"I'll come back for you," Jasper muttered bitterly as he was finally sentenced to many years in prison. Stripped of everything, all his ill-gotten money was returned to Lisa, leaving him with nothing to his name.
A wave of relief washed over Lisa. A huge burden in her life had finally been lifted, leaving her free to focus on her husband and her father without the shadow of Jasper looming over her.
"I'm sorry, Richmond. I don't know how this happened, but I acted out of frustration," Lisa admitted that evening, her voice soft and remorseful, as they rode home in silence. Richmond said nothing throughout the ride, his expression unreadable, but Lisa could feel the weight of his hurt pressing gently against her heart.
He understood, though, more than she could have hoped. Richmond's heart softened with forgiveness, strengthened by the knowledge that Jasper was behind bars. Now, nothing stood between him and the woman he loved.
"Let's go for a vacation," Richmond suggested, his voice gentle yet filled with hope. They were both exhausted, drained from the chaos that had plagued their lives for months.
"Yes… that's a great idea," Lisa agreed, a smile spreading across her face.
"Uhhhh… you are such a darling," Richmond said with a playful grin as Lisa leaned in for a tender kiss.
That night, they shared an intimate connection that was memorable, intense, and unlike anything Richmond had ever expressed before. There was a spark, a fire between them that seemed to melt away the months of tension and uncertainty.
"Ohhhhh… someone has been learning," Lisa teased, her eyes wide with delight as she gazed at him in awe, thoroughly impressed and happy.
"I love you, Lisa. I'll do anything to make you happy," Richmond said, his smile broad and sincere, radiating devotion.
"Thank you… this means so much to me," Lisa whispered, her heart full, feeling safer, loved, and cherished than she had in a long time.
For the first time in months, they both felt the promise of a new beginning; a life together, unburdened by past shadows, filled with hope, love, and trust.
Preparations went smoothly as they traveled to the Maldives for their vacation. They spent their days sightseeing, exploring, taking pictures, and creating countless beautiful memories together.
"Hey…" a vibrant, fair-looking young man with a heavy beard approached Lisa as she sipped a glass of cocktail.
"Hey…" Lisa responded politely.
"Why is a beautiful diva like you enjoying the sea breeze all alone?" the stranger asked with a warm, friendly smile.
"I'm Marcus, by the way," he added, gesturing politely as he asked if he could sit beside her.
"Oh, yes, sure. You can sit," Lisa replied.
Marcus asked if she was alone, and Lisa explained that her husband was a workaholic, busy on his laptop even while on vacation. She had no choice but to enjoy the moment herself, even with Richmond nearby.
Marcus and Lisa began to chit-chat like friends who had known each other for years. His lively presence erased the feeling of boredom and loneliness that had crept in.
"Do you mind if I show you around?" Marcus asked politely.
"Oh, no, please. My husband will soon be here. Maybe some other time," Lisa replied with a gentle smile.
Marcus stood to give her space, handing her his card.
"Reach out to me whenever you can," Marcus said, offering the card with a friendly nod.
"Alright…" Lisa added, tucking the card away as she watched him leave, appreciating the brief companionship without compromising her loyalty to Richmond.
A short while later, Richmond approached, his gaze falling on the retreating figure of Marcus from a distance.
"Who was that?" Richmond asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity, as he walked closer to Lisa.
"Oh… he came asking for directions," Lisa lied, her heart skipping a beat as she tried to sound casual.
Why did I lie?… she whispered inwardly, guilt prickling her conscience as she felt the first stirrings of unease.