Departure IV

Talking a quick glance at the distraction, Lucian was shocked to see Aubrey's frail figure sent flying into the air by a speeding car at the corner.

He stared at the scene horrified as her body was sent crashing onto the floor like a sack of grain. The driver of the car seeing the horrifying crime he had committed immediately took to his heels speeding across the highway.

Panic gripped him and he immediately rushed out of the car and over to her side scooping her almost lifeless body into his arms and racing towards the hospital discarding his phone in the chaos.

It wasn't until five hours later when the hospital quietened down and Aubrey's surgery was confirmed successful did he remember the evening he had planned and Mia's birthday.

Guilt with a mixture of worry churned in his stomach as he grappled with the realization that he didn't even phone her about the event.

The night seemed to stretch endlessly as worries swelled to encompass Mia's entire evening as she sat at home pacing to and fro worriedly waiting for Lucian's presence her heart heavy with the fact that he had gone against his words and disappointed her on her special day which was slipping away without the celebration she'd hope for.

Her eyes reached for her phone every now and then hoping for a call from him or even a mere text message bit there was none. The night wore on each moment stretching out into a moment of unease and longing.

When Lucian finally managed to get home late at night, he found Mia asleep on the couch a single tear rolling down her cheeks.

He felt as though his heart was punctured with thousands of pins as he gently wiped away her tears, he felt even more guilty noticing the outfit she was donning. Her cellphone which screen was still on displayed her call logs and the thousands of call she'd put through to him but he never noticed as he was previously worried about Aubrey's status.

He gently carried her up and into their bedroom, gently placing her on the king-sized bed .

"I'm so sorry the only word I always have to say is sorry". He muttered softly under his breath, tightly clenching his fist as his heart burned with a deep sense of rage and hatred. This time for himself.

Mia was already up and seated downstairs on the couch when Lucian woke up. Her eyes filled with sadness and disappointment but curling into a small smile as she caught sight of him descending down the stairs.

"You were home last night". She began cautiously.

"I'm so sorry about that. I was already on my way home yo pick you up but I was delayed by a . ."

m Mia scoffed despondently and continued, interrupting him mid-sentence.

"I waited for you throughout the whole day, called your line repeatedly but it went straight to voicemail so I thought maybe you changed your mind about celebrating my birthday with me ".

Her words did nothing but made Lucian felt even more worse doubling the pang of guilt he felt but he knew for sure that he had thoroughly messed up her day.

"I really didn't meant to keep you waiting, I was already on my way home to pick you up but I was delayed by a prank call from Aubrey . ." He explained anxiously.

"I'm so sorry, I never meant to hurt you and would make up for my deeds. How about we continue our interrupted honeymoon".

"Then what about Aubrey ?".

"Her friend is over with her and besides I've already phoned her father too, there's a business trip on the westside that I need to see to , the least I need is a day to settle the deal then we'll have the whole week for ourselves".

Mia looked at him, her expression softening a bit as she listened to his explanation.

" I really can't get mad at you". Mia smiled.

Under the bright sunshine, the beach was a serene paradise as the waves crashed against the shore and seagulls circling overhead. The beach was a perfect refuge for the duo who could barely keep their hands off each other.

Their feet sank into the soft sand as their laughter filled the air with vibrant energy. They were back in their little house at the honeymoon resorts.

Mia stood by the shore deep in thought. At the beginning they had been a happy couple although not mutually in love they tried to make it work and when it did they were separated.

This very place was the beginning of their woes, of their test, test of love . .

"What are you thinking about ?". Lucian embraced her from behind , his head buried in her neck sniffing in the sweet scent of her cologne.

" Nothing much, I was just thinking how fast time flies". She turned around and embraced him.

"Mia. I'm sorry". His eyes locked onto hers brimming with remorse and an unspoken plea for forgiveness. "I couldn't be the perfect husband . "

"Shh". Mia placed her slender fingers on his lips stoping him from making the next sentence.

" Why opening an old wound, I thought we're here to continue our interrupted honeymoon".

"Then let's make every moment counts". Lucian smiled and scooped her up, spinning her around in a joyous embrace, her playful giggles rolling out in bubbles.

As the day unfolded, they frolicked in the gentle surf and strolled the shoreline.

Gazing at the twinkling stars overhead as the sun began to dip into the horizon, the duo gasped in amazement at the beautiful sight.

"So beautiful". Mia gushed appreciatingly.

"Not as beautiful as you are". Lucian added pulling Mia onto his embrace, her cheeks flushing bright.

As his fingers brushed against her skin, Mia felt a shiver run through her body. A thrill coursing through her, a sensation only he could arouse in her. And she responded with equal fervor, lost in the passion that enveloped them both.

Lucian's gaze lingered on her, his desire growing with every passing moment. He savored the taste of her delicate lips, his hands exploring every inch of her body. Mia surrendered herself to him completely, feeling the heat of his arousal against her.

With a gentle touch, Lucian lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom. They undressed each other slowly, savoring every moment of the anticipation. And then they were on the bed, lost in a frenzy of passion that consumed them both.

As the hours ticked by, they explored each other's bodies with a newfound intimacy ,they made love over and over again leaving her sated and unknown to them both, pregnant. And when the sun finally rose, they lay entwined in each other's arms, sated and content.

After several days of uninterrupted sleep, meals, and intimacy, the duo found it difficult to distinguish one day from the next.

Mia rolled over on her her stomach, hoping to wrap her arm around Lucian's toned abdomen as usual, but was surprised to find an empty space beside her.