Chapter 384: Caya Island

The tropical city of Sen was every bit as beautiful as everyone had always claimed.

Why was it called Sen?

Because Sen meant lotus, and the name was fitting.

Viewed from above, the entire city resembled a lotus blossom resting upon a dark blue sea, with three interconnected islands stretching outward like delicate petals.

Each island had its own name. The first was Luma, the central island was Caya, and the last was Cora Island... the very same place Edith had mentioned.

However, Cora Island was not their immediate destination.

After another half-hour helicopter ride toward Caya Island, they descended onto a private helipad nestled high on a hillside.

Gavriel had piloted the helicopter himself.

Somewhere along the journey, Aliana had looked over and asked him, "Why travel by air for so long when you could simply teleport us there?"

To which Gavriel had quietly answered, "I could, but I did not want to rob you of this experience."

And he was right.

This was Aliana’s first time here, and no matter how long the journey took, the breathtaking scenery alone made it worth every minute. Wherever they were heading, she already knew it was going to be worth the wait.

And it was.

The moment they came closer to the property, Aliana was left speechless by the sight below her.

Perched high on the mountainside was a one-of-a-kind luxury mansion built directly into the dramatic tropical cliffs.

The private estate featured sleek, dark architectural lines and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls that spilled warm light from within. Multiple tiered terraces extended along the mountainside, furnished with elegant outdoor lounges and framed by tropical palms growing directly from the balconies. An infinity pool stretched towards the edge of the cliff, overlooking the vast sea below. A dramatic stone staircase cut down through the lush foliage along the side of the cliff, leading to the lower levels of the estate.

Towering green mountains rose around it, their peaks partially veiled by mist and clouds, while the vast sea stretched endlessly into the distance.

The entire scene felt unreal.

Upon landing, Aliana was greeted by a chilly ocean breeze carrying the scent of lush greenery, saltwater, and rain.

"This... is absolutely beautiful..." she murmured, her eyes fixed on the view of white waves crashing against the rocky shore that extended toward the horizon.

Watching her, Gavriel felt a quiet warmth settle in his chest as he noticed the spark back in her eyes. He found himself genuinely eager to guide her through the rest of the property.

Placing a hand on the small of her back, he leaned in slightly. "Shall we head inside?"

Aliana gave him a small nod, and together they headed inside.

They made their way down the vast staircase, illuminated by warm ambient lighting, before arriving on the second floor.

A wide hallway stretched before them, lined with multiple dark wooden doors, while a massive glass wall at the far end continued to offer a breathtaking view outside.

Gavriel led her towards the end of the hallway and opened one of the doors. "This is our room."

Stepping inside, Aliana was met with a beautiful space that felt like a high-end sanctuary.

The room was vast and open, with massive floor-to-ceiling glass walls. It featured high, sloped wooden ceilings and dark marble flooring.

At the centre stood a grand king-sized bed with a plush, layered headboard set against a magnificent accent wall made of rough, textured stone blocks, illuminated by warm lighting. Rich chocolate-brown rugs anchored the sleeping area, complemented by a padded ottoman bench at the foot of the bed.

Near the giant glass windows was a cosy seating area with two sleek armchairs and a small coffee table. The other side opened into a connected dressing area and bathroom, making the entire room feel incredibly peaceful and intimate.

Aliana stepped into the center of the room, admiring the layout before turning back to her husband with a light, teasing smile. "You know, if being the devil ever gets boring, you could easily have a thriving career in luxury real estate."

Gavriel lifted an amused brow, drawing a soft laugh from her. "You truly have an immaculate eye for fine architecture, husband."

Gavriel’s eyes softened at the way she called him husband.

He crossed the room quietly before lifting a hand to stroke the back of his fingers along her cheek.

He watched with quiet pleasure as a lovely flush colored her skin. "Should I take that as a compliment?" he murmured softly.

The playfulness between them dissolved as he leaned down, tilting her face up to meet his.

Just as his lips captured hers, Aliana closed her eyes, surrendering to the intimacy between them. But with that, the unwanted and unresolved thoughts that had kept her from becoming intimate with Gavriel over the past few days crashed over her like a cold wave, and her entire frame stiffened in his hold.

Gavriel caught the tension instantly and broke the kiss.

Aliana opened her eyes, catching his intense gaze before looking away in guilt.

It was happening again.

The silent wall was back... built from every unspoken fear and pain Aliana had kept buried inside.

Gavriel stared at her and vowed inwardly to demolish every inch of that wall before they left this island.

He knew he would have to be extremely careful in how he approached the matter, so he gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and said, "How about you freshen up and then meet me downstairs? It’s already noon, and you must be hungry."

Aliana looked up at him in surprise.

She could have sworn Gavriel was going to question her, but he didn’t.

Giving him a grateful smile, she nodded. "Alright."

He gave her a final, lingering look before stepping back and exiting the room.

The moment the door clicked shut behind him, Aliana’s knees gave out.

She sank to the floor and covered her face. "What are you doing?" she whispered to herself. "Don’t do this to him. Don’t... shut him out anymore..."