Stepping onto this historic port city for the first time Selena found it a thrilling experience. As soon as she left the ship, she was surrounded by busy streets and lively people laughing and eating. Selena grabbed Matteo's hand and started wandering aimlessly through the old alley and small stores, searching for antiques and treasures. The next destination was to explore historical churches and buildings in the city's centre. Taking several pictures, Selena's thirst for sightseeing was somewhat quenched.
Selena forced Matteo to take part in several activities and entertainment after lunch, such as riding a Ferris wheel and attending shows that were inspired by the Moulin Rouge era.
Observing her hyperactivity behaviour like a child, Matteo felt helpless.
" Tell me the truth. It appears that you have set this trip up for yourself, hasn't it?"
As the day progressed, Selena's stamina began to run out. She was hanging on him like a koala, unable to move.
" What are you talking about? Everyone knew this trip was for you, not me!"
Even though she spent the best day of her life in the city, Selena refused to acknowledge it.
She heard a chuckle while a hand wrapped around her waist.
" Yeah. Yes, you are right. I completely agree with you."
Supporting his exhausted wife, he walked onto the port.
As the sun sank into the horizon, Selena and Matteo stood hand in hand at the edge of the railing.
As Selena gazed at the sea, she was taken aback by its beauty. Water blended with the horizon so seamlessly that the eye couldn't tell the difference. The gentle sea breeze caressed her hair, reminding her how big the world was beyond it.
Selena was soothed by the sounds of waves crashing against the hull as she stood near the beach. She relaxed as she listened to the rhythmic and peaceful sounds.
She seemed to be experiencing a sense of connection with nature as she looked out to the sea.
"Honey, let's have a cruise trip every year and make it a tradition!"
Throughout her marriage, she and her husband shared a love and appreciation for each other, albeit if they could not see each other much during the day.
Suddenly, Colors of pink, orange, and purple flew across the horizon as the sky turned vibrant. Almost too magical to be true, Selena watched the colours wash over the sea in awe.
" Look! Oh, my! This is so beautiful."
As Selena pointed at the sky, she exclaimed.
He leaned his head towards his wife, gazing at her with adoring eyes.
In his memory, he vividly recalls the first time he saw Selena, a girl dressed in a uniform, with a bright smile on her face, asking him if he might need help after witnessing the brutal bullying that took place just minutes earlier.
He was going through one of the darkest times of his life at that time. Although he had looked at her with eyes full of contempt, instead of leaving, she sat down beside him and began to speak to him about the things that go on in her daily life.
He had his share of people pretending to be kind while having ulterior motives. Even after her classmates orchestrated against her, the girl didn't vanish. He believed that her intentions toward him were sincere.
It was at that point that he realized his life was not only black and white but also filled with warm colours as well.
Lost in the moment, Matteo looked at her, eyes filled with love and gratitude. A simple smile on his face spoke volumes as if he understood the privilege it was to be able to witness such a natural wonder with his wife. The moment he fully immersed himself in the present, time stopped for him and his worries vanished in the air.
" Yes, It is," Matteo said never taking his gaze away from Selena.
As Matteo embraced his wife on the beach, he was engrossed in the moment, savouring every moment as thousands of twinkling stars filled the night sky. It was an experience they would never forget. The serenity of the sea, the beauty of the sunset, and the magic of sharing it would stay with them forever.
*****
This was the final day of the trip and the last port the ship would visit on its way back.
Matteo made a reservation for a romantic dinner with Selena.
"Honey, I placed an order for shrimp, garlic bread, lamb chops, and your favourite steak. And We must not miss the opportunity to try their lava cake!"
Selena stated when Matteo returned from a phone call.
"No problem, whatever you want!"
Matteo was astonished by how his wife's small body could consume such an amount of food but had learned the hard way to refrain from commenting on it.
As they savoured their meal, they had a joyful time recalling their past.
"Do you remember the time when you thought Gary was flirting with me? You acted like a possessive stalking male lead pestering me nonstop. Then your behaviour led Tina to find out about the surprise early. And Gary's one-month birthday preparation was in for naught. How angry was he!"
Selena chuckled when she thought of his face.
Matteo stared at the dimple on her cheek, feeling hot. He wanted to lick and suck on it.
Selena noticed that Matteo did not respond to her, instead his gaze was strange. She felt a shiver run down her spine.
She coughed and uttered.
"I head to the bathroom."
Selena escaped Matteo's hot gaze and confined herself in a cubicle. These past two days her waist has been so sore that it was killing her. Matteo's sexual desire erupted like a blast as if a sleeping dragon had awakened.
As she sat on the toilet seat, her waist began to ache. While raising her feet to alleviate the pain, she heard a conversation.
"Take a look at the cubicles."
A man's voice ordered the other one.
Selena froze in her action.
" They are empty, no foot," a woman said.
"Okay, let's review the plan once more. By accident, you will spill on the man near their table. When he begins to make a ruckus and their attention is on you guys, I will add the poison to his drink. Our only option is to use this since there are so many bodyguards."