3 a.m

9. Aria

As we approached the island, I couldn't help but feel a strong sense of anticipation coursing through my veins. The sun's rays cast a warm glow over the untouched paradise below us, as we smoothly descended towards it. The helicopter gently touched down, I felt a rush of excitement and wonder. I stepped out, my heart racing with anticipation, feeling like I had just stepped into a whole new world. The salty ocean breeze greeted my face, blowing the hair out of my eyes, and I took a deep breath, savouring the fresh air. Looking around, I saw that we were completely alone; no other footprint was in sight. Marcus had brought me to this serene, untouched island, where we could spend countless hours together with no disturbance from the outside world. I couldn't wait to explore and make new memories that would last a lifetime.

-Marcus, where are we?-I asked, my voice overflowing with curiosity.

He took my hand and led me towards the dock, where we could take a closer look at the island.
-This,- he said, gesturing widely, -is something I've been dying to show you, Aria.

I looked around me, taking in the beauty of the island once more.
-Show me? What is all of this?- I asked again.

-Aria, this is my inheritance.-He answered, looking at me with a hint of pride in his eyes.

-Your inheritance?- I repeated, taken aback.-What are you talking about? I knew that your family is crazy rich Marcus,but I had no idea that you had an island in your name.

-My great-great-grandparents bought this land many years ago, and it's been in our family ever since. Technically it's still not mine.- He explained, looking at me with a sincere expression. My eyes grew wide with surprise.

-Wow, Marcus,this is soo cool ! I never knew that you had a place like this!-I exclaimed, turning to face him.

-I wanted to show you this place because it's special to me.- he replied.

I gazed at the island, feeling lucky to be here. -It looks special indeed, Marcus. Thank you for bringing me here.- I said, smiling widely.

-Actually, there's one more thing, Aria.- Marcus interjected, looking a little hesitant.

-What is it? I asked, noticing the change in his tone.

-Well, the condition of my inheritance is that I have to fulfill one more requirement to be eligible to inherit it.- he said, fidgeting slightly.

My heart sank a little with the mention of a condition.
-What is it? Is there something else that needs to be done?- I asked, trying to appear nonchalantly.

-I have to get married first.- He said, with a hint of embarrassment. I froze for a second, unsure of what to say.

-What? But why?- I stammered. - Why you have to be married first?

He nodded, looking sheepish.
-Yes, it's what my granddad had specified in his will. I can't inherit the property until I'm married.

My mind began to race with a million thoughts.
-Married?- I whispered, my face turning scarlet.

Marcus looked at me with an expression of concern.
-I know it's sudden and a bit crazy, but it's the only way I can inherit the property. I don't want to put any pressure on you, Aria, but I care about you and I want to make this work.- He said earnestly, looking at me with hopeful eyes.

I sighed, feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
-Marcus, I... I just don't know.- I replied, shaking my head slightly.

- I understand. We can take things slow. We don't have to rush into anything. But Aria, I know we have something special here. Let's see where this takes us.- he said softly, taking my hand in his and kissing my lips softly.

As I looked at his kind eyes, I felt indecisive. Although we had known each other since we were kids, we had only recently started hooking up. Marriage seemed like such a big commitment to make, especially when we were still in the early days of our relationship.

-Can we just enjoy this moment for now? -I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

-Of course.- he replied, smiling at me. -Let's just enjoy this beautiful island and see where our relationship takes us. Whether we get married or not, I know one thing for sure- we have something special between us. Come,let me show you around baby.-he said taking my hand in his .
I knew that whatever the future held, I was in safe hands with him.