Chapter 47
The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of stress and chaos. Balancing the restoration of Kane Industries while uncovering the identity of the mysterious “Xanos” had pushed Victoria to her limits. The constant strain weighed heavily on her, and Zayden, ever attentive, noticed.
“You need a break, Tori,” he had said one evening as they sat on her couch, going over documents. “A real break. Not just a weekend at home pretending you’re not working.”
Victoria had sighed, leaning back against the cushions. “I can’t just leave, Zayden. There’s too much going on.”
“You’re not leaving forever,” he countered. “Just a few days. Recharge. If not for yourself, do it for our little girl. Stress isn’t good for her either.”
His logic was infallible, as always. Reluctantly, Victoria agreed, and two days later, they were boarding a private jet bound for Bali.
The plane’s interior was luxurious—sleek leather seats, warm lighting, and the faint hum of the engines creating an ambiance of quiet sophistication. Victoria settled into her seat, wearing a flowing white dress that accommodated her growing belly comfortably. She sipped on sparkling water as Zayden joined her, handing her a blanket.
“Here, just in case you get cold,” he said with a soft smile.
“You’re spoiling me,” she teased, taking the blanket anyway.
“Of course I am,” Zayden replied, leaning back in his seat. “You deserve it. And so does she,” he added, glancing at her bump.
Victoria chuckled. “You’re going to be the kind of dad who embarrasses her in front of her friends, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely,” he said, grinning. “It’s my duty.”
The flight attendant arrived with their meals—grilled salmon for her and a steak for Zayden, paired with an array of tropical fruit and fresh bread. As they ate, they joked about baby names, debated which island activities to try, and laughed about Zayden’s inability to pronounce basic Indonesian phrases.
“You’re going to embarrass us both,” Victoria teased after his third failed attempt at saying terima kasih (thank you).
“Hey, I’m trying,” Zayden protested, laughing. “I’ll get it by the time we land.”
When they arrived in Bali, they were greeted with warm smiles and floral garlands. The air was rich with the scent of frangipani, and the island’s beauty took Victoria’s breath away. Their villa was nestled amidst lush greenery, with a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The interior was a blend of modern luxury and traditional Balinese design, with intricate wood carvings and vibrant textiles.
“This is incredible,” Victoria said as she stepped onto the villa’s terrace, the ocean breeze brushing against her skin.
Zayden came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Not as incredible as you.”
She rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. “Cheesy.”
“You love it,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple.
The days that followed were filled with adventure and relaxation. They visited temples adorned with gold and intricate carvings, marveling at the artistry and history. At Uluwatu Temple, they watched a mesmerizing Kecak dance performance, the rhythmic chanting and dramatic movements captivating them both.
“This is amazing,” Victoria said, her eyes fixed on the performers. “The energy, the colors—it’s so alive.”
Zayden leaned closer, his voice low. “I think our little girl’s enjoying it too. She’s been kicking up a storm.”
Victoria laughed, placing a hand on her belly. “She’s going to love traveling.”
They indulged in Balinese cuisine—satay skewers, spicy sambal, and sweet coconut desserts. At a local market, Victoria haggled playfully with a vendor over handmade jewelry, while Zayden stood by, clearly impressed.
“You’re ruthless,” he said as they walked away with a set of bracelets.
“I’m efficient,” she corrected, grinning.
One afternoon, they took a traditional wooden boat to a secluded beach, where they swam in the crystal-clear water and lounged under the shade of a palm tree. Zayden insisted on building a sandcastle, which quickly turned into a lopsided mess.
“Architecture is not your calling,” Victoria teased as she added a twig for decoration.
“Hey, it’s abstract,” Zayden said, feigning offense. “You just don’t appreciate my vision.”
That evening, back at the villa, they had dinner by the pool. The staff had arranged a romantic setup with lanterns floating in the water and a table adorned with rose petals. Victoria wore a soft blue dress that flowed gently in the evening breeze, her hair pinned up in loose curls.
As they finished dessert, Zayden stood, reaching into his pocket. Victoria looked at him curiously, her fork hovering mid-air.
“What are you up to?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
He knelt down in front of her, holding a small velvet box. Her breath caught as he opened it, revealing a sparkling diamond ring.
“Victoria Cross,” he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “From the moment you walked into my life, everything changed. You’re strong, brilliant, and so much more than I could have ever dreamed of. I don’t care about the past or who’s not here to do the right thing. I just know that I want to be here for you and our little girl, forever. Will you marry me?”
Tears filled Victoria’s eyes as she nodded, unable to speak for a moment. “Yes,” she finally whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Yes, of course.”
Zayden slid the ring onto her finger, his smile lighting up his entire face. He stood, pulling her into a gentle hug as the lanterns flickered around them.
“You’ve made me the happiest man alive,” he said softly.
Victoria pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against his. “And you’ve given me hope for something I thought I’d lost. A future. A family.”
