Chapter 348: The Journey We Never Took
When Gavriel pressed his lips together instead of replying, Aliana’s expression turned apologetic. I’m sorry, Gav. It is only for a little while, until Jade’s situation clears up."
"You don’t have to apologise, baby. She is your friend, and you are free to invite whoever you wish to our home. I am simply selfish... to want you all to myself."
She gave him a sweet smile. "You will always have me."
In response, he simply gazed at her with such tenderness that her shyness returned.
Looking out over the ravine to hide her blush, she asked, "Now that I think about it... where are we geographically? Which country is this?"
"We’re in the country of Arvia," Gavriel replied.
Aliana’s breath hitched as she realised the vast distance they had crossed in an instant. "No wonder the red rock formations span as far as the eye can see."
Right on cue, her stomach grumbled loudly, making her flinch against his chest.
Slowly, she raised her head, her face burning with embarrassment, only for Gavriel to lean down with a faint, amused smile. "It seems your body is telling us we have overstayed our welcome here."
"No, I’m..."
Before Aliana could finish her protest, Gavriel sealed her lips with his own in a slow, deep kiss. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek, and she kissed him back. He was rarely this gentle, and the unexpected softness of his touch set both their hearts racing under the majestic blanket of the starry night sky.
When Gavriel reluctantly pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers, giving her a moment to catch her breath as he murmured, "Let’s have dinner."
He carefully helped her to her feet, and Aliana asked, "Are we going back home?"
Once again, he spoke mysteriously. "Would you be disappointed if we did?"
"Of course not," Aliana quickly replied before taking one last look around the place. "But if we could... can we come back here again in the future?"
Gavriel pulled her closer and smiled. "Whenever you want."
With that, he tucked her safely beneath his chin as power thrummed through him and wrapped itself around them. A moment later, they disappeared, only to reappear on solid ground somewhere else.
Aliana assumed they were back in the forest where Gavriel had parked his car.
But when she opened her eyes, she breathed, "This place..."
They were standing in front of an exclusive, world-class Michelin-star restaurant in Arvia, which Aliana had heard of before, renowned for being carved directly into the mountain itself with a breathtaking view.
Even global elites needed to be on a year-long waitlist just to secure a reservation, yet Gavriel simply led her inside without giving her a chance to ask a single question, walking in as though he owned the place.
When Aliana stepped inside, she was stunned to find there was not a single seat occupied, with the entire staff standing in line to welcome them.
"Welcome to Ret, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine. We have everything prepared just as you requested," the owner of the place greeted them, a stout man dressed in a sharp suit who personally led them to their table.
Once they reached their designated dining spot, Aliana was left utterly speechless by the view that greeted her.
Suspended on a dramatic cliff ledge carved directly into the rough, pale stone, a private dining alcove was bathed in a warm, golden glow. Flowing white drapes framed the natural stone archway, gently catching the night air, while a beautiful crystal chandelier hung from the rugged rock ceiling above the table. Warm candlelight flickered from dozens of ornate glass lanterns scattered along the stone steps and ledges, casting a soft glow across the crisp tablecloth and plush seating.
The edge of the cliff opened up to a sweeping view of the vast canyon far below, where a winding river gleamed softly beneath the moonlight. High above the distant dark mountain ridges, the night sky stretched out in a breathtaking display, alive with the glowing band of the Milky Way and billions of twinkling stars.
Aliana remained mesmerised by the view until Gavriel pulled out a chair for her. "After you."
A lovely blush bloomed on her cheeks as she smiled up at him and took her seat, while he walked around the table to sit opposite her.
The servers stepped forward to pour their vintage wine and present an array of scrumptious dishes before quietly retreating to leave them in complete privacy.
Aliana’s stomach grumbled at the mouthwatering aroma. The moment she took her first bite, her eyes closed, and a soft hum of pure delight escaped her lips.
When she opened her eyes, a playful sparkle danced in them as she teased, "Are you in the mood to woo your wife, Mr. Valentine?"
Gavriel took in the radiant happiness on her face as he answered softly, "Is it working?"
"Hmm... ask me again after dessert," she said playfully.
A faint smirk touched Gavriel’s lips. "I had a feeling you’d like it here."
"It’s so beautiful here, Gav. Thank you... for bringing me here, and for the cliffside before. I never imagined I would get to dangle my feet over the edge of a mountain without a harness or a grueling hike to get there. I... didn’t know I needed an escape until you gave me one."
Aliana’s eyes glistened with such gratitude it tugged Gavriel’s heart.
Hearing her heartfelt words and seeing the radiant smile he once feared he might never see again after the reveal of his true identity, a fierce desire took root within him.
He wanted to give her more. He wanted to show her every hidden corner of the world... to place everything at her feet if it meant to keep that smile on her face.
Yet the onset of their marriage had been stained by tragedy and the grief of losing a friend. It struck him how deeply she had looked forward to travelling together before things went downhill.
So Gavriel stated quietly. "We are leaving next week."
"Hm? Next week? Where?" Aliana asked in surprise.
"Did you forget I wanted to take you somewhere?" When she blinked at him silently, Gavriel added softly, "It’s been long overdue. Didn’t I mention I had my own plans after our wedding?"
That was when it dawned on her.
On the day after their wedding night, he had briefly mentioned preparing a trip for them. With everything that transpired on that island and the chaos that followed, she had completely forgotten about it.
A fluttering thought rose in her mind. ’Did he actually plan a honeymoon for us?’
A subtle heat crept up her neck as she asked, "You... really planned another trip for us?"
Gavriel gave a small nod. "I refrained from bringing it up given everything that happened on the island. Let’s go next week..." He paused, his eyes searching hers. "...if you are still up for it, that is."
"Of course I am," Aliana said, her voice full of genuine excitement before softening into concern. But, Gav... you don’t have to do this just for me. I know I wanted to go, but I understand if we can’t. You don’t have to feel obligated-"
"I am not doing this out of obligation, Ana," Gavriel interrupted smoothly, swirling the dark wine in his glass. "Didn’t I tell you I’m selfish when it comes to you? So... do you agree?"
A slow, breathtaking smile lit up her features. "Yes."
"Good."
"But... what about Jade? And... Owen?" Aliana’s smile faltered as the reality of the Van Empire came rushing back. Owen Ross was officially acting CFO, and leaving the empire unsupervised was a massive risk.
"Owen?" Gavriel’s brow furrowed, his tone shifting instantly at the sound of another man’s name on her lips.
"Right. I need to fill you in on what took place during the board meeting today."