If you only knew...

46.Final preparations

Ana's POV

As dawn breaks, soft rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, gently coaxing me from my slumber. A wave of realization washes over me: we have an assignment at the casino today, and a twinge of anxiety settles in my stomach. What challenges await us?

As stress begins to creep in, a calming sight pulls my thoughts away: Xavier lies peacefully beside me, his beautiful face illuminated by the morning light. Unable to resist, I reach out to caress his cheek, savoring his beauty and the tranquility he brings me.

On the other side, Lisa sleeps soundly, completely unaware of my internal dilemma. I find myself caught between the two of them, uncertain whether to stay a little longer in bed with them or to wake them from their dreams.

As I prepare to make a move, my partner's eyes flutter open, revealing a spark of curiosity mixed with innocence. He gazes at me, a soft smile spreading across his face. "Now, that's a delightful sight to wake up to," he murmurs.

"I felt the exact same way when I woke up and caught a glimpse of you." I can't help but chuckle, relishing in how he always knows just the right words to highlight my beauty.

"What time is it?" he asks, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"It's still pretty early—7 am. No need to stress; we need to be at the casino by the afternoon. Go ahead and catch some more sleep if you want." I say gently, brushing my fingers over his cheek.

"No, I'm good," he replies slowly as he pushes himself up from the bed.

Lisa is sprawled across the mattress, still completely lost in her dreams. As I stand up, I wrap my arms around Xavier from behind, a hint of vulnerability in my tone. "Are you still upset with me about last night? Let's have our coffee outside, just the two of us. I'd really like to talk," my voice carries a weight of regret.

"Okay..." he responds softly, his resistance faltering.

We step into the small garden, the crisp morning air sending a slight shiver through me. Just then, Xavier drapes his leather jacket around my shoulders, his gesture warming me more than the fabric itself. I glance up at him, my eyes filled with gratitude, before we settle into a couple of cozy chairs, ready to share our thoughts.

"I'm so sorry for mentioning your name to Lisa," I say, my voice thick with regret as I avoid his gaze. "I don't really understand why it matters so much to you to keep it hidden from others, but I realize now that I shouldn't have shared that."

His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with the disappointment in his eyes. "What else did you tell her about me?"

"Just this!" I hesitate, the words barely escaping my lips. "But... I might have also shared what's been happening between us." Embarrassment washes over me, flooding my voice with remorse.

His expression shifts, curiosity piquing as he asks slowly, "You really told her everything?"

"I did," I admit with a sigh, my heart heavy. "I needed someone to understand my struggles, someone to confide in so I could release this burden."

He shakes his head, a sigh escaping him. "Oh, Ana," he murmurs, disappointment shadowing his face. "Sometimes, people don't listen to your pain because they care; it's often just out of sheer curiosity. I'm not here to judge anyone, but..." His voice trails off as he stares pensively at the grass beneath us.

A tense silence fills the space between us until he finally speaks again. "How can I put my trust in you when your words often leave me feeling unsure and let down?"

With a gentle touch, I reach for his hand, caressing it softly as I plead, "Please, just forgive me. I've learned my lesson, and I can't shake this feeling of deep regret." my voice trembles, carrying the weight of a heartfelt plea.