Chapter 44: Chapter 44
"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight."
-Oscar Wilde-
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The sound of ocean crashing in the evening radiated tranquility throughout the shore, accompanied by the different hues of red and purple painting the sky as the sun set down and the dusk arrived from its slumber, picturing the perfect atmosphere for a romantic date, even someone who previously had lacked romantic attitude knew not to waste the moment.
That night was their last day in paradise before they had to return to reality, he wanted to create a lasting impression of their stay together for her, that was why he had arranged a perfect dinner for both of them, one which he was sure would greatly impress her. He held Clara's hand as they walked on a bridge which served as a pathway to a private open air restaurant directly facing the ocean. It was a different place than the one they had when they first arrived, this time the place was exclusively theirs.
Clara was wearing a white boho dress with transparent floral embroidery throughout the bottom part. She had her hair in a side brain, which would save her from having the wind blowing up her hair everywhere, the last thing she wanted was to spend hours untangling her hair. She also had a frangipani tucked behind her ear, she had a sun kissed look from their previous adventures, her face was glowing in reddish hues, a little bit of freckles surfaced on her skin, mostly around her nose and a bit throughout her cheek, giving her a sweet appearance. Raphael on the other hand was wearing a white shirt and khaki short.
His hair was let loose, she was getting used to seeing his slightly wavy hair, which usually were covered in a thick layer of pomade. He appeared quite different from his usual attire, throughout the trip, he was more relaxed, laid back, and casual, which helped her to be more comfortable around him as the social gap between them seemed to be diminished. Clara had to admit, it was refreshing for her to see him out from his tie and suit for the past few days, it made him look more approachable.
He pulled the chair for her, letting her sit before he did. The waiter had previously instructed to deliver their food right away as soon as they arrive, so the couple did not have to wait before the food were served. Of course, they were not starving, they did not come for the food after all, it was only a tiny part of the date, the main show was the atmosphere itself, the whole package, the beauty before them, the delicate art of life they had a chance to taste. It was moment like those which made them feel truly alive.
When there were no thoughts of worry for tomorrow, when the only thing that existed was the present. When they could feel every breath they take, sensing every fiber of their being in tune with each other. It was the utmost sense of happiness. Had they been offered to trade the moment with all the wealth in the world, they would not do it.
Clara turned her head to face the ocean, the gleaming water called out to her, yet she knew from that point on she could no longer get her feet wet. Time seemed to flow by quickly, she could not believe their trip was almost over, the past days had been like a dream for her, maybe they were right, the best moments in life often happen unexpectedly. If she was to admit, she felt slightly blue, having to leave heaven had never been easy, yet at the same time she was relieved, because she would be able to live life with a refreshed mind. Besides, it would not be their last trip. They could always go back another time.
A soft shadow cast upon her face while the other side was illuminated by the sunlight, she looked absolutely stunning with a smile on her face. Raphael stared at her, the woman of his was a living fairy. Ever since she returned to his life, he had felt happiness like nothing else. Raphael had everything ever since he was born, great family, friends, money, everything. His life had never lacked anything, but he had no idea it was still missing something until she came to his life and changed everything.
He knew he might sound crazy, but he was willing to give up everything just to be with her. Fortunately, he did not have to, she was already his to begin with. In the eyes of a stranger, he might be selfish, he was the one who manipulated everything to begin with, he was the one who offered her the opportunity, he was the one who persuaded her father to let her live with him, he used tricks he had known would work on her to get her hooked. Anyone who used such method should feel guilty, but not him.
A few grazes of stars started appearing as the sky was getting darker, it was like a clash of light and dark coping together creating a blend of ten different shades. The cloud was slowly fading above, replaced by the sight of the crescent moon illuminating the ocean. He gently took her hand in his, pulling it close to his lips, kissing her knuckles one by one.
"Are you happy with me, Clara?" There was tenderness and genuine curiosity in his voice, his hand was warm against her own. She blushed and nodded her head. The question sounded more like a joke to her. It was a question no one needed to ask, after all both of them had known the truth.
"I've never been happier... thank you for bringing me here, Raphael." She pressed her lips together, moving her pinky finger to wipe the tiny dots of tears which started to gather around the corner of her eyes. Clara had no idea why she was feeling quite emotional, perhaps it was because of the atmosphere. Whatever it was
"It's my pleasure, Mon Amour. This is not the end. It's only the beginning. I will take you to a thousand more places if you desire. After we get married, we will go to three different places for our honeymoon. You'll pick the places." He teased. She laughed, lightly slapping the back of his hand before the waiter delivered their food. There was no way they were going to three places for their honeymoon, were they? Oh, Clara did not know Raphael well enough if she did not believe it.
The lit candles on the table, the soft jazz music played in the background along the scent of freshly cooked sea food stirred her appetite while setting up the mood at the same time. They started to eat their meal with gratitude, Clara made an extra effort to savored her last dinner at paradise. It was so perfect. She was having a delightful meal on heaven on earth with the most handsome man she had ever seen, wondering how she got so lucky. How many women could possibly experience it. Life was amazing. She couldn't ask for more.
Speaking of it, she started to realize really should treat him better, in her subconscious, she was aware that she had not treated their engagement seriously, perhaps cause it was a decision made in a spur of emotion, yet after everything they had went through, their relationship was as real as it could possibly be. She realized she also had been quite stubborn with him. She knew everything Raphael did was for her sake and he was possessive, yes, but it was merely because he was in love with her and he had waited for too long before he eventually could have her. If she was to wait that long for someone, would she allow anyone else to interfere as well? Probably not.
He released her hand and took a sip of his drink, watching as the sky became darker, silhouette of birds flying back to their nest became visible. The ocean crashed once more, releasing white noises into the air. Along with it, a topic he had been wanting to tell her about returned. He had forgotten about it for a while but then it returned to the surface of his mind.
"Speaking of our marriage, it will be held on the beginning of next year, when spring comes, the weather will be lovely, it will be perfect." Raphael was eager to seal the deal for real. Yes, marriage was no guarantee that a couple would never separate, but marriage would help to minimize the desire to separate because you are committed, both spiritually and legally. Those who are against marriage usually don't want to get into all that legal trouble that come with a divorce, but hey, if you truly love a person, why think of separating in the first place? Just get a prenup if you're that scared. But again, if you're scared in the first place, why get married?
For Raphael, he knew it was exactly what he wanted and he would get it no matter what.
On the other side, Clara had forgotten for a moment that she had to marry Raphael. It was like a twist and turn of life. She was not sure if she was ready for all of it, marriage, weddings, kids. Her whole life she had dreamed of a fairy tale kind of relationship, once which happened unexpectedly and closed with a happily ever after. Yet life has never been a fairy tale, it could happen at times, but for the vast majority of people, such life only existed in stories and movies.
Family was an important part of her life, she was of age, and mentally aware that sooner or later she would have to settle in. A lack of romantic experience in her life had made her unable to imagine what it would be like to have herself bound to a man for the rest of her life. However, after all Raphael had done, something inside Clara was excited for the new venture which awaited her.
"Would you like to dance with me?" He held out his hand to her. She looked up at him with a huge grin plastered on her face, slowly reaching out her hand to his. The two walked toward the bridge as the music changed into a classic instrumental version of a love song. Clara rested her hand on his shoulder and his was wrapped around her waist. The gentle flow of the tune dragged them across the wooden bridge, each step they took brought them closer and closer to each other.
The moon, the stars, and the ocean were the witnesses of their love. At one point when the music rose Raphael swept Clara off her feet, in mid-air, she stared at him from above with a huge smile on her face, placing her palm on his cheek, leaned her head closer to him and ended the dance with a kiss.
The passion continued in the bedroom, he carried her bridal style back to their room and threw her on the bed. He had her locked underneath him, slowly removing her clothes from the top, exposing her bare skin, he stared at her beautiful body for one moment, she was no longer feeling conscious when he did it, instead, she gave him a stare of encouragement.
She too, wanted more.
His fingers trailed down through her stomach, making its way toward the bottom. He felt like he was staring at a piece of art. He wished to devour her, to claim her as his over and over again, ever so gently, ever so beastly.
"You are beautiful, Mon Amour, I am so lucky." he breathed near her neck, planting small kisses all over it. He was determined to make love to her in the most wonderful way possible. He wanted her to remember him, for her body to get used to his. Clara was consumed by his touch. The two made love with pure and raw emotion. There was nothing else in their mind but each other. It was pure bliss, a raw, erotic sight to behold, and lord had known it was not going to end all too soon.