CHAPTER 390: A STRANGE CHILL

Georgia’s POV

Nick and I spent those ten days on the island wrapped in the kind of peace that felt unreal, like the world had pressed pause just for us. The staff only came by when Nick called them for maintenance or to drop off supplies, so for the most part, it was just me, Nick, the crash of the waves, and the lazy warmth of the sun, just like before, but with the comfort of modern technology and a more civilized way of living.

Well... me, Nick, the waves, and my morning sickness that decided to level up every single day.

By the time our departure was near, my nausea had me glued to the bed every morning till the afternoon. For the last two days, I didn’t even bother arguing with my body; I stayed under the sheets until sunset and only came alive at night like some fragile, pregnant vampire.

Wendy was right. Just like my mom, my morning sickness was getting worse. I only prayed she was also right about it disappearing by the third trimester, but I really hope it will be gone by the second. Because right now? I’d trade my entire wardrobe for a stomach that wasn’t staging a rebellion.

Because I could barely function, Nick and I decided to cut the honeymoon short and head home to see my doctor. At least then I’d get more tips beyond "eat crackers" and "don’t breathe near anything with a smell."

We walked hand in hand toward the dock. The staff had already packed our things onto Liam’s seaplane. Nick insisted on flying home instead of taking the yacht, afraid the swaying would make my nausea worse. Liam brought Steven and Evelyn along so they could take the yacht back to the marina.

As we reached the dock, the entire island staff was gathered there, standing in neat rows with big smiles, plus a few faces I didn’t recognize.

Nick gave my hand a small squeeze before saying, "Georgia, meet Edison. He’s the project manager of the resort, and they are the team that oversees the construction. If he accepts my offer, he’ll manage the whole place once it becomes operational."

Edison stepped forward with an outstretched hand and a warm, easy smile. I took his hand gladly.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Knight," he greeted before turning to Nick. "Mr. Knight... if your offer includes letting me bring my wife and son here, then I accept it." His grin only grew wider, like the island breeze itself made him lighter.

Nick’s answering smile was boyish, rare, soft, and entirely genuine. He shook Edison’s hand firmly. "You’re hired. And since your family will be living here, I’ll expect you to treat this whole resort as your own. Make sure it’s finished on time and cared for properly."

"You can count on me, Mr. Knight," Edison said, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I promise to do my best. Thank you so much for this."

The moment felt like a scene from one of those wholesome island documentaries: waves behind us, salty breeze, a man getting a life-changing opportunity, and Nick looking like the kind of husband romance novels forgot to warn the world about.

And for a brief, beautiful second, I forgot about the nausea, the early flight, everything... and just smiled.

Two of the island’s female staff walked up to us with bright smiles, each holding a flower necklace woven with tropical blooms so colorful they looked unreal. Gently, they slipped them over mine and Nick’s heads. The petals were cool on my skin, and the scent instantly wrapped me in that warm, island kind of happiness.

"Have a safe trip, Mr. and Mrs. Knight. We’ll look forward to your return," one of them said sweetly.

My heart melted a little. I pulled the two ladies into a hug, laughing as the flowers bounced between us. "Please take care of our island. This place means so much to us," I told them.

They exchanged a look before one said, "We heard the story, madam. Mr. Knight made sure everyone here knew how your love story began on this island. And we’re grateful, because that story gave us jobs that help our families."

My jaw dropped. Slowly, dramatically, I turned to Nick. "You have no shame! You actually told them our story?" I gasped in mock horror.

Nick just chuckled, unapologetic. "Of course I did, love. I can be shameless when it comes to you." Then he looked at the staff. "It’s inspiring, right?"

All of them nodded so enthusiastically that I couldn’t help but laugh.

"Well, I’ll see all of you when we come back," I said, patting my stomach. "Hopefully next time, I won’t be vomiting or dizzy!"

Everyone burst into friendly chuckles.

"Yo! Are you two coming or not? I have an important meeting this afternoon!" Liam hollered from the end of the dock, hands on his hips like he was scolding children.

Nick and I exchanged amused looks.

We waved as the staff gave us their congratulations and goodbyes. Liam’s sleek seaplane waited on the right side of the dock, humming softly, while Steven and Evelyn were on the left beside my yacht.

I handed Steven the key with a grin. "I am promoting you, Captain." His eyes lit up, making everyone laugh.

Then I turned to Evelyn. "And you, Chief Mate," I declared proudly.

More laughter, more smiles, more sunshine-filled joy.

With hearts light and hands intertwined, Nick and I boarded Liam’s plane, leaving the island, but carrying every bit of its happiness with us.

As Liam closed the plane door behind us, I leaned back in my seat, still feeling the phantom warmth of the island breeze on my skin. Ten days of peace, of laughter, of love... it almost felt unreal. Too perfect. Too happy. The kind of happiness that makes you forget the rest of the world even exists.

"We really had an amazing time, didn’t we?" I whispered to Nick, resting my hand over his. "I feel like... like we were in our own little bubble."

He kissed my knuckles. "We deserved it."

Maybe we did. Maybe that’s why I didn’t expect the bubble to burst so violently.

Because the moment Liam settled into the pilot’s seat, he twisted around, expression suddenly grim, so out of place against the bright island morning.

"Hey... before we take off," he started carefully, eyes meeting Nick’s first, then mine. "There’s something you both need to know before we go back."

My smile slowly faded.

Liam swallowed hard.

"It’s about Nancy."

A strange chill crept up my spine. "What about her?"

He exhaled shakily. "She’s in the hospital. She... she tried to kill herself last night."

And just like that, our perfect island world shattered.

*******

Thank you for the Golden Tickets!

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