Forever Begins Here

Chapter 1

White sandy beach. Crystal clear waters. Coconut mojitos served on arrival. Paradise. What more could a young couple ask for?

The Johnsons had just arrived at the Sandy Cove Resort, an exclusive island retreat tucked away off Mexico's southeastern coast. The website had promised untouched beaches, absolute privacy, and sunsets worth crossing oceans for. For once, the internet hadn't exaggerated another influencer hotspot.

Emma leaned out of the limousine's window as it drove down the winding road leading to the resort, flanked on both sides by sprawling jungle. The smell of sweet tropical flowers she couldn't name perfumed the warm air.

She smiled to herself, "I can't believe we're finally here."
Daniel looked across at her, his wedding band catching the sunlight as he reached for her hand. "We're actually married."

Marriage still felt like a concept, something she understood only in theory. And now the exam was over, the papers had been signed. Only a week ago, she had been Emma Carter. Now her bank cards, hotel reservations, and her passport read Mrs Johnson. She wasn't sure when she'd ever get used to it.

The limousine rounded a final bend, revealing the resort in its entirety. Stone villas with thatched roofs stepped gently down towards the shoreline, the wraparound verandas draped with flowering vines that spilled over the exteriors. The main building looked almost out-of-place amongst them, contrasting sharply with its stark concrete exterior and Spanish Colonial-style finishings.

A line of staff stood waiting outside, dressed in immaculate cream jackets trimmed with navy. They were standing so perfectly still, they almost look like part of the architecture. As the limousine slowed to a stop, just past the sweeping arched entrance framed by limestone columns and cascading bougainvillea, Emma noticed something strange amiss the grandeur. No children were splashing in the pool. No music drifting from the bar, nor people chattering. Just the wind, without even the cry of a gull.

"It's.." she began, glancing back towards the winding road.
Daniel followed her gaze. "What?"
"So quiet."
He smiled. "I think that's exactly what we paid for."
She raised an eyebrow. "Silence?"
"Exclusivity."

She supposed that's one way to advertise an 'untouched beach'. Silence beats fighting feisty soccer moms for a sun lounger who weren't afraid to use their elbows.

The driver stepped out first. Before he could reach the passenger door, another man was already there. He opened it with effortless grace. "Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Johnson." His voice carried the polished warmth of someone who had repeated the greeting thousands of times without ever sounding bored. "My name is Alejandro Navarro. On behalf of everyone at Sandy Cove Resort, congratulations on your marriage." He inclined his head ever so slightly. "We're honoured you've chosen to spend your honeymoon with us."

A member of staff stepped forward carrying a silver tray. Two tall glasses rested upon it, cloudy-white beneath curls of fresh coconut and mint.

"Our signature coconut mojitos,"Alejandro said. "a small tradition of ours."

Emma darted her eyes towards Daniel's.
He gave an exaggerated shrug. "When in paradise."

She laughed and accepted a glass. The drink was cool against her fingers, condensation already collecting around the crystal. Daniel lifted his.
"To us."
"To us."
They clinked their glasses together before taking their first sip. Coconut, mint and a hint of lime swirled into a rum base. It was the perfect drink to mark the beginning of their honeymoon. Alejandro smiled approvingly. "Verdict?"
"It's amazing, can I get another one of these?" Daniel said eagerly.
"Most certainly, sir." Alejandro nodded at a woman with her hair whipped back in a tight bun. She immediately whisked her way through a discrete door.
His attention shifted towards Emma. "And how is your shoulder feeling this afternoon, Mrs. Johnson?"