Lu Xinyi laughed at his story. She didn’t think that her husband had some embarrassing moments when he was younger. He was telling her about that one time when Shen Xue farted in public and made it looked like it was him who did it and not his younger brother.

“Did you get even with him?” she asked as she slipped off her sandals because they were sinking into the sand.

“I sure did. Can’t have him get the last laugh.” Shen Yi replied, taking off his shoes off as well.

After their hearty meal for dinner, they decided to walk on the shore they visited before except the beach was only for themselves as there was no other tourist around. Lu Xinyi liked the scent of the sea salt, the mild humidity, and the starry night sky. She took a deep breath and exhaled.

“The night is still young and it’s beautiful.”

“But not as beautiful as you…” Shen Yi muttered to himself.

“You’re saying something?” Lu Xinyi turned to him, not understanding what he’d said.

He shook his head.

“I said it’s indeed a beautiful evening.”

“It must be nice to have your own little piece of heaven.” Lu Xinyi smiled as the waves from the sea washed her feet. “You know I always dream of living in a house near the sea when I was a little girl. With a vineyard at the back and a huge garden full of flowers and fruits in season.”

Shen Yi listened to her and paid attention to how her eyes shimmer as if she was about to cry. They continued to walk along the shore on the wet sand, both holding their shoes with one hand while the other intertwined to each other.

“Shen Yi, have you ever had any girlfriends?” Lu Xinyi asked. She’d been meaning to ask this question since they made the deal on their cruise vacation. She refused to believe that her husband had never been with another woman. He was so good at flirting and any woman could fall for his charm easily if he really wants to.

“Yes, just one.” Shen Yi said nonchalantly while looking ahead of them.

Only one? That was surprising to hear. She thought he’d been with at least more than three or so.

“You’ve only been with one woman? Are you serious?”

“Yeah. After graduating from college and taking masters, I didn’t have time to date or to meet another woman. Long hours of work and business problems didn’t help at all.” He said being honest with his wife.

Lu Xinyi wondered why he didn’t end up with his girlfriend before. She hesitated but she felt like she needed to know or else it might eat up inside of her if she left it unanswered.

“So what happened? Why did you break up with her?” She was careful with her words. She didn’t want to offend him or opened a can of worms she wasn’t prepared to deal with.

“She left me to pursue her own dreams abroad. I let her leave because I think it’s not my place to ask her to stay if she really wants to go and leave me behind.” Remembering what happened before, Shen Yi realized that he could talk about it freely without getting hurt. He realized he was really over with it and it didn’t affect him at all.

Lu Xinyi’s jaw dropped on what he’d said. He let her go even though he knew it will be painful for him? She wanted to ask him more questions but she was afraid that she might ruin their night. They continued to walk in comfortable silence.

“I’m a little bit tired. Let’s take a seat.” she tightened her hold on his hand and motioned him to follow her.

Lu Xinyi removed and untied her shawl that was wrapped around her shoulders and laid it out over the sand. Shen Yi sat down on it and pulled her down with him. He made her sat in between his legs as he held her by her waist. She leaned her back on his broad chest and looked out into the sea.

Both of them were aware of the sudden closeness between them ever since they shared their first kiss on this beach. Lu Xinyi had never touched him voluntarily before but now, the subtle intimate touches they shared made a big difference in their relationship. Even the usual peck he graced her every morning had changed.

Lu Xinyi was now letting him touch her more. She was aware that his gaze was always on her but she never complained about it. The knowing smile that crossed on her face let him know that she was aware of what was happening.

Shen Yi pulled her toward him gently until she was so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin. A light blush tinged her cheeks as she felt strong arms wrap themselves loosely around her.

Although Lu Xinyi didn’t mind the change in their relationship, there were times that she found it difficult to react whenever Shen Yi tries to touch her. She could only look at him in surprise before realizing she was caged again in his arms.

Lu Xinyi adjusted herself and leaned her head on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. She felt exhausted with all the running and walking she did earlier within the ruins that they visited earlier. Her muscles on her thighs were already begging her to stop walking and take a break. Her eyes lidded, deciding to relax for a bit and listening to the soft waves that hit the shoreline.

“Shen Yi…” she called out half asleep.

“Hmm?” Shen Yi slowly dragged his hand up and down her back while he placed a chaste kiss on her crown.

“What should I do? I think. I think I’m falling in love with you…”