Chapter 3 Three

Chapter 3: Unspoken Desires

The following morning, a feeling of expectation filled the air; Marina woke up full of energy. This time, the promise of reality that she found in the simple word of affection from Aiden on the previous night did not leave her head. Styling herself up was a thing she always did with a lot of passion, perhaps that is why she always felt a thrill. Today was different; it seemed in fact as if they were not mere acquaintances anymore but had reached at least the next level of friendship.

She went down and saw Aiden in the dining area with a cup of coffee in his hand and the newspaper at his disposal. He raised his eyes as she walked in; his face was filled with pleasant expressions when he saw her. "Good morning, Marina. "

"Good morning, Adien," she said with her face a bit grateful before sitting down. There were pancakes, fruits, jam, tea and coffee ready on the table for breakfast but all that crossed Marina's mind was the readiness to discuss the future with Aiden.

"I was thinking," Aiden said in a subtle tone as he laid the newspaper he was reading down. "If we can go out more often privately. Get to know each other better."

Marina's heart leapt at his suggestion. "I'd like that," she said, as they both smiled at each other.

"Great. I have set the day free from all other duties and engagements. What do you say about visiting the countryside? They still reside in a charming estate that I have near this place. It's peaceful and private."

Marina nodded, her excitement growing. "That sounds perfect."

They got in the car and departed from the city taking narrow roads that led to the country side. To be more precise, the environment shifted from energetic environment to pastoral countryside and woods. Marina had this callus feeling displacing her anxiety as soon as they got close to the estate. The property was quite lovely; it was surrounded by hills and covered in grass.

"Wow this place is so beautiful," Marina said as they stepped out of the car.

"It's one of my favorite retreats," Aiden said, then he pulled her by hand towards the house. "I visit this place each time I feel that I want to get away from the noise and scuffle of the urban world."

The house was a combination of country life and chic. Several rooms were allocated in the main house and all the rooms were furnished in a style that I would regard as most fitting for a stately wish: big windows that provided an attractive view of the countryside. Marina followed him around and he took her to various places that he liked or used to hang around and told her the tales about this place.

In the morning, they were passing some time walking across the gardens and getting that fresh air. Aiden was more at ease and disclosed more information about himself and his profession. Marina found herself captivated by his stories, drawn to the man behind the billionaire facade.

As they walked, Marina noticed a small lake nestled among the trees. Turning at him she pointed toward it and said: "Can we go there?"

"Of course," Aiden went on, and holding her hand, guided her through a path through the forest. The lake was calm with the water looking calm, the blue sky painted on it. There was a wooden pier which was jutting out into the water and after a moment Aiden led her onto it.

"This place is magical," Marina replied with a lovely smile, contemplating the water.

"It is," Aiden agreed, and took her hands in his, making her look into his eyes. "That sounds great ", I'm glad you like it."

There they sat, perched on the edge of the dock, legs swinging in the air above the water. Suddenly, Aiden put his hand into his pocket and took out a box, then gave it to Marina. "I have something for you.

Marina took the box, her curiosity piqued. Within it lay a thin, silver bangle, this was studded with minute trinkets that sparkled under the sun. "It's beautiful," she smiled with the sentiment that he paid attention and remembered the small things about her.

"Well I wanted to give you a token of our new start," Aiden whispered softly. "By a long-shot, this can be seen as a reminder that we're in this together.

Marina's heart swelled with emotion. She fastened the bracelet around her wrist, feeling a sense of connection to Aiden that went beyond their contract. "Thank you, Aiden. It means a lot to me."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the tranquility of the lake. Eventually, Aiden stood and extended his hand to Marina. "Come on, there's something else I want to show you."

He led her back to the estate, to a small stable behind the main house. Inside were two beautiful horses, their coats glossy and well-groomed. "Do you ride?" Aiden asked, a playful glint in his eye.

Marina shook her head, a little nervous. "I've never tried before."

Aiden smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry "Oh don't worry, I will show you how to do it the skills seem complicated but they are not that hard."

He lifted her onto one of the horses, and explained to her how to grip the rein and sit properly on horse. Marina could not believe it a first, but after a few tries, Aiden was patient enough to help her out. They defined the meaning of free-spirited and close-nit as they rode through the fields driving the wind into their hair and the sunlight into their face. Marina laughed, exhilarated by the experience.

'Look at you go,' Aiden encouraged, you're so natural; He laughed along with her.

Marina finally felt free as she could not remember the last time she felt this way. For the first time in many years, she realized that there is more to her, and it was all because of Aiden. They rode for long on the horse with the intents of acquainting the different sectors of the estate and keeping each other company as well.

And at last, with renewed spirits, they went back to the house as the sun started to set. Aiden cooked a more modest though tasty dinner and at night they dined outside on a terrace while enjoying the sunset.

Meanwhile Marina speaking in the twilight "This has been the best day I've had in a long time."

"Me too," said Aiden looking right into her eyes. "I am glad we did this."

Then they went to the living room and sat before the fire, which was burning in the hearth. Marina sat down on the sofa position and she was amazed at how comfortable she felt. Aiden joined her, sitting close enough that their shoulders touched.

"Marina, I need to ask you something," Aiden began in a grizzled voice.

"What is it?" she said, somehow worried.

"Do you think that we both have a chance? Beyond the contract, I mean."

Marina looked into his eyes, seeing the vulnerability he rarely showed. "I think there is," she said softly. "But it will take time. We've both been through a lot, and we need to be honest with each other."

Aiden nodded; his expression thoughtful. "I agree. I want to build something real with you, Marina. But I also want to respect your pace. I don't want to rush anything."

Marina appreciated his understanding. "Thank you, Aiden. I want that too but we to take it one after the other.

They were left in silence with only the fire to keep the area warm and illuminate a small circle around them. While watching, Marina saw herself a glimmer of hope, an assurance that they can save their marriage. She rested her head on Aiden and he immediately placed his arm around her.

Still, at that moment she knew that she was on the right track in life. They still had many miles ahead, but her strength was that they are moving forward together.

---

The next day, as they returned back to the city, they were fulfilled and their bond grew stronger. Aiden had to attend a business meeting, and Marina decided to visit a nearby art gallery. She was ready to do something on her own to strengthen and impact positively on their marriage.

While strolling through the gallery, and looking at the paintings and the sculptures, Marina felt like an empowered woman. She slowly but surely was beginning to stand on her own, beginning to find her place in this new world. Her thoughts were cut by the voice that she knew very well.

"Marina? Is that you?"

She turned to see Amira Fords, a former colleague from her old job. "Amira! It's so good to see you," Marina said, hugging her friend.

"I heard about your marriage," Amira said, her eyes wide with surprise. "I didn't expect to run into you here."

Marina smiled, feeling a bit of her old self returning. "It's a long story. How have you been?"

They engaged in some small talk for the next hour and narrated the some of the experiences in the past as they gazed at each other laughing. Seeing Amira was a familiar face that comforted Marina reminding her of life that she left behind, and thus opened up to the new experiences.

"I am glad for you Marina," Amira said to her genuinely. "You deserve all the good things coming your way right now."

"Thank you, Amira. It's been a though one in the past but I'm trying to make the best out of it now".

Mariana felt a new impulse to move forward as they said their final farewell. Marina was not just Mrs. Wellington; she was, Marina Jones with her own life, her personal goals intact. After work, she thought of going home; however, she changed her mind and dropped by at a bookstore that she usually visited. Shopping online she strolled around the book store choosing a couple of novels to take home with her.

As she got back to the mansion, Aiden was seated in the living room looking exhausted but was longing to see Marina. "How was your day?" He asked her with a warmth hug.

"It was wonderful," Marina said, raising the bag with books she bought. "I met an old friend and also went shopping."

He replied with a genuine warmth smile in his face, "I'm glad. You deserve some time for yourself."

They settled into a comfortable routine over the next few weeks. Aiden's business obligations kept him busy, but he made a concerted effort to spend quality time with Marina. They explored the city together, attended social events, and enjoyed quiet evenings at home.

Despite their growing closeness, there were moments when Marina felt the weight of their unspoken feelings. She knew they were both guarded, afraid to fully open up and risk getting hurt. But each day, they took small steps towards breaking down those walls.

One evening after a tough day, Aiden came back from work and found Marina in the library, reading one of the new books. He sat next to her with his face looking worried. "Marina, there is something important I need to tell you."

She closed the book and kept it aside, sensing the seriousness in Aidens tone. " what is it she asked?"

Aiden's voice was steady but intense as he began, "I've been thinking a lot about our future.".

"I desire a genuine marriage with all that it encompasses, and I understand the importance of gaining your trust. My goal is to become a dependable presence in your life, someone who provides you with a sense of security and affection."

Marina was overwhelmed with emotion as she heard his words. "Aiden, you've already done so much. I see the effort you're making, and I appreciate it more than you know."

Aiden expressed with fierce determination, "But it's not enough. I want to do more. I want to show you that I'm committed to this, to us."

Marina extended her hand, clasping his in hers. "Aiden, we will reach our destination. The correct path is already before us. Let's continue moving ahead, side by side."

Aiden nodded, his grip on her hand tightening. "Together."

Sitting in the library, holding hands and discussing their dreams for the future, Marina felt a strong sense of confidence. They knew they had a challenging journey ahead, but with each stride they took, they were creating something tangible. It was the first time since they had gotten married that she felt genuinely optimistic about what was to come.