Millionaire Marriage

Escaping to Paradise

Chapter 9

Ava and Ethan drove for hours, the city gradually fading into the distance. The landscape outside the car windows changed from towering buildings to open fields, then rolling hills covered in lush greenery. Ava's excitement grew with every mile, though Ethan remained tight-lipped about their destination. He just kept smiling, glancing over at her every so often, his hand resting on hers.

"You're really not going to tell me where we're going?" she asked, feigning a pout.

Ethan chuckled, giving her hand a squeeze. "Patience, Ava. We're almost there. Trust me, it's worth the wait."

Ava settled back into her seat, watching the scenery pass by. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this light, this carefree. It wasn't just the trip—it was Ethan. The way he made her feel like she was the center of his world, like nothing else mattered when they were together.

Eventually, Ethan turned off the main road and down a winding path lined with trees, the air outside growing crisper. As they rounded the final corner, Ava gasped.

Before them was a beautiful, secluded cabin nestled by a sparkling lake. The water shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, reflecting the trees that surrounded the area like a natural fortress. The cabin itself looked cozy and inviting, with its wooden exterior and wide front porch.

Ethan parked the car and turned to Ava, his face glowing with pride. "Welcome to our little getaway."

Ava could hardly believe her eyes. "This... this is amazing, Ethan. How did you find this place?"

He smiled, stepping out of the car and walking around to open her door. "It's been in my family for years. I used to come here as a kid, and I always thought it would be the perfect place to bring someone special one day."

Ava's heart swelled as she stepped out and took in the beauty of their surroundings. The air was so fresh, the lake so serene—it was like they had stepped into another world, far removed from the chaos of their lives in the city.

Ethan took her hand and led her toward the cabin. "Come on, let's get settled. There's so much I want to show you."

Inside, the cabin was just as charming as the outside. Wooden beams lined the ceiling, and a stone fireplace dominated one wall, making the room feel warm and intimate. The large windows offered a perfect view of the lake, and Ava could already imagine sitting there with Ethan, watching the sunset.

"This is perfect," she whispered, turning to him with a smile. "Thank you for bringing me here."

Ethan walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I wanted to give us a chance to breathe. To enjoy each other without any distractions."

Ava leaned back into him, closing her eyes. "It's exactly what I needed."

For the rest of the day, they explored the area around the lake, walking hand-in-hand along the shore, skipping stones across the water, and laughing like children. It was peaceful, almost like a dream, and Ava found herself falling deeper for Ethan with every moment they spent together.

Later that evening, they sat on the porch, watching the sun sink below the horizon. Ethan had made a fire in the pit outside, and they were wrapped up in a blanket, sitting close, sharing the warmth.

"I've never felt so at peace," Ava admitted, her head resting on Ethan's shoulder.

"That's what I hoped for," he replied softly, his fingers playing with hers. "I wanted you to see what life could be like when it's just us, away from everything else."

Ava lifted her head, looking into his eyes. "I don't need all the distractions. I don't need the city, or the busy life. I just need you."

Ethan smiled, leaning in to kiss her. "I feel the same way, Ava. And I want you to know that I'm serious about this—about us."

Ava's heart skipped a beat as his words sank in. She could see the depth of his feelings in his eyes, feel it in the way he held her close.

"I'm serious too," she whispered back. "I'm all in, Ethan."

The stars began to twinkle above them, and for the first time, Ava felt like the future she had always dreamed of was within reach. Together, they sat in silence, content just to be in each other's arms, under the vast sky, in their little piece of paradise.