Chapter 28 (Author’s POV)

The car door shut with a soft thud, sealing Amanda inside the luxury vehicle with Raphael. The scent of leather and his cologne wrapped around her, a mix of power and warmth that made her exhale softly. The reality of it all settled in-she was really going on a honeymoon with this man. Her husband. The word still felt foreign, like a pair of new shoes that hadn't quite molded to her feet yet.

"Bali, here we come," Raphael said, stretching his legs like a king settling into his throne. He turned to her with a smirk, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Are you ready for paradise, Mrs. Steel?"

Amanda rolled her eyes. "Don't call me that."

"But it's your name now," he teased, tapping his wedding ring against the window. "Or are you already regretting it?"

She huffed, crossing her arms. "I just need time to get used to it."

"Don't worry, sweetheart," he said smoothly, leaning in just enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath. "I'll make sure you scream my name enough times in Bali to get used to it."

Amanda gasped, heat crawling up her neck. She swatted his arm. "You're impossible!"

"And yet, you married me." His grin was infuriatingly smug. "That must mean something."

"It means I was desperate," she shot back, but the way he was looking at her-eyes dark, unreadable-made her stomach tighten.

"Desperate for me?" He grinned wider. "I get it. I'm irresistible. But you could've just admitted you wanted me instead of making me go through the whole wedding thing."

Amanda scoffed. "Please. If anything, I deserve an award for putting up with you."

"An award?" Raphael tapped his chin, pretending to consider it. "How about a prize instead? Something... pleasurable." His voice dropped lower, smooth like silk, and goosebumps rose along her arms.

She tried to fight a smile, shaking her head. "Do you ever turn it off?"

"Not when I have a gorgeous wife sitting beside me." He winked. "Tell me, Amanda, what are you most excited about in Bali? The beaches? The food? Or waking up every morning beside your devastatingly handsome husband?"

"Definitely the food," she deadpanned.

Raphael placed a hand over his heart, feigning a deep wound. "Ouch. That hurt."

"Good."

"You're cruel, Mrs. Steel."

"And yet, you married me," she said, mirroring his earlier words with a smirk.

Raphael let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "God, I like you."

Amanda turned her face toward the window, but she couldn't stop the warmth blooming in her chest. He was being playful, teasing like a man who had no worries in the world. Was he really that happy to be spending time with her? Was this the real him? This carefree, flirtatious side was so different from the cold, calculated billionaire she had married.

And it was dangerous. Because she liked seeing this side of him.

Before she could think too deeply about it, her phone buzzed in her lap. Seeing Mom on the screen, she quickly answered.

"Hey Mom. Good Morning".

"Amanda, sweetheart," Erica's voice came through, gentle but laced with concern. "How are you? Are you at the airport yet?"

"Not yet. We're on the way," Amanda replied, shifting slightly in her seat. "How's Ash?"

"He's better," Erica assured her, though the tiredness in her voice was evident. "But he still hasn't regained consciousness."

Amanda's chest tightened. She swallowed hard. "And Dad?"

"He's fine, honey. We're all fine. I just wanted to tell you to enjoy your honeymoon. Don't stress about Asher. He's strong-he'll pull through. Right now, just focus on your husband."

Amanda hesitated, glancing at Raphael. He was watching her intently, his expression unreadable.

"When you get back," Erica continued, "we'd love for you to visit. Bring your husband. We'd like to see you both."

Amanda nodded, even though Erica couldn't see it. "Okay."

After ending the call, she took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering worry.

Raphael's voice was soft when he spoke. "Whenever you're ready, we'll meet them together."

Her eyes lifted to his, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. His gaze held no teasing, no arrogance-just quiet sincerity.

And then he smiled, and something inside her shifted.

She couldn't remember the last time she felt this way. This warmth, this awareness of someone beside her. She had spent so long believing that love-true, steady love-was out of reach for her. That men like Raphael didn't fall for women like her, not in any way that mattered.

But maybe... maybe she had been wrong.

As the car cruised down the road, she stole a glance at him again. He was humming under his breath, drumming his fingers against his thigh, lost in thought. He looked so unguarded in that moment, so different from the domineering billionaire who had cornered her into marriage.

Why was he being so playful? Was it just the excitement of the trip, or... was he actually happy to be spending more time with her?

He's acting like a man-child right now, she thought, watching as he mindlessly traced patterns on the leather seat. And yet... I love seeing this side of him.

A small, unbidden smile crept onto her lips.

What will I do? she thought, her heart pounding.

I think I am falling in love with him.

I think I am falling for him.

____________________________________

Greetings, dear readers,

I trust you have been enjoying the journey of this story thus far. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me, and I promise to continue delivering new chapters with the same passion and dedication.

If you find yourself captivated by my writing, I would be honored if you explored my latest book, "Not the Second Time. I sincerely hope it resonates with you just as deeply.

Your feedback is invaluable, as it allows me to refine and enhance the narrative, ensuring the story unfolds in the most compelling way possible. I cherish our connection and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Love ya

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