Chapter 1900

"Everyone could tell you wanted some alone time," Debra said, leaning into Marion's arms. "They didn't want to be third wheels."

She smiled, "Your heart was racing back there."

Marion ruffled her wet hair. "You know what I'm afraid of, and you still love making me sweat."

"You're cute when you're freaking out," she said.

Marion poked her nose. "Trouble."

Sometimes, he couldn't believe they were in their forties.

Debra's smile hadn't changed. Their life felt the same as always. The quieter the days, the harder it was to feel time passing.

The island had a villa. The Eatons had planned to turn it into a resort, but Liza loved its vibe, so Fermin scrapped the idea and built a villa instead. It was never opened to the public.

Liza had probably been joking, but Fermin took it seriously. All these years, she had never stayed there.

Inside, everything was brand-new, with a faint jasmine scent. Newest update provided by find[ɴ]ovel.net

"Not bad," Debra commented.

The lazy, untouched vibe reminded her of an island they'd stayed on 20 years ago. That place had been a peaceful escape.

Later, they'd stayed at Marion's mountain cabin, another perfect retreat.

When Debra got pregnant, Marion became extra attentive. He'd never been a dad or cared for a pregnant woman, so he studied up and even practiced on Solomon.

Debra's morning sickness had been brutal. He had never left her side.

After Lillian was born, their travel time dwindled. They could've hired a nanny, but neither liked the idea. Marion took on most of the housework.

"Are we being irresponsible, ditching everything to chill here?" she muttered, watching the sunset.

Holding her, Marion shook his head. "Lillian's grown. It's our time now."

He'd been waiting for Lillian to hit 18. She'd be an adult free to fly.

"You never talk about your childhood," Debra said. "Tell me about it."

Marion wasn't a talker. With strangers, he barely said a word.

"My childhood?" He licked his mouth. "That's a long story."