"Congratulations on your engagement!!"
Hunter observe Emily as she engaged in conversation with the guest. He listened intently, swirling and sipping his wine.
"She hasn't change a bit. " Adam said from behind Taking a sip from his wine. He sat the glass in a coaster on the smooth mahogany countertop.
"Still that reserved, easygoing and good natured." Hunter turned to his side facing his friend whose eyes remained on Emily.
"She has a truly infectious personality you know, that makes a positive impact on everyone around her." Adam concluded and continued to stare at Emily while he spoke to Hunter.
Hunter turned and faced Emily, who brushed the hair back over her shoulders, her eyes big and blue, her cheeks, soft, round and rosy, her hair bright and golden. Instantly she turned Slowly and met his intent gaze a bright smile on her face.
When they had found Emily five years later, she had been on the hospital bed, clutching the Hardecker's most prized possession, her face wrapped due to facial injury. It appeared that she had been involved in an accident that had damaged her face, and it had also affected her brain, causing her to lose her previous memories. She was suffering from complete amnesia.
She was now an entirely different person, with a vastly changed personality.
She no longer asked to be hugged, as she had always done before. She did not stay in lavish hotels, enjoy exciting safaris and luxury cruises, or derive full happiness and pleasure from her wealth. She couldn't even recognize some of her friends.
She did not indulge in her rich, comfortable, and sumptuous lifestyle, effectively ignoring the world's problems and crises. Like she would normally do with her friends. She did not impress others with her expensive clothes, designer accessories, and flashy cars. She was neither a big spender nor a heavy talker. This Emily was introverted, thoughtful, reserved, and often anxious. She was easygoing, calm, and unemotional, patient, and agreeable to avoid upsetting someone - the complete opposite of what she used to be. A transformation he was yet to fully comprehend.
A few years away could indeed change someone drastically, or perhaps the amnesia had played a significant role in her transformation, mused Hunter.
"We suggest bringing a few potential songs with you for your first lesson. This allows you to pick the song and dance that best fits your style. You may even have time also to have other guests, such as your maid-of-honor or your best man, join you for dance lessons."
Hunter stared at Emily as she spoke. She was now with their supposed dance lesson tutor.
"Thank you Mrs Helen, since it is the most common way these days." Emily replied a bright smile on her face.
"Anyway, I'm off. I've got a busy day tomorrow. Have a good weekend". Helen lifted her chin in farewell.
"You too Mrs Helen."
Hunter left the smooth mahogany countertop and strolled towards Emily grabbing her hands giving her a tender nip. He could smell her musk and feel her heat.
"How about a stroll in the beach, I mean if it okay with you."
Emily beem excitedly. "That so kind of you to mention, would definitely love to visit the beach."
******
The night air was crisp and cool and laden by the scents of the ocean. Della's gaze went to where the foggy ocean met the sky in the distance. she shivered at the relish of night-blooming vines and the salty ocean on the frigid breeze.
The aromatic ocean gust was brisk as it brushed her skin. The ocean's calming rhythm and edible breeze made the beach more bearable.
The sunset drew her gaze to the wall of light, and she watched the sky darken over the beautiful waters. She'd never expected to be this relaxed.
"I think we should head back Hunter, It getting late mother would be worried." She said brushing off sand from her gown.
"My friend owns the place Emily. We have more than enough time. we are engaged Emily" Hunter replied and rubbed the back of his neck, squinting at the darkened sky.
She breathed in the ocean air and faced the ocean, the moon dangling low and large in the sky before her. The sight, sound and scent of the ocean helped her relax.
"We have more than enough time."
The thoughts crossed her mind simultaneously and she shivered at the odd connection. Alone with Hunter was something she hadn't thought of in a while. The heady sensations of being so close to him ... The thought made her lower body burn, and he was right for certain they were engaged. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed that the romantic thoughts would cease to invade her mind. She didn't want to feel attracted to Hunter, not him, not Emily's lover, At worst... she didn't want to think about that not when her hands were covered in the blood of the Adley's heiress, and she couldn't think about such things without wanting to break down and weep. She only told her friend she was doing it for the money, but that certainly not all, some secrets must be left a secret.
"But after an unforgettable desert ocean we head back to the hotel." Della clearfield.
"very well." Hunter retorts.
They both went silent starring at the ocean. Della let herself stay where she was, intrigued by the electricity and calmed by the heat of his body and the scent of the ocean.
Hunter twirled and faced Emily his enthrallment caught on her neckline, which was plunging, revealing the curves of her full breasts.
What caught his attention was the red scar, which he had only just noticed. It stood out prominently on her skin, a stark contrast against her otherwise flawless complexion. He couldn't help but be drawn to it, wondering how she had obtained such a mark. The scar seemed to tell a story, hinting at some past trauma or experience he knew nothing about.
His gaze lingered on the discolored tissue, curiosity piqued. He yearned to ask about it, to understand its origin, but the words caught in his throat. There was an intimacy to scars, a vulnerability that gave him pause. This was uncharted territory, and he feared overstepping some invisible boundary.
So instead, he simply studied the scar, his eyes tracing its jagged edges, wondering what pain it represented, what memories it held. It was a silent reminder that even the most put-together individuals often carried invisible wounds, hidden from the world. And in that moment, he felt a sense of connection to this woman he thought he knew so well. He moved closer to her not realizing and smoothed her hair from her face.