Always loved you
“Do you really not want me to visit you?”
“Yes,” Nina replied softly,
Jayden continued to gaze at her, his eyes fixed on her lovely face. After a moment of silence, he nodded.
Strangely, instead of feeling relieved, Nina was disappointed.
“I won’t disturb you again,” Jayden said earnestly. “However, before that, can you accompany me somewhere?”
“No.” Nina rejected him almost immediately.
“Just one last time, okay? Please, accompany me, and after that, I won’t show you my face again.”
Nina hesitated.
Gazing into his dark eyes, she felt as though they had the power to enchant her like a bewitching potion. She contemplated for a moment, before agreeing. “One last time, Jayden.”
—
On the weekend, as the golden rays of the sun streamed through the apartment’s window, there was a knock at the door.
Nina opened the door to find a package, along with a beautifully crafted envelope lying on her doorstep.
Curious, she opened the envelope and discovered a card inside.
“Thank you for accepting the invitation. Hoping to see you in the dress I sent with the card. The chauffeur will pick you up in the evening.” Seeing the neat handwriting, Nina knew it belonged to Jayden.
Her heart fluttered, and she opened the package to find a breathtaking dark red dress inside.
The sun began its descent toward the horizon.
Nina was escorted blindfolded into the car.
As soon as they reached the destination, Nina removed the blindfold and was stunned by the scene before her.
A luxurious cruise yacht rested gently on the calm waters.
The chauffeur extended his hand, ushering Nina to board the yacht.
Nodding, Nina quickened her steps and caught sight of a silhouette in front of her.
Dressed in a white shirt beneath a velvety black coat and dress pants, Jayden stood there looking noble and handsome.
When he saw Nina approaching, his lips curled into a faint smile. However, when he got a clear look at her outfit, his eyes darkened.
She wore a spaghetti-strap mermaid dress, its design highlighting her graceful figure. The dress featured a v-neck, enhancing her voluptuous cleavage. With a long side slit, it revealed her slender, long legs.
When he had picked out this dress, Jayden only thought that it would suit her well. However, he was completely stunned by just how breathtakingly sexy she looked in that dress.
His eyes flickered, and he knitted his brows, regretting his choice.
The night had only just begun, and he already yearned to tear the dress from her body. However, he reined in his desires and offered his hand to her as they stepped aboard together.
As they ascended, Nina’s steps faltered for a moment, and her eyes widened at the breathtaking spectacle before her.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
The deck was adorned with fresh flowers that seemed to bloom in mid-air.
Lush bouquets of tulips, lilies, and peonies decorated every available surface, from the grand staircase to every corner of the deck. Their delicate petals exuded fragrances that mingled with the gentle scent of the sea.
As Nina stepped onto the deck, the scent of the blooms enveloped her. She couldn’t help but reach out to touch one rose, the soft petal cool against her fingertips.
Jayden had spared no expense in the surprise. He had orchestrated every detail to perfection, creating an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.
As they settled in, Jayden reached out and stuffed a bouquet of 99 red roses in Nina’s arms.
Each rose was a declaration of his love, and the entire bouquet symbolized a love that was profound and everlasting.
With his eyes locked onto hers, his voice was filled with tenderness as he spoke, “I had prepared this surprise for your birthday. However, because of some unforeseen events, I couldn’t celebrate it. Therefore, tonight I wanted to make up for it.
Nina clutched the bouquet of 99 red roses to her chest. A lump formed in her throat, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Her birthday had always been a thorn in her heart, for it was the beginning of whatever had transpired between them.
She never expected Jayden to prepare a surprise for her, to give importance to her birthday that had come and gone, especially now that they were no longer a couple.
The realization was both touching and bittersweet.
“Let’s put our grievances behind us and enjoy the night, hmm?” He said.
As she gazed into Jayden’s eyes, Nina saw the sincerity in his dark gaze. She bobbed her head and wiped her tears.
As the yacht continued its journey through tranquil waters, Jayden led Nina to an elegantly set table on the deck.
The table was adorned with crisp white linens, fine china, and silverware that gleamed under the soft glow of the lights.
Nina and Jayden sat side by side.
A five-star Michelin chef was hired to prepare the feast tonight. The chef’s artistry was clear in every dish, and every course had been crafted with precision.
Every dish was Nina’s favorite and as they savored the first course, their mouths were filled with rich flavors and textures.
The moon rose higher in the sky, casting its silvery glow over the deck of the yacht.
After indulging in the culinary delights of the dinner, the night had one more surprise in store.
A string quartet took their positions on the yacht’s deck.
With a gentle smile, Jayden extended his hand to Nina. His eyes were filled with affection as he invited her to a dance. “Shall we?”
Nina’s heart skipped a beat. She accepted his hand with a smile that held a thousand dreams.
As they stepped onto a cleared area of the deck, the string quartet began to play.
The music was a serenade of love, each note carrying the weight of their shared history and love.
As they swayed to the music, the world seemed to have disappeared around them. Their movements were graceful, as their bodies moved in harmony.
It was as if the universe had chosen this night to paint their love story in the sky, and the stars were witnesses to the magic of the moment.
After a few moves, Nina rested her head against Jayden’s chest and closed her, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat.
After the dance, Jayden and Nina made their way to the upper deck of the yacht. The night was long, and there was yet another surprise for her.
As they stood on the deck, they were enveloped by the vast expanse of the night sky. The stars above shimmered like diamonds in the inky darkness, each one a beacon of light in the celestial.
Nina’s eyes widened with amazement as she gazed upward.
The sheer number of stars left her in awe.
It was as though the sky had laid out its jewels just for them. Countless stars and constellations filled the sky, and they seemed to stretch to infinity.
Standing beside her, Jayden was infected by her smile. He was glad that he could create a memorable evening for her.
As they gazed at the stars, Jayden stood behind Nina and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. He signaled to the crew, who nodded at him before leaving the couple alone.
Suddenly, the sky came to life with bright bursts of color. Fireworks ignited in a dazzling display, painting the night with vibrant reds, golds, and blues.
A gasp escaped Nina’s lips as she took in the grand spectacle of fireworks.
The sound of the fireworks filled the air. As the colors shimmered in the night sky, Nina couldn’t help but comment on the magnificent view in front of her.
“So beautiful,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe and wonder.
With a tender smile, Jayden glanced down at her. The colors reflected in her eyes, and it was as if his entire world was filled with them.
“Not more than you.” He admitted.
Nina blushed at his sweet words; her cheeks tinged with a delicate shade of pink. She looked up at him, and their eyes met.
Jayden’s affection and desire were evident in his dark eyes. He lowered his head and kissed her lips.
As their lips met, time seemed to stand still. Jayden’s kiss was gentle, that spoke of his love and longing for her.
The fireworks continued to light up the sky, their colorful bursts a backdrop to this intimate moment.
—
Jayden only let go of her lips when they were both breathless.
Panting slightly, he pressed his forehead against hers and said in a hoarse. “Baby, let’s start afresh.”
“No,” Nina replied resolutely.
“Why not?”
“Because being your woman comes with a price,” she explained. “And I can’t afford it.”
“And you’ve never liked me, so what’s the point?” Her words carried a hint of bitterness, reflecting her hurt and insecurities, and Jayden couldn’t bear to see her in pain.
“Are my actions not enough to prove my feelings for you? Who did I do everything for?” He asked in return.
“It’s all lies. Do you think I don’t know what kind of person you are? To you, everything is a game and everyone’s just a pawn in your game.
“I won’t deny my methods are unforgiving,” he admitted, not refuting the truth in her words. “But no matter how horrible the world paints me, in my heart, you’re still my most treasured person.”
“And you’re so quick to judge me. What about you? Have you ever loved me?”
“I’ve always loved you, okay?” Nina explained hastily. “Because I was afraid of the contract clause, I always acted distant.”
Their relationship was bound by a contract that forbade them from falling in love. How could she dare reveal her emotions knowing the consequences?
“And how do you know it wasn’t me who fell first?” Jayden’s question pierced through the tension.
Nina was stunned, her mouth falling agape, when she heard Jayden’s unexpected words. Seeing her moist lips, Jayden was tempted to take a bite.
After he pulled away, he noticed she was still dazed and felt amused.
“Silly, I’ve always loved you,” he confessed. “From the moment I first saw you when you threw yourself into my arms, I knew I had to make you mine.”
Unknowingly, she had occupied his heart, and it was only when he had lost her he had realized the depth of his feelings.
Nina’s brows furrowed, and she pouted her lips, a hint of insecurity in her gaze. “What about Emilia?”
“If I had feelings for her, do you think you would still be in the picture?”
He then leaned in closer, resting his palms on either side of her face. “My…” he sighed, the words catching in his throat.
“I love you, Nina,” he confessed, his voice trembling slightly. “If only I could pull open my heart for you to see, would you realize how much I love you!”