Page 56

SERENA

T he remains of breakfast sat forgotten on the terrace table as Lila nursed the last sips of her coffee, watching Serena speak on the phone.

Even in this simple act, Lila could see how much had changed.

Two weeks ago, Serena's phone calls had been clipped commands and rapid-fire questions.

Now, she was smiling as she spoke, her free hand gesturing expressively though the person on the other end couldn't see.

"Yes, that's perfect. Just for the two of us, right," Serena said, catching Lila's eye and winking. "Thank you, I appreciate you arranging this on short notice."

Four days. The thought whispered through Lila's mind as she set down her empty cup. Four days until Serena would board a plane back to Manhattan. Four precious days to create memories that would have to last much longer.

Serena ended her call and slipped the phone into her pocket, a small gesture that spoke volumes. The Serena who had first arrived on the island would have kept the device in hand, awaiting the next urgent message.

"All set," she announced, moving to sit beside Lila. "Our day is planned, assuming you're still willing to trust me with the itinerary."

"Depend on it," Lila replied, curious about what Serena had arranged. "Though I'm wondering if I should be worried about your mysterious phone calls and secret plans."

Serena's laugh—still a relatively new sound that Lila treasured each time she heard it—bubbled up freely. "Nothing sinister, I promise. Just trying to create something special."

The simple admission warmed Lila's chest. This was yet another change, Serena openly expressing her desire to please someone else and prioritize connection over efficiency.

"Should I change?" Lila gestured to her sundress, the light fabric perfect for the morning's growing heat.

Serena's eyes traced over her with appreciation that sent a pleasant shiver down Lila's spine. "You're perfect as you are, but you might want to bring a swimsuit. And perhaps something warmer for later."

"Now I'm really intrigued." Lila stood, gathering her overnight bag that had transformed into something more permanent over the past days. "Swimwear and warm clothes on a tropical island? What exactly are you planning, Ms. Frost?"

"You'll see." Serena's smile held mischief that few in the corporate world would believe the infamous Ice Queen capable of. "Just trust me."

Trust. Such a simple word, yet so weighted with meaning between them. Trust had been broken and rebuilt, tested and strengthened. Now it felt like solid ground beneath their feet, even as the countdown to goodbye continued its relentless tick.

While Serena cleared their breakfast dishes, Lila ducked into the bathroom to freshen up.

The woman in the mirror looked different than she had two weeks ago.

Not just the sun-kissed glow on her skin or the loose waves in her hair from yesterday's ocean swimming, but something in her eyes: a clarity and certainty about herself that hadn't been there before.

Whatever happened when Serena left, Lila knew she wouldn't lose this reclaimed sense of self. Unlike with Sophie, where she'd gradually diminished to accommodate another's needs, with Serena she felt expanded—more aware, more present, more herself.

"Ready when you are," she called, emerging with a small bag containing her swimsuit and a light cardigan.

Serena waited by the door, keys in hand and a small backpack over one shoulder. "Our chariot awaits."

"Chariot?" Lila raised an eyebrow as they stepped outside into the brilliant morning light.

Instead of answering, Serena gestured toward the path where a resort golf cart sat decorated with flowers and a small cooler strapped to the back.

"You commandeered us a golf cart?" Lila laughed, delighted by the unexpected touch.

"I may have mentioned to the staff that we had special plans today," Serena admitted as they approached the vehicle. "They were surprisingly accommodating."

"I'm sure your charming personality had nothing to do with it," Lila teased, climbing into the passenger seat.

"Or the fact that I tipped them the equivalent of a month's salary," Serena countered as she settled behind the wheel. "Ready for an adventure?"

The question seemed to encompass more than just their day's plans; it was an invitation to embrace whatever came next.

Lila reached over to squeeze Serena's hand, feeling the connection between them like a tangible thread, precious and real despite its inevitable end.

"With you? Always."

Serena's smile in response held no reservations, just pure presence in the moment they were sharing. She started the cart, and they pulled away from the villa, leaving behind work reports and countdown anxieties in favor of whatever the day might bring.

As they drove along the winding resort paths, Lila felt a curious lightness in her chest. Not the absence of awareness about their limited time, but a decision to value that time precisely because of its scarcity.

The golf cart hummed along paths that wound through parts of the island Lila rarely visited.

They passed the main resort area and continued beyond, following a narrow trail that climbed gradually upward.

Dense vegetation crowded both sides, creating a green tunnel occasionally punctuated by glimpses of the ocean far below.

"Should I be worried that you're taking me to some remote spot where no one will hear me scream?" Lila joked as Serena navigated a particularly steep section.

"If I were planning your demise, I'd have chosen something more efficient than a glorified lawnmower as my getaway vehicle," Serena replied with a straight face that cracked into a smile seconds later.

"Besides, I'd never harm the woman who finally taught me the difference between a sun salutation and a downward dog. "

"Ah, so I'm safe purely for practical reasons. Good to know."

The path crested a small hill, then opened suddenly onto a clearing that made Lila gasp.

They'd reached one of the highest points on the island, a natural plateau that offered a panoramic view of the entire resort, surrounding ocean, and neighboring islands dotting the horizon like emerald stepping stones.

"Oh my god," Lila breathed as Serena parked the cart. "This is incredible."

"You've never been up here?"

"No." Lila stepped out, turning in a slow circle to absorb the 360-degree vista. "I knew there was a lookout point, but I've never taken the time to visit." She shot Serena a curious look. "How did you even know about this place?"

Serena shrugged with uncharacteristic modesty. "I asked Maika about hidden spots on the island. Turns out our gardener friend is quite the local expert." She reached into the cart and pulled out the small backpack. "Come on, there's more."

She led Lila across the plateau to where a narrow path disappeared into dense foliage. Unlike the manicured resort trails, this looked barely maintained, more animal track than human pathway.

"You're not serious," Lila said, eyeing the overgrown route.

"Trust me," Serena replied, offering her hand. "It's worth it."

The simple confidence in her voice convinced Lila more than any elaborate persuasion could have. She took the offered hand, and they plunged into the greenery together.

The path twisted downward, requiring careful footing on rocks slick with tropical moisture.

Serena moved with surprising sureness for someone who'd spent most of her adult life in Manhattan skyscrapers, occasionally pointing out hidden footholds or offering a steadying hand when the route steepened.

"Almost there," she promised as the sound of rushing water grew louder ahead of them.

The path made a final turn, and the vegetation parted to reveal a sight that stopped Lila in her tracks.

A waterfall cascaded down a rock face perhaps thirty feet tall, emptying into a perfect circular pool surrounded by moss-covered stones and flowering vines.

Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, creating dappled patterns across the crystal-clear water.

"Welcome to Hidden Falls," Serena said, squeezing Lila's hand. "According to Maika, it's the island's best-kept secret."

"It's magical," Lila whispered, the beauty of the place creating a tightness in her throat. "How are we the only ones here?"

"I may have arranged exclusive access for a few hours." Serena set down her backpack on a smooth boulder. "Being an obnoxiously wealthy CEO occasionally has its perks."

Lila laughed, the sound echoing against the rock walls. "I should have known. Did you buy the waterfall outright or just lease it for the morning?"

"Just a rental agreement. I'm trying to be more fiscally responsible." Serena's dry delivery made the joke even funnier.

"Well, I'm impressed." Lila moved toward the pool's edge, kneeling to trail her fingers through the cool water. "And also wondering when I should expect the string quartet to pop out from the bushes."

"Tuesday," Serena deadpanned. "Today, I thought we'd make our own music."

The unexpectedly flirtatious comment brought a blush to Lila's cheeks. This playful, spontaneous Serena was yet another facet of the woman she was discovering.

"Swim first, then... music?" Lila suggested, already reaching for the hem of her sundress.

Serena's eyes darkened as Lila slipped the dress over her head, revealing the swimsuit she'd worn underneath in anticipation of whatever aquatic adventure might be planned.

"You came prepared."

"I'm learning to anticipate the unexpected with you," Lila replied, stepping onto a flat rock at the pool's edge. "Coming in?"

She didn't wait for an answer before diving into the clear water, the coolness enveloping her in a refreshing embrace after their humid hike. She surfaced to find Serena already shedding her outer clothes, revealing a smooth one-piece that somehow managed to look both elegant and seductive.

"Show-off," Serena muttered as she eased herself more cautiously into the water.