Is this destiny?

With just the two of them, Sarah relaxed in Aiden's embrace after they finished conference call with Sophia and JoAnna.

"I made plans which start at 6 in the evening. Until then we can do whatever you want.", Aiden told Sarah.

Sarah thought for a moment. "How about we explore the villa? Besides this bedroom suite and dining area downstairs, I didn't get to see the rest… and if I remember correctly, there is a media room, game room, and a gym."

"OK." He was more than happy to show her around.

They started from upstairs.

Sarah observed total of eight bedrooms, which includes the one they were using. Each bedroom was a suite with a sitting area, balcony, and a spa-like bathroom. Besides slight differences in layout, all bedrooms were similar in size. After seeing all this, Sarah wondered why Aiden called the bedroom they are using as a 'master bedroom'.

Down on the main level, they went to the gym first. Sarah observed that it's very well equipped.

"All the machines you usually use are here…", Sarah voiced her thoughts, without waiting for Aiden's response.

She was not interested in exercising and he led the way to the next room.

Media room has a huge white screen and eight double-sized reclining leather chairs. Sarah thought how seating matches number of bedrooms… so if eight couples come here, they can snuggle together and watch a movie.

Aiden recommended watching a movie, and Sarah thought it's a good idea.

Her body was still not back to its usual self after last night's nearly-freeze shower, and relaxing next to Aiden while watching something entertaining sounded nice. She told him to pick anything, she didn't care what they will watch, as long as it's a happy ending movie.

Aiden made sure she is comfortable in one chair and covered her up with a blanket before going to pick a movie.

Sarah observed him while he got the blanket and picked the movie from a display on the side. She could not miss that he didn't search for anything. He knew where things are. And before that, he showed knowledge about the layout of the villa as well as the island and staff. Bartender, Kai, looked at Aiden and interacted with him, with a familiarity which you have when you spend some time with a person. Based on all this, Sarah could guess that Aiden was here previously. Probably more than one time.

'Does he own this place? He said he didn't buy the island… but that does not cover scenario where he owns it already.' Sarah told herself that it doesn't matter. She was just curious because place is beautiful, and villa is very well designed with style and comfort in mind while fitting seamlessly in the jungle surrounding. The lotus pond, manicured landscaping, the jungle with well-maintained trails and paths, lake, waterfall, gazebo, beach… everything looks perfect, and provides a very romantic setting.

The thought that this looks designed like a perfect romantic gateway for eight couples and that Aiden was previously here, probably as a couple, with some other girl, made Sarah feel constriction in her chest.

She can tell that he is experienced. He is a great kisser and knows how to please a woman... And she knows that many girls are chasing after him at work, just how it was the case at the University, and probably wherever he goes… and guys have different mentality toward relationships compared to girls. How many times did he refuse the girl? And how many times he didn't resist? Image of Mimi and Meghan flashed in her mind, when both of them were shamelessly offering themselves to him, at the same time! And then that Scarlet Cox staring at him… and Evalina… Sarah stopped herself and did her best to force her mind to think about something else. She was making herself sink deeper into jealousy because of girls who are in the past, not relevant. Because what matters is that he is here with her. And they are engaged. And no matter how many girls passed through his life previously, even if he didn't reject them at that moment, those girls only passed through… she is here to stay.

Aiden picked a movie and came to sit next to her with a huge bucket of freshly made popcorn and a large soda.

Sarah looked at Aiden smiling back at her and was happy that he remembered how she said that you can't watch a movie without popcorn and a soda.

Questions flashed through her mind: 'Was he getting snacks and beverages to other girls as well? How many other girls saw that devilish smile directed at them before me?'

Again, knot in her chest intensified its hold and she found it difficult to breathe.

"Are you OK?", Aiden noticed that her mood is strange.

Sarah didn't respond. She hugged him tightly and lowered her head so that he can't see her expression.

Aiden wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back gently. He did that whenever he wanted to get her to relax. He kissed top of her head and told her that he loves her.

The movie started, but Sarah was not watching. She was angry. Angry at herself. Angry that she could not control her thoughts. Angry that she is spoiling this moment which is supposed to be special, just for two of them… and she is spoiling it by bringing into it some other girls who are not even here. Angry that she can't control her tears which silently dripped on his t-shirt without any warning. Angry that he noticed…

Aiden wanted to lift her head and asked her what is going on.

Sarah didn't let him see her face.

"Please… I'm fighting my own demons… I need to do this alone…", she was choking on her words, and even her whisper trembled.

"No, you don't. See this?", Aiden rubbed gently the engagement ring on her finger. "This is a reminder that you will never be alone. I will always be by your side, fighting your demons together with you."

He tightened his hug and kissed top of her head.

Sarah held her breath while his words seeped into her heart. And then the dam broke and she sobbed like never before.. She knotted her fists in his t-shirt and sobbed for a long time, unable to form a coherent thought… until she forgot why she is crying… and she slept off in his embrace.