✧TOGETHER FOREVER✧ ✓

40 ¶¶ REKINDLING

~*~
ASHLEY
"

It'd been a few days after the whole catastrophe, and  finally the whole news splash had died down.

Right now, I lay on the sun lounger, my sunglasses shielding my eyes from the bright sun. The gentle sound of the waves lapping at the shore mixed with the joyful laughter of Jayden and Jordan playing in the sand. I watched them with a mix of contentment and relief, grateful for this unexpected break. Mr Jacobs had granted me a short leave, allowing me to escape the recent turmoil.

Jayden had spared no expense in making this trip perfect. The private island was a paradise, offering a serene escape from the media frenzy that had erupted weeks ago. The island was lush with greenery, and the white sandy beaches seemed to stretch on forever. It was a stark contrast to the chaos we had left behind.

Unfortunately today marked the end of our small escape.

As I watched Jayden helping Jordan build a sandcastle, I couldn't help but smile. Despite everything, Jayden had been a rock for me, tirelessly working to make things right. This trip was his way of apologizing, of showing that he still cared deeply for me and our daughter.

After an afternoon of sunbathing, I joined Jayden and Jordan for a swim. The cool, clear water was refreshing, and we spent hours splashing around, playing games, and laughing together. Jordan’s giggles echoed over the water as Jayden lifted her high above his head, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in months.

Later, as the sun began to set, we took a walk along the beach. Jordan, clutching a small bucket, collected seashells with my help while Jayden walked beside us, his hand occasionally brushing against mine. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, the perfect backdrop for our family moment. We found a cozy spot on the sand and sat down to watch the sunset, the gentle breeze rustling through the palm trees.

“Mommy, look at this one!” Jordan exclaimed, holding up a particularly shiny shell.

“It’s beautiful, sweetie,” I replied, admiring the shell. I glanced at Jayden, who was smiling at us. “This place is perfect, Jayden. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it,” he said softly, his eyes holding mine for a moment longer than usual.

Back at the villa, we decided to cook dinner together. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Laughter filled the air as Jordan insisted on stirring the pot, her little hands making a mess but adding to the joy of the moment. We enjoyed our meal outside, under the stars, the sounds of the island creating a tranquil ambiance.

“This is delicious,” I said, taking another bite. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

Jayden chuckled. “I had good help.” He glanced at Jordan, who was happily munching on her food. “Right, pumpkin?”

Jordan nodded vigorously, her mouth full. “Best dinner ever!”

After dinner, we retreated to the living room. Jordan, exhausted from the day's activities, quickly fell asleep in her room. Jayden and I settled in the cozy living room, a soft breeze wafting in from the open windows. We sat close together on the couch, the flicker of the TV casting gentle shadows on our faces.

Jayden sighed, shaking his head as he watched the TV. "Who forgets to turn off th the stove before leaving for work?"

I laughed, nudging him playfully. "Jayden, it's just a movie. It's all scripted drama. Don't take it so seriously."

"But still," he muttered, looking genuinely upset, "who writes this stuff?"

I chuckled, leaning my head on his shoulder. "Someone who loves to see people get riled up, apparently."