Fear can be dangerous—especially in the water. The moment panic takes over, it becomes the greatest threat. Struggling and tension lead only to drowning. But on this day, there was no fear. The sunset cast a warm golden glow across the sea, turning the entire beach into a shimmering field of light. Arthur and Ashley walked barefoot along the shore, a small bucket in one hand and a little shovel in the other. The sand beneath their feet was soft and smooth, the beach pristine and untouched by pollution. Even without doing anything, just walking felt wonderful. Ashley had kicked off her shoes the moment they arrived and dashed ahead, barefoot and full of excitement. She tugged Arthur’s hand and ran with him along the shoreline, her laughter trailing behind her in the wind. Arthur, swept up in her joy, felt every last trace of fear he’d once had about the ocean melt away. They ran like children, wild and free, chasing the sun across the golden sand. For a while, they forgot the weight of the world. For once, they were just two people, carefree and alive. It had been so long since either of them had felt so light. Eventually, breathless and spent, they collapsed side by side on the sand. Ashley looked up at the sky, a genuine smile on her face. “This place is beautiful. I haven’t felt this relaxed in forever.” Arthur turned his head, thoughtful. “When we’re old, let’s find a place like this. Somewhere peaceful and beautiful, just for us. We’ll live out our days the way we want.” This time, Ashley didn’t fluster or turn away. She nodded sweetly. “Okay.” There was a smile on her lips, soft and full of happiness. Ashley had grown stronger. After all they’d endured together, she’d gained a bit more courage too. Arthur turned toward her, his eyes sparkling. “Wow, that was quick. No shy denial this time?” He remembered the last time he’d said something like that—Ashley had stammered and insisted she’d never marry him. Now, she was quiet… and blushing. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but nothing came out. She was too flustered. Arthur laughed out loud. “You’re still so shy!” He pinched her warm, puffed-up cheeks, grinning. She’s just too adorable. They’d been through so much together—grown closer than most couples ever did—and yet, Ashley was still this easy to tease. It made life sweeter. More interesting. The setting sun lit up Ashley’s face, casting a golden halo across her cheeks and nose, her skin glowing like polished jade. Arthur couldn’t resist. He leaned in and kissed her. Her lips were soft, warm, sweet—the kind of sweetness that lingered. Over time, she had learned to respond to him in return. Still shy, still awkward, like a blossom just starting to bloom. In her innocence, there was a subtle charm that made Arthur fall for her all over again. They kissed for a long, long while before finally pulling away, breathless. Arthur tapped the tip of her nose and smiled. “Little vixen… you’re getting harder and harder to resist.” Desire stirred in him, heat pooling in his chest. If they weren’t out here, with people potentially nearby, he wouldn’t have hesitated. He would’ve taken her right then and there. But he wouldn’t risk it. He was a man—his reputation didn’t matter so much. But Ashley was a woman. If someone saw them, how could she hold her head up? No. That would have to wait until they were somewhere safe.Still, the idea gave him new thoughts—new possibilities. Arthur got to his feet, a gleam in his eyes. “Come on, let’s go find some seafood!” Ashley’s face was flushed red—so red she looked like she might burst. She kept her head down, too embarrassed to meet his eyes. But she reached out anyway, slipping her little hand into his, letting him lead her forward. Together, they walked toward the water, bucket in hand. Suddenly, Arthur cried out. “Ashley! Look—what is that?” He pointed toward a rocky patch near the shoreline. Something was moving in the cracks. Ashley forgot her embarrassment in an instant and looked up. “Where?” “Over there,” Arthur said, motioning toward the rocks. They hurried over together. Besides their shovel, they’d brought a pair of long tongs—tools Arthur had found in the villa’s little storage shed. He crouched, watching the thing scuttle in the shadows. The moment it poked out a claw, Arthur moved fast. He snapped the tongs around it in one clean motion.