What Fate Stole From Me

POV: Henry "Samuel!" "When did you get back from London?" I asked, stepping forward to shake his hand. "Early this morning," he replied warmly, his grip firm. "How are you, Admiral?" "Good, very good, young man," I said, though I couldn't hide my surprise. "We weren't expecting you for another couple of weeks." He chuckled. "I finished my Master's degree ahead of schedule and wanted to get here as soon as possible. Three years is a long time to be away." "I'm sure your parents are proud," I said. "And my daughter and I as well." Samuel's expression softened. "Speaking of Maya-where is she? I've been looking forward to seeing her again." "I believe she stepped out for a walk on the beach," I replied, glancing toward the terrace. The sea breeze drifted in, carrying the faint smell of salt. "Welcome back, Samuel," I said. "It's good to have you home." He paused, turning slightly at their doorway. "Before I forget-my parents are hosting a dinner on our yacht to celebrate my return. We also thought it would be the perfect time for Maya and me to announce the date of our wedding." I hadn't expected him to speak of that so soon. "Of course. We'll be there," I said, masking my surprise. "Then I'll see you soon," he said, his tone easy but purposeful. With that, he left. From the open terrace, I watched Samuel's figure grow smaller against the pale curve of the driveway. He wasn't strolling-he was moving with purpose, each stride cutting the distance between the mansion and the sea. The gulls wheeled overhead, their cries sharp against the hush that had settled in the mansion. Somewhere far below, the waves folded over themselves, steady and careless. I told myself there was nothing to worry about. Maya was simply walking. Samuel would greet her, they'd catch up, and that would be that. But something in my gut argued otherwise. Perhaps it was the urgency in Samuel's step... or perhaps it was that rare stillness in the air, the kind that sometimes hangs just before a summer storm. I turned away from the terrace, but the image of him heading toward the beach stayed with me. And for the first time in years, I found myself wishing I had warned my daughter that not all surprises are the kind you want to keep. I sat in the lounge, staring into the amber swirl at the bottom of my glass, Samuel's words replaying in my head. "Don't tell me you're feeling unwell again, brother," Carla's voice cut in. She crossed the room quickly, her silk skirt brushing against the carpet. "Do you want me to call your doctor?" I looked up. Her brow was furrowed, but her eyes were searching. "Samuel Hart has returned from London," I said flatly. "He's back in Agua Azul." Her face lit up. "Really? Maya will be thrilled! But why do you look like that when you say it?" "Because tonight," I said, setting the glass down, "Samuel and Maya will announce the date of their wedding." "That's wonderful news. So? Why the long face? Everyone knew this day would come-he gave her that engagement ring before he even left for London." "Yes, I know," I murmured. But I can't shake the feeling she's too young to marry. They should wait... a couple of years, at least. Carla gave a short laugh. "Pray your wife doesn't hear you saying that, or you'll have more than a headache to deal with." I leaned back, studying my sister. "Tell me honestly-do you think Maya is truly in love with him?" She smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Of course she is. And trust me, I'm never wrong about these things. Your daughter is more in love than she's ever been in her life." I nodded, but the knot in my chest didn't loosen. Carla's certainty was meant to reassure me-but it only deepened the question I didn't dare say out loud: What if she's wrong this time? "I've been calling and calling my sister-in-law about the party tonight, but your wife never answers her cell phone," Carla announced, her heels clicking against the wooden floor as she sat down. I looked up from the ledger I'd been pretending to read. "She's at her prayer retreat. Probably left her phone in the car. She told me she told me she'd be back early." Carla leaned against the edge of her seat. "Lately, she spends more time at church than at home. And when she is home, she's either lighting candles or praying the rosary." "Don't criticize her," I said, getting up and crossing to the sideboard. "She's always been devout. Now, with this... complicated economic situation, her faith is the only thing keeping her calm." Carla arched an eyebrow. "Henry... are things really that bad?" I didn't answer. I took my time pouring two glasses of whiskey, letting the amber liquid catch the light. "Henry," she pressed, "I can tell when you're avoiding a question." I set a glass in front of her. "Drink." She didn't move. "You've been distracted for weeks. And don't tell me it's because of Maya's love life. This is about money, isn't it?" I gave her a sharper look. "It's about making sure this family stays afloat." Her voice lowered. "So we are sinking." I took a slow sip before answering, "Let's just say we're... taking on water." She studied me for a moment, her lips tightening. "And Maya marring Samuel would patch the hole." I didn't confirm it, but I didn't have to. Carla picked up her glass, swirling the whiskey. "Then you'd better hope your daughter's heart and your accounts are on the same side. Because if they're not, Henry..." She left the sentence hanging in the air. POV: MAYA The morning light spilled over the small town of Agua Azul, bathing the whitewashed houses in gold. Church bells rang in the distance, their sound mixing with the chatter of the seabirds. The salt-laced breeze carried the scent of the ocean close enough that you could hear the gentle shush of the waves against the shore. Maya walked through the cobblestone streets, her sundress - soft pink with white trim - fluttering with each step. People paused in their morning routines to glance her way. She felt their eyes on her, though she kept her chin lifted and her smile easy. Her skin was kissed by the sun, her golden hair spilling in waves over her shoulders. The curves of her figure were graceful but unassuming - though in Agua Azul, everyone noticed. She passed the last of the shops and stepped onto the weathered wooden path leading toward the beach. At the end of the path, she slipped off her wedge heels, letting her toes sink into the cool sand. She walked toward the water, her fingertips brushing against the salt-damp air. The heat of the sun warmed her skin, but the ocean's breath kept her cool. For a moment, she felt free - away from her family's expectations, away from the quiet weight of their troubles. Two hands suddenly covered her eyes. "Guess who," a familiar voice teased against my ear. I laughed softly, leaning back into the tall frame behind me. " James." "My love," he said, his warm voice against her ear. He kissed her. For a moment she let herself melt into the feeling, the world narrowing to the rhythm of the tide and the press of his arms around her. I was drowning in the kiss, so deeply I forgot the world around us even existed. I was drowning in the kiss-his lips warm, urgent, tasting faintly of the sea air and the sweetness of the mango tea he probably had earlier. The world beyond James's arms melted away; there was only his breath, his heat, and the pounding of my own heart. "James... wait, wait," I giggled, my voice breathless against his mouth, but even as I pulled back, my hands stayed on him, betraying me. "Don't push me away," he murmured, his lips brushing mine again in a teasing graze that sent a shiver racing down my spine. "I need your lips." There was a faint edge in his tone-not just desire, but something desperate, as if kissing me kept him from losing me entirely. "Oh, James... "I love you so much," I whispered, the worlds coming out faster than I meant. My finger curled in the back of his shirt, feeling the solid muscle beneath. "And I love you, Maya-more than anyone ever could." His voice was low, gravelly, and it wrapped around me like a promise. But in his eyes I saw the flicker of a man who feared promises could be broken. "I love you without caring what anyone says," I breathed. "More than I love myself." "Then don't tell me to stop," he said, his breath hot against my ear. "Let me kiss you... let me have you." He claimed my mouth again, the kiss deeper now, leaving me dizzy and stealing the air from my lungs. His arms locked me close. "I know," I sighed, resting my forehead against his. My skin prickled where his fingers pressed at the small of my back. My heart wanted to stay here forever; my mind was already calculating the risk." But we can't risk being seen-not until you've spoken to my father." I searched the dark warmth of his eyes, their browns flecked with gold in the sunlight. They were beautiful, but behind them was a wall I couldn't read. "Have you told him about me?" I hesitated. "... No, not yet." "But you've told him you won't marry that guy, right?" His gaze sharpened, the question heavy between us. I looked away, my pulse stuttering. "... No. I haven't had the chance. But i will. I'm sure my father will understand." James gave a short, bitter laugh that told me he didn't believe it for a second. " Forgive me, Maya, but your father's not going to be thrilled you're trading Samuel for me." "Don't say that. Don't say that ever again." "It's the truth. Samuel's from your world. He can give you a fortune, a name... all I can give you is love. You think your parents will accept a simple Corporal?" He didn't say the other half of it-that he feared/ might not accept that forever either. I cupped his face, feeling the rough shadow of stubble. "My father will be over the moon when he sees how much I love you. He'll walk me down the aisle to you, James. I know it." His arms tightened protectively around my waist, but also as if testing whether I'd try to pull away. His scent-soap, salt, and sun-filled my senses. "Noted," he murmured, his lips trailing softly along my neck, careful not to leave a mark but enough to make my knees go weak. "Do you imagine that moment too?" I asked softly. "Yes... my love." But there was a flicker in his expression-was it doubts? Longing? But before his lips could meet mine again, a voice sliced through the air. "Maya." We froze.