Married To The Billionaire Alpha King-Chapter 54 - I’m proud of you

54

~Elara’s POV

I grabbed my phone and called Janae again, my fingers trembling with excitement. "Janae! Pack your things. We’re leaving today. Meet me at the palace in an hour!"

"Wait... what?" she squeaked, almost dropping her phone. "We’re leaving? Now? Where are we going?"

I grinned. "It’s a surprise! But hurry, I need you here fast."

She groaned dramatically. "Elara, you’re impossible! Fine. I’m packing."

I hung up and turned to Darlon, my curiosity bubbling. "So... where exactly are we going?" I asked, trying to sound casual, but failing miserably.

His lips curved into a teasing smile. "Bora Bora."

I froze. "What? Are you serious?" I spun around, staring at him. "Bora Bora?!"

"Yes," he said, calm as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "You’re going to love it."

I jumped, nearly hugging him, but caught myself just in time. "I can’t... this is amazing! Bora Bora! I’ve always dreamed of going there!"

He laughed, a low, warm sound that made my chest flutter. "Good. I’m glad you’re happy. Now, I’ll handle the rest."

He took out his phone and dialed. "David, send the helicopter. We’re leaving as soon as possible."

"Already?" I asked, my eyes wide.

"Yes," he said, glancing at me with a small smile. "I want this to be perfect for you."

An hour later, we were all ready. Janae had arrived, eyes sparkling with excitement, and Beta David was waiting with the helicopter. As soon as the blades started spinning, I felt my stomach flip in the best way possible.

"Wow," I whispered, gripping the seat tightly. Janae’s jaw dropped. "Look at it! We’re really flying! This is insane!"

I couldn’t stop staring out of the window, watching the world shrink below us. "It’s... beautiful. I can’t believe this is happening."

Darlon chuckled from beside me. "Enjoy it. This is for you."

The flight was smooth, and I kept looking at everything, mountains, ocean, clouds. Janae kept nudging me, pointing at the islands. "Elara, look! Look at that water!"

I squealed. "It’s so blue... It’s like the pictures in magazines!"

Finally, we landed. A driver led us to the hotel, and I almost froze. "Wait... this hotel... it belongs to you?" I asked, staring at the elegant building.

Darlon smirked. "Yes. I’ve stayed here before, but I didn’t think you’d be this impressed."

I walked through the lobby with my mouth slightly open. "How filthy rich are you?" I asked, half joking, half serious.

He shrugged, smiling. "I honestly have no idea. I stopped counting a long time ago."

We were led to our rooms. My jaw dropped when he opened the door to ours. The space was enormous, with floor-to-ceiling windows, soft lighting, a private balcony overlooking the ocean, and a bed that looked like a cloud.

I spun around, swinging my arms like a little kid. "It’s... it’s... incredible! How can one person be this rich?"

Darlon laughed. "You look so much like her..." he muttered.

"What?" I asked, giggling. "What did you just say?"

"Nothing," he said with a playful smirk. "Just... nothing."

We started unpacking our things, tossing bags onto the bed. Darlon handed me a dress he’d picked out for me. "Try this on later. It’ll be perfect for dinner."

I shook my head, smiling. "I don’t know... I think I’m just too excited."

He tilted his head, his eyes soft. "I can tell. Why don’t we do something else first? How about... swimming?"

I froze. "Swimming? I’ve... I’ve never swum before. I don’t even know how."

He grinned. "Perfect. Then I’ll teach you."

I felt a mix of excitement and panic. "Teach me?" I asked, voice trembling a little.

"Yes. You’ll be fine. I’ll be right there." He held out his hand. I took it without hesitation, feeling safe and warm.

We changed into our swimsuits, and when we stepped out, I gasped. The hotel grounds were empty except for a few staff members bustling quietly. "Wait... is it just us here?"

He nodded, a playful smile on his face. "Yes. I reserved the whole place. You, me, Janae, and David. Everyone else is gone."

I laughed, spinning around. "This is insane! I love it! You’re amazing, Darlon."

He caught my hand, pulling me toward the pool. "I’m glad you like it. Now, come on. Let’s see how fast you can learn."

Janae squealed behind me, already jumping toward the pool, while Beta David followed calmly. I took a deep breath, looked at Darlon, and felt that familiar flutter in my chest.

"I’m... nervous," I admitted, biting my lip.

He laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Don’t worry. I’ve got you. Just follow my lead."

I nodded, my heart racing, excitement mingling with fear. "Okay... I trust you."

He smiled, and just like that, I felt ready to take the plunge.

I hesitated at the edge of the pool, toes just touching the water. The sunlight made the surface sparkle like diamonds. I looked at Darlon, who was already in the water, waiting patiently.

"Okay... I’m scared," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

He laughed softly, shaking his head. "Don’t be. I’ve got you. Come on, just step in slowly."

I swallowed hard, inching forward. "What if I sink? What if I... drown?"

"You won’t," he said gently, reaching out his hands. "Look at me. You trust me, right?"

I nodded, biting my lip. "Yes. I trust you."

"Then that’s all you need," he said. His eyes were so warm, so steady. I took a deep breath and stepped in. The water was cool, shocking at first, but refreshing.

I flinched a little, and he immediately came closer. "Relax," he instructed, holding me steady. "Just float. Let the water hold you."

"I... I can’t," I whispered, panic creeping in.

"Yes, you can," he said, a little firmer now. "You just have to believe it. Breathe with me. In... out... in... out."

I followed, my chest rising and falling with his. I felt him supporting my back, holding me close. I couldn’t help but feel my heart hammering, not from fear, but from the nearness of him.

"Better?" he asked softly.

"Yes... I think so," I said, trying to smile.

"Good. Now, kick your legs a little. Just like this." He demonstrated, splashing gently.

I copied him, splashing clumsily at first. He chuckled, encouraging me. "Not bad. Not bad at all. You’re a fast learner."

I laughed nervously. "Fast learner? I’m barely keeping afloat."

"You’re doing more than keeping afloat," he said, leaning closer. "I’m proud of you."

I looked up at him, heart fluttering. "You... you always make me feel... safe."

"That’s my job," he said with a grin, brushing water off my hair. "And my pleasure."

Janae squealed from the other side of the pool. "Elara, you’re actually swimming! Look at you!"

I splashed back at her, giggling. "Don’t distract me!"

"Or what?" Darlon teased, leaning closer. "You think you can beat me in a swim race?"

"Beat you?" I laughed, splashing water at him. "I’ll try my best!"

He caught the splash with his hand, laughing, then splashed me back lightly. I squealed, then started laughing uncontrollably. His laughter joined mine, echoing over the water, and for the first time in a long while, I felt completely free.

"Okay, okay," he said, trying to stop me. "You’re too fast for a beginner. Slow down!"

"I’m not slow!" I shouted, kicking and paddling as best I could.

"You’re amazing," he said, swimming up beside me. "Look at you... my brave Luna, learning so fast."

I felt my cheeks heat up. "Brave Luna?" I said softly, staring at him.

"Always," he whispered, smiling. He reached out, brushing wet strands of hair from my face. "You’ve been so strong, Elara. Today, tomorrow... always. I’m proud of you."