chapter1256

Connor lifted an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. These contestants were usually so full of themselves. Who would've guessed they'd end up wrapped around Lydia's little finger, completely won over.

As Lydia walked over, Mr. Russo and Dr. Tomlinson hurried to meet her, both of them grinning from ear to ear.

"Lydia, that was amazing!"

"Lydia, you're honestly the pride of our nation!"

They were so excited they could barely get their words out.

Lydia smiled and asked, "What time is your flight this afternoon?"

"Three o'clock, Mr. Russo replied. He hesitated, glancing at Connor nearby. Lydia, are you... coming back with us?"

He'd wanted to invite her to join them, but with Connor standing there, he figured she probably wouldn't.

Sure enough, Lydia shook her head. "You go ahead. I'll probably head back in a couple of days."

She still needed to meet up with Garrett. Connor had mentioned the antidote was almost ready.

Dr. Tomlinson nodded, understanding. Alright. We'll head out this afternoon, then." "Safe travels," Lydia said softly.

After seeing Mr. Russo and Dr. Tomlinson off, Connor wasted no time pulling Lydia into his arms.

"So, do I finally get some time with you?" he murmured, sounding just a little dramatic.

He honestly hadn't expected that getting time alone with his own fianc e would feel like waiting in line.

Lydia grinned. "Let's go find Garrett together."

Connor just stared at her, looking so defeated it made Lydia laugh. "Okay, okay. Where do you want to go? I'll hang out with you first."

Connor thought for a second, then suggested, Let's go to the beach. Watch the ocean."

And maybe catch the sunset.

Later, he'd take her to see the fireworks. Just picturing it made his heart race. It sounded so perfect.

Lydia nodded. "Sounds good."

Connor drove them himself, the anticipation between them almost tangible.

Half an hour later, they reached the coast. The breeze was salty and cool, whipping over the dunes and making Lydia's white dress snap in the wind. Connor slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders, the fabric still warm and carrying his clean scent.

A little ways off, one of the bodyguards was playing

photographer, fiddling with a camera while standing on some rocks Through his lens, he caught Lydia

and Connor sitting side by side on the breakwater.

He couldn't believe he was actually here, taking pictures of Connor and the girl who'd probably be Connor's wife someday.

Lydia rested her head on Connor's shoulder. Connor gently brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, his touch so soft and careful. The moment was almost too pretty to be real.

The camera clicked, freezing it in time.

Connor leaned down, pressing a kiss to Lydia's forehead. The sunlight, turning gold as it dipped lower, wrapped them in a glow that felt like something out of a dream.

Another click, another memory saved.

The photographer kept snapping away, the shutter punctuating the quiet.

Connor stared out at the horizon, watching the sun melt into the sea. His voice

came out low and smooth, "The sunsets here are called 'God's Kiss'."

He turned suddenly, his breath warm against Lydia's ear.

She looked up at him, catching the fire in his eyes.

"So?" she whispered.

Connor leaned in, kissing her with a mix of tenderness and stubborn possessiveness. He wished every day could be as simple as this. Just holding her kissing her, letting the world fall away.

When they finally broke apart, Lydia smiled up at him. Where to next?"

Connor pressed his forehead to hers, thinking for a moment. "I want to take you to see the fireworks."

He'd wanted to do this for ages, but there'd never been the right moment.

Lydia arched an eyebrow, teasing. "Alright."

On the drive back toward the city, Connor let the bodyguard take the wheel so he and Lydia could sit together in the back, tangled up and close.

Suddenly, the cars behind them sped up, surrounding Connor's car in a tight circle. Connor's eyes narrowed. "What's going on?"

The bodyguard in the front seat spoke up, voice tense. Boss, there's something happening behind us."