then added, "And I'd like to finish with the Blend Contouring Facial."
Lin Yi leaned over slightly, glancing at the description. "Mmm. Golden Sun Ritual," he repeated, tone amused. "Let me guess—you're just curious about the twenty-four karat gold oil."
Elizabeth turned her head slowly, eyes narrowing before she broke into laughter. "Okay, maybe a little," she admitted, shaking her head. "Can you blame me?"
He smiled. "Not even a bit."
She tapped the selection decisively. "But it's not just that. It's supposed to leave your skin luxuriously smooth and rejuvenate it."
"Okay. Okay. Golden Sun it is."
Elizabeth laughed again, then turned to the attendants.
"Shall we begin?"
The attendants inclined their heads in agreement before directing them to the changing rooms. They soon changed into appropriate attire and lay on the treatment beds.
The female therapists unfolded warm towels, and the scent of monoï, citrus blossom, and sun-warmed heat drifted through the open space. Soft Polynesian music played low, almost blending into the sound of water beneath the villa.
Lin Yi and Elizabeth lay side by side.
The ritual began with a gentle full-body exfoliation, using finely milled island botanicals infused with essential minerals. The therapists' motions were slow and deliberate, meant to awaken the skin—circling, smoothing, grounding them after days of travel and indulgence.
Warm water followed, rinsing everything away.
Then came the heart of the ritual.
A 24-karat gold-infused oil, warmed by hand, was applied in long, flowing strokes. The oil caught the light faintly as it moved across the skin, which left a golden glow. The massage itself was deeply Polynesian in rhythm: grounding pressure through the back and shoulders, fluid movements along the arms and legs, easing tension without urgency.
Elizabeth let out a quiet breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
"This," she murmured, eyes closed, "is why I picked it."
Lin Yi smiled without opening his eyes. "Best decision."
She laughed softly.
The therapists focused on the pressure points along the spine, slow stretches to release stiffness, palms steady and assured. The ritual wasn't about intensity, but radiance, leaving the body light and warm.
To finish, warm towels were placed briefly over their shoulders and faces, sealing in the oils and the moment. The music faded. The breeze returned.
When it was over, neither of them moved right away.
Elizabeth finally spoke, voice relaxed and unguarded. "I feel like I've been reset."
Lin Yi turned his head slightly toward her. "Same. Another NBA Trophy incoming."
She smiled, eyes still closed.
"Guess next season will be your redemption arc."
From there, the Polynesian massage unfolded seamlessly. For eighty minutes, the practitioners drew on the flowing, dance-like techniques of taurumi—using long, wave-like strokes with hands, forearms, and elbows to mimic ocean waves, promoting deep relaxation, releasing tension, improving circulation, and harmonizing body and spirit.
It was accompanied by a traditional prayer for spiritual healing from the therapists.
The lagoon beneath them shimmered faintly as the massage continued, water and body settling into the same quiet rhythm.
The final phase transitioned into the Blend Contouring Facial. Gentle micro-pulses of electrostimulation moved across the face at varying frequencies, subtly engaging the muscles beneath the skin.
The treatment tightened and refined, reshaping contours while releasing lingering tension. The skilled hands of the therapists dialed in the details into a device before an LED mask was placed carefully over their faces, bathing them in soft light designed to stimulate repair and extend the effects of the treatment.
The therapists finished quietly, smoothing fresh towels over Liz and Lin's shoulders and helping them sit up.
Elizabeth opened her eyes, relaxed and warm. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "That was… incredible."
Lin Yi nodded in agreement. "You were amazing. We really appreciate it."
One of the therapists smiled, hands folded politely. "It was our pleasure. We're honored you enjoyed the Golden Sun Ritual."
"You're always welcome," the other added softly. "Please take your time resting."
They exchanged gentle bows before gathering their things and slipping out of the spa suite without another sound, leaving the villa calm again.
...
Later, lunch was served casually on the deck—grilled fish, fresh salads, chilled wine.
The afternoon stretched on.
Elizabeth lay on a lounge chair, sunglasses perched on her nose, one foot brushing Lin Yi's leg. "Promise me something," she said.
"What?"
"We are coming here again."
He nodded. "Absolutely."
...
As evening approached, the sky softened into shades of amber and rose. Lanterns flickered to life around the villa, their reflections across the water.
They stood together at the edge of the deck, watching the sun sink behind Mount Otemanu.
Elizabeth leaned into him. "This is my favorite part of the day."
Lin Yi wrapped an arm around her waist. "Want to take a picture?"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Let's remember this one."
Lin Yi reached for his phone, stepping back just enough to frame them properly. The sky behind them was painted in soft gold and pink, Mount Otemanu standing quietly in the distance like a silhouette carved into the horizon.
"Okay," he said lightly, lifting the iPhone. "Don't move."
She turned slightly toward him, one hand still resting at his waist, the other brushing against his arm.
"You always say that," she replied, amused.
"That's because you never listen."
She laughed under her breath just as the shutter clicked.
"Again," she said. "The light's changing."
He took another, then one more, this time pulling her closer before raising the phone. Elizabeth leaned her head against his chest, relaxed.
Lin Yi glanced down at the screen, satisfied. "Perfect."
She peeked at the photos, then nodded softly. "Yeah… they really are."
They put the phone away and stayed there a little longer, watching the last edge of the sun disappear as the lanterns glowed brighter around them, the lagoon reflecting the evening like glass.
...
Dinner that night was quieter than the night before—still refined, still flawless, but unhurried. The chef stopped by briefly, exchanging warm smiles and a few words, then left them alone again.
Afterward, they returned to the lagoon one final time, the water glowing softly beneath submerged lights.
Elizabeth floated on her back, staring at the stars. "I will miss it here," she said quietly, "this was the best time of my life. Thank you for this experience, Lin. "
Lin Yi swam closer, kissing her on the lips.
...
Back inside the villa, luggage sat unopened at the foot of the bed—present, but ignored.
Elizabeth brushed her hair slowly in front of the mirror. "Morning flight," she said, almost to herself.
Lin Yi nodded from the edge of the bed. "Early."
She paused, meeting his reflection in the mirror before turning fully toward him. "You okay?"
He hesitated, then gave a small, honest smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah. Just… I wanted it to be longer. But the Olympics. Yao. Training." He exhaled. "I'm sorry if this felt short."
Elizabeth crossed the room without another word. She stopped in front of him, staring into his eyes.
"You know," she said softly, a teasing lilt in her voice, "sometimes you're a big softie. Nothing like the so-called Grim Reaper of the Knicks."
She patted his chest lightly, then gestured around them—the open terrace, the quiet lagoon beyond, the lanterns still glowing faintly outside.
"All of this? This was you. You planned it. You made it happen." Her voice steadied. "You've been the best boyfriend I could ever ask for."
She reached up, resting her hand over his heart.
"So go. Play. Be great." A small smile curved her lips. "And bring a medal home."
Lin Yi looked at her for a long moment before pulling her into a gentle embrace, his forehead resting against hers.
Tomorrow, New York would come back into focus.
But tonight still belonged to Bora Bora.
...
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