Vacation

The morning sun streamed through the bedroom window, casting warm golden rays over the bed where Mia lay. She stirred slightly, her body still exhausted from the chaos of the past few days. The weight of everything that had happened pressed down on her, but for the first time in a long while, she felt safe.

Beside her, Alexander was already awake, watching her with an expression of quiet adoration. His fingers traced gentle patterns along her arm, as if reassuring himself that she was truly there. When she opened her eyes, he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Good morning, my love," he murmured.

Mia smiled sleepily. "Morning."

"How are you feeling?"

She stretched slightly, her muscles sore but her heart light. "Tired. But… at peace."

Alexander nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "We made it through, Mia. Marco is gone. His plans have failed. You don't have to worry anymore."

Mia sighed. "I want to believe that. I do. But part of me is still waiting for something else to go wrong."

He cupped her cheek, his gaze unwavering. "Nothing will happen to you. Or to us. I won't let it."

She reached up, placing her hand over his. "I know."

The moment was interrupted by a knock on the bedroom door. Alexander sighed, reluctant to let go of their quiet moment.

"Come in," he called.

Victor stepped inside, looking slightly less exhausted than the night before. "Sorry to interrupt, but we have some updates."

Mia sat up, Alexander instinctively wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Go on," she said.

Victor handed Alexander a tablet. "The authorities have officially taken over Marco's remaining assets. His offshore accounts, his properties—everything is being dismantled. His network is dead. Whatever was left of his operation is scrambling to save itself, but they won't get far."

Alexander scanned through the information, nodding in satisfaction. "Good. And 'Project Paragon'?"

Victor sighed. "It's done. We destroyed the main research files, and without Marco, the people involved don't have the funding or the leadership to continue. They're scattering like rats."

Mia exhaled slowly. "So… it's really over."

Victor gave her a small smile. "Yeah. It is."

For the first time since this nightmare began, Mia felt like she could breathe. She squeezed Alexander's hand, her heart swelling with relief.

Victor smirked. "Now, I suggest you two take a well-deserved break. Maybe a vacation?"

Alexander glanced at Mia, raising an eyebrow. "What do you think? A quiet getaway, just the two of us?"

Mia laughed softly. "That sounds perfect."

Victor chuckled. "Good. Because if anyone deserves it, it's you two."

As he left the room, Mia turned to Alexander, feeling lighter than she had in months. "A new beginning," she whispered.

Alexander kissed her deeply, sealing the promise between them. "Together."

And for once, the future looked bright.