“Because you’re special, mia Cara,” was all he whispered. A dazzling smile lit up her innocent sweet face as she followed him inside the sprawling house. Everything about the island was absolutely gorgeous, the brightly hued sky, the tide rising and ebbing away, the birds flying homeward, the tranquil air all around, the sound of the water lapping on the shores, everything made it look like a private Zen retreat. It boosted Cara’s mood considerably as she followed Marcus around to inspect the place. Marcus selected the huge glass-enclosed gallery room as his studio and started setting it up. The view was excellent and he immediately was in the mood to start off his second painting of the series, “This place is so enchanting!” she gasped, staring all around the place with an enraptured look on her face. Marcus gazed at her, his whole body immediately simmering with

It had been a week since Cara and Marcus returned to his Southampton home from their trip. After spending a day with her siblings, Cara felt rejuvenated enough to start college. The last few days, she had settled down to a nice routine that suited Marcus as well. The classes at Suffolk Community College were very enjoyable and with her talent, in the field, she picked up more than her batch mates could. “I’m glad that you are picking up so well. I completed the 6th painting last night. We will start with the seventh when you return from college.” Cara nodded and quickly wrapped up the work. “Lunch is made, Marcus. Just warm and eat if you’re hungry.”Marcus caught her and kissed her mouth passionately. “You know that I hate eating alone. I’ll wait for you t

Cara sighed for the millionth time as she completed her work for the day. With Marcus drowned in his work, she knew that he would complete the series soon. The finishing touches shouldn’t take long. Completing all her work, she dragged herself to bed knowing Marcus would work till late in the night. She knew all along that this wasn’t forever yet she couldn’t stop her heart from bleeding with dejection. Will this be the last time they will meet? Will he go away to New York forever? ‘No Cara, you have to be stronger than this. You’re a music artist. You cannot be an art model forever!’ chided her inner self. She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes. It was true. She had a long struggle ahead of her in her chosen field. She needed to make it big but first, she needed work in her field to provide for

For the next two weeks, Marcus was busy renovating his penthouse for Cara. He wanted to start afresh and remodeled the place to give him a happy and positive vibe. His mom had been calling him non-stop but he didn’t find time for a visit. A feeling of dread engulfed him every time his mom called. The urgency didn’t sit well with him since his mom wasn’t keen on his wedding with Cara. Then what was she up to? He didn’t have any wish to ponder over it much.Cara returned home feeling disappointed and upset. Her college had been sending her to reputed places for internships but luck didn’t favor her at all. Despite all her efforts, even after three weeks, she was back at square one, heartbroken and jobless. “Cheer up, dear. It’s just a difficult phase. Take it easy. You still have money in your account to fall back u

Cara’s words pierced Marcus’s heart and he started to repent his reckless ways. Although it had been over a year since he had stopped sleeping around, he knew that this would haunt him forever. Returning to New York brought him out of the blissful and happy bubble he was living in, compelling him to face the harsh reality of his life. He craved to rekindle the fire that he and Cara shared before. How can three weeks of separation turn his life upside down? He longed to return to his Southampton beach home, back to those carefree and blissful days, detached from everyone. He watched Cara’s stiff and hurt posture as she stood farther away from him, aloof, angry, and hating his presence totally. He wished he could convince her somehow that this is how his life is, dull, dismal, and hopeless.They reached his penthouse and Cara looked around disinterestedly, not wanting to stay here even for