BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Chapter 44: Realizations I Love Him

Chapter 44: Realizations I Love Him

The Sunday morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a seductive golden glow throughout the room. The air was saturated with the sensual scents of lavender and the morning's lingering coffee, creating an atmosphere thick with unspoken promises. Sprawled on the couch, I found my gaze fixated on the half-drunk cup of chamomile tea on the coffee table, a sharp departure from my typical Sunday indulgences.

Normally, I'd be lost in a novel, while Luke would be worshiping my body with his hands, delivering a slow, deliberate foot massage. His husky voice would float towards me, laden with explicit details of how he intended to ravish me later – promises of making me arch and moan under his touch, of how and where he'd bring me to the brink of ecstasy.

God, I missed him. His constant hunger for me, always eager and ready to plunge us into waves of pleasure at any given moment. Today, however, my entire world seemed to shrink down to the silent, incessant lure of my phone.

I kept stealing glances at it, as if it harbored some secret to my happiness. And perhaps, in a sense, it did. Luke, my partner, was in China for business. It had only been three days since his departure, but the void felt immense. We kept in touch through calls, texts, and FaceTime, but it didn't seem to quell the longing.

It was strange to think how Luke, once the cause of stress at work, had become such an integral part of my life. With him, I felt complete, like I'd found a missing piece I wasn't aware was lost.

As I lay there, lost in thought, my phone buzzed. My heart skipped a beat, hoping it was Luke, but it was just an alert for a shoe sale. Disappointed, I decided to call Sophia, my best friend and the one who always told it like it was.

Sophia answered with her usual nonchalance. "What's up? You're disrupting my chill Sunday."

I sighed, "It's about Luke. I'm struggling here, Soph."

Her laughter was light but understanding. "Spill it. What's going on?"

As I poured my heart out, Sophia listened patiently. Then, with a wisdom that always surprised me, she said, "You're in love, that's what this is."

"In love? Now soon?" I echoed, the words tasting new and uncertain in my mouth.

Sophia's voice softened, "Yes, you. And yes, with Luke. Look at you. When was the last time you missed someone like this? I mean, your Ex Matt was in your life for years, and not once did you pine like this. And now, Luke's absence for a mere few days has you all out of sorts."

Her words, though light, carried a weight of truth. Memories of my time with Matt, contrasted starkly with the intensity I felt for Luke. I never ached for Matt's presence, never felt this deep void.

"Soph, I..." I paused, grappling with the enormity of my feelings. "I think you're right. I think I'm falling in love with him."

Sophia's triumphant chuckle filled the line. "Of course, I'm right. I'm like a relationship prophet. Remember how I called it back in Brazil? You kept denying, saying he was just your boss, and nothing would happen. And now, look where you are."

I couldn't help but laugh, her confidence infectious. "Well, I suppose I do owe you for all the advice and insights.

Her laughter peeled out again. "You bet! And hey, I should really consider writing that book. My escapades could fill chapters."

I rolled my eyes, grinning. "Soph, you'd have the world blushing. But, speaking of relationships, where is Sarah? I've been trying to reach her, but she's been MIA."

"Oh, you won't believe this - Sarah's snagged herself a new beau," Sophia announced, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "Caught her red-handed at Whole Foods, all googly-eyed over kale and quinoa. Her guy is one of those clean-eating, tree-hugging types. They were practically making sonnets over kale and quinoa. And now? She's whisked away on a camping trip with him - no phones, no Wi-Fi, just bugs and bear scares!"

I laughed, imagining the scene. "That sounds just like Sarah. She always dives deep into these things. But no electricity, camping? She's really embracing this new lifestyle."

Sophia snorted. "I know! If she comes back preaching about clean eating, I might lose it.You and I, we're sugar addicts, and proud of it, and we're dedicated members of the sugar appreciation club, and I'm not ready to turn in my badge!"

Our conversation meandered from Sarah's new beau to other matters. I found myself sharing my thoughts about going public with my relationship with Luke, and the looming conversation with my parents. Sophia's encouragement and enthusiasm buoyed my spirits.

As we wrapped up our call, I felt a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. My feelings for Luke weren't just a fleeting fancy; they were deep, real, and worth exploring. With a contented sigh, I glanced at my phone again, this time with a smile. The wait for his return seemed a little less daunting now, armed with the realization of my love for him.