♥ Extra chapter♥
Enzo D'Angelo.
After leaving the room and walking through the wide corridors of the cruise ship, the gentle sound of the ocean in the background accompanies us. The waves beat rhythmically against the ship's hull, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. The sky is clear and intense blue, and the sun is shining outside, promising a perfect day.
We reach the main deck, where the fresh wind is blowing in our faces. There, the family is already gathered, laughing and chatting around a table by the pool. That cruise represents more than just a vacation for us. It's a symbol of how we've managed to overcome obstacles and build something real.
Lucas and Luan, always so in sync, guide me to the table. Their touch is constant, as if they needed to reaffirm at every moment that we are together. When they arrive, we sit down among the family. My mother smiles, visibly more relaxed, putting aside what she saw in the room as she realizes how happy I am. She gestures for us to help ourselves to some of the exotic fruits that adorn the table.
''This is wonderful! '' exclaims Luan, filling his plate with slices of watermelon and pineapple.
Lucas just watches me out of the corner of his eye as he holds my hand under the table. He always seems to be aware of my mood and of every little change of expression on my face.
The conversation at the table flows naturally. We talk about the day's activities and the incredible scenery around us, but occasionally our gazes cross, and it's as if there are only the three of us at that moment. Even with all these people around us, there is a connection between us that no one can break.
After breakfast, we decide to explore the cruise. The idea is to relax, so we head to the spa, where massages and whirlpools await us. As we enter, the soft scent of lavender invades the room, and the soft lighting makes everything even more welcoming. We lie side by side on the loungers while the masseurs' skilled hands begin to work on our tense muscles.
''This is paradise,'' murmurs Lucas, his eyes closed and a relaxed smile on his lips.
''I told you we needed this,'' Luan adds, letting out a long sigh.
I feel the relaxation taking over my body, and for a moment, I forget everything that has happened over the last few years. I'm just there, present, next to them, enjoying the moment. When the session is over, our bodies are lighter, and the tensions are gone.
Leaving the spa, we decide to go to the pool area, where most of the passengers are cooling off in the sun. We find a more secluded area and settle down on the sun loungers. The sun warms our skin, and the sea breeze relieves the heat.
Luan gets up and, with his usual energy, runs towards the pool. He jumps in, creating a wave that wets part of our lounger. Lucas and I laugh at the scene as he emerges from the water with the mischievous grin I've come to love.
'' Come on! '' Luan shouts, gesturing for us to join him.
Lucas gives me a look of complicity before standing up and, without warning, pulling me into the pool. The cold water is a shock against the heat of the sun, but we soon get used to it. Laughter is inevitable, and for a moment, we look like three teenagers, with no worries and just enjoying the present.
As we swim and play, my mind disconnects from any problems from the past. Everything seems so simple now, so right. It's as if the love I feel for them and that they feel for me is the only thing that matters.
Later, we return to the deck, where the sunset is already beginning to color the sky in shades of orange and pink. The beauty of the scene is almost surreal. We sit side by side, watching the horizon.
''Look at that,'' I say, pointing to the sun slowly disappearing into the sea. ''It's so perfect.
''Not as perfect as you,'' Lucas murmurs in my ear, his voice low and tender.
Luan leans in to kiss me softly, and Lucas soon does the same. They both wrap me in a tight hug, and we stay like this in silence, just enjoying the moment. The gentle breeze, the sound of the waves, and their warmth next to me create a feeling of completeness that I never imagined I would feel.
''I never thought I'd get here with you.'' I admit that my voice is a little emotional. ''After everything we've been through.
'' Do you believe now that we deserve to be happy? '' Luan asks, stroking my cheek lovingly.
'' I do. '' I reply, feeling my chest fill with gratitude.
The cruise continues its course across the vast ocean, but I already know that, no matter where life takes us, as long as we're together, we'll be fine. Happiness is in every little gesture, in every shared look and touch. And now, more than ever, I know that this love, which began so unexpectedly, is the most certain and precious thing I've ever had.