Sarah
"Where are we going?" I ask as I get in the car.
"Sightseeing," Matthew says without offering any further explanation.
A few minutes later, we end up at a dock. My mood brightens as I see a big boat tied to it. I've always loved being in a boat in the middle of the sea. "We are going on a boat ride? How fun!" I exclaim.
Matthew doesn't react to my enthusiasm, but I see his facial expression soften a little. "Yes, it will take us to a small island. Apparently, there's a restaurant that's known for great food," he said.
I nod. I can't help but secretly be happy at his interest in going places for our honeymoon. I half expected him to ditch me at the resort and leave by himself.
Matthew steps out of the car and leads me toward the boat.
As we approach, a crew member steps forward, greeting Matthew with a nod before helping us aboard. I glance around, taking in the cushioned seating area and the open deck, perfect for taking in the sea air.
The boat pulls away from the dock, gliding smoothly across the calm waters. I lean back, letting the warm sun and cool breeze wash over me.
The ride takes about twenty minutes, and the boat cuts through the water with ease. Soon, a small island comes into view, its lush greenery spilling onto the white sand beaches. A modest dock extends into the water, and beyond it, I can see the outline of a charming little building nestled among the trees.
"This is it?" I ask, my excitement bubbling to the surface.
Matthew nods.
As the boat slows to a stop at the dock, Matthew stands, offering me his hand. I take it, surprised by the unexpected gesture, and allow him to guide me off the boat.
We make our way along the weathered wooden planks. The island feels like a hidden paradise, untouched by the world beyond its shores.
"It's beautiful here!" I gasp.
"Yes. I heard their lobsters are to die for," Matthew says, sounding happy for the first time since we got married.
Matthew leads me inside, and we're greeted by a smiling hostess who guides us to a table in a quiet corner.
After settling into our seats, I find myself stealing glances at Matthew, trying to gauge his reaction to the surroundings. His face remains unemotional, but there's a flicker of light in his eyes.
Thank god he is in a good mood, I think to myself.
"How did you find this place?" I ask, my voice soft, almost afraid to disrupt the intimate atmosphere.
Matthew meets my gaze, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "From the pamphlet in our room," he replies.
Matthew picks up the menu. I follow suit, my eyes skimming over the enticing options.
"See anything you like?" Matthew asks, not looking up from his menu.
"The lobster does sound amazing," I admit, my mouth watering at the thought. "But everything looks delicious."
Matthew closes his menu decisively. "Lobster it is, then."
"This place is lovely," I venture, hoping to draw him out. "Thank you for bringing me here."
Matthew's gaze meets mine. "Don't mention it," he says gruffly, looking out at the sparkling blue water.
We go into silence, but for once, it feels almost companionable rather than strained.
"Matthew, is that you?"
A voice startles me, and I look up to see a stranger smiling at us.
Recognition flashes in Matthew's eyes, and he smiles back at the man. "Oh, hello, Mark. We are just here to try their famous lobsters," he says with a grin.
"Us too! Vanessa, come over here and see who I just found," the man calls out, laughing.
A woman with black curly hair and a warm smile approaches our table. "Ah, fancy seeing you here. Care to introduce us to your…"
"Wife," Matthew says. "This is my wife, Sarah."
I feel strangely relieved at his introduction. I half expected him to dismiss me. "Hi," I say shyly.
"We met Matthew at the beach last night. You must've been sleeping," Vanessa says.
"I was," I reply, giving her a polite smile while glancing at Matthew.
He must've met them when he angrily stormed out of the room and was gone for an hour.
"Anyway, we don't want to bother you too much. Our food should be here soon, but hey, why don't you two come to the Jeep safari with us? It's more fun in a group with the people you know," Mark says.
I glance at Matthew, curious about his reaction to the invitation. For a moment, his expression remains unreadable, but then he surprises me with a small nod.
"Sounds interesting. What time?" Matthew asks.
Mark beams. "Around two o'clock. We'll meet at the main square on the island—there's a guide who takes groups out from there. It's a great way to see the place."
Vanessa chimes in, her enthusiasm infectious. "Oh, it's incredible! There are hidden trails, stunning views, and even a spot where you can see dolphins if you're lucky."
"That does sound fun," I say, my excitement genuine. "Thank you for inviting us."
Vanessa smiles warmly. "Of course! The more, the merrier."
As they return to their table, I turn back to Matthew. "You actually agreed to go?"
He raises an eyebrow, looking faintly amused. "Why not? It's a chance to see more of the island. Why? Would you rather stay at the resort?"
"No! We are on a honeymoon, so I want to have fun," I say quickly.
Matthew scoffs. "Right, honeymoon."
"It is our honeymoon whether you want it to be or not," I say firmly. "And we are going to have fun."
"Right…fun," he says dryly but doesn't argue the point.
The waiter arrives with our drinks, cutting the tension between us. I take a sip of my cocktail, savoring the tropical flavor, and let the cool liquid soothe my nerves.
"How long do you think the safari will last?" I ask, trying to steer the conversation toward neutral territory.
Matthew shrugs, his gaze focused on the water outside. "Probably a few hours. Long enough to see everything worth seeing, I suppose."
"I'm glad we're doing something together," I say softly, almost to myself.
He glances at me, his expression unreadable. "You wanted a honeymoon experience, didn't you?"
"Yes," I reply, refusing to let his tone discourage me. "And I appreciate you coming along."
Matthew doesn't respond immediately. He picks up his glass and takes a sip, the silence between us teetering on the edge of awkwardness.
When our food arrives, the aroma of the lobster fills the air, and I can't help but smile. "This smells amazing."
Matthew nods. "Let's hope it lives up to the hype."