ir first dinner on the private island. The room was adorned with intricate chandeliers,

ion as they took their seats at the ornate dining table. The table was bea

id Carter delved into discussions about their respective businesses, exchanging insights an

opic. She leaned in slightly, her gaze focused on Reid, and asked with a knowing smile, "Reid, my dear f

fleeting change in his demeanour that didn't escape Bella's notice. It was a rare g

asured tone, "Isabella, you know how dedicated I am to my work and my busin

you've always been a man who knows what he wants. But sometimes, li

about the reasons behind his reluctance and cold attitude towards the subject. It was a side of him she had rar

rd Bella with genuine interest. His deep, enigmatic eyes fixed on her, he asked, "Bella, I'm curious about your p

. She knew that her academic and career choices had been a topic of discussion

hat Bella has received acceptance letters from all the top universities in their business management programs. Sh

Bella's academic achievements. "That's impressive, Isa

hat her father's intentions were rooted in his desire to see her succeed in a field he

tured in the shadows. The weight of her family's expectations and their desire for her to follow in their business

desires-to pursue a path in creative writing, one that felt authentically her own. The thought of sharing

Bella maintained the facade of the dutiful and perfect daughter. She forced a smile and nodded,

etreated to her beautifully appointed room in Reid's villa. The luxurious surroundings, coupled

ms swirling in her mind. The weight of her father's pride in her achievements was both a source

ed out of bed and quietly made her way to the terrace that overlooked the moonlit sea. The gentle breeze rustled t

ventured down the hallway of Reid Carter's luxurious villa. Her steps were sof

indirect lighting bathed the room in a soft glow, casting a comforting aura over the space. The scent of the ocea

freshly baked pastries, a tempting array of sweet treats that beckoned to her. The sight o

e delicate china gleaming under the soft light. Next, she poured hersel

kitchen, where a small table and chairs provided a perfect setting for solitude. She set

of respite. The quiet of the night and the comfort of the kitchen offered so

s ambiance. The faint sound of footsteps, barely audible, drew her attention away from her p

, almost ethereal in the soft glow of the moonlight. Her breath caught in her throat when she recogniz

he play of moonlight on his tanned skin, and the way his body moved with a natural grace left her in a state of

gerator, the effortless way he reached for a chilled bottle of water, and the way his body moved with conf

ce that left Bella feeling both captivated and vulnerable. It was a sight she had never expected to witness, not eve

relationships. For years, she had admired Reid from a distance, captivated by his charisma, success, and so

experimented with dating and teenage romance, she found herself unable to reciprocate their interes

tner. For Bella, the world of teenage romance paled in comparison to the allure of the older, more sophisticated man who had captured her heart. She couldn't fathom herself dating someone her age w

effortless grace that had initially drawn Bella's attention. His bare torso was bathed in the soft,

o the moonlit scene. And then, as if guided by an unseen force, his gaze settled

se and desire. Reid's own expression, while difficult to decipher in the dim light, he

ncerned, broke the silenc

u okay? It's quit

unexpected encounter, looked up at him wi

can't

htly, his concern deepenin

l o

e had never imagined having such a candid conversation with Reid, espe

amily expectations, decisions about my

pression, his dark eyes holding a dept

and questions about the future. Maybe a ch

g and the unexpected connection they were sharing. She had never imagine

you, Reid. I a

the kitchen. As he disappeared into the shadows, Bella couldn't help but hear in her

her that this would pass, that it was just a stage, b