The pool sparkled under the late afternoon sun, and the music from the speaker hummed softly, like the background score of a romantic movie.
But Naina wasn't in the mood for background scores.
She was pacing along the poolside, scanning every lounge chair, every corner of the cabana area, and even the garden path that led to the guest rooms.
"Harsh?" she called out again, irritation creeping into her voice. "Seriously, where did he vanish?"
She passed by the cocktail bar, peered into the spa, and even checked the juice station. Nothing. Not even a shadow of him.
He wouldn't leave without saying something... would he?
Just then, Romy, who was leaning against the pool rail in his open shirt, caught sight of her. His lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. His dark sunglasses reflected the sun and maybe, just maybe, a little amusement at her growing restlessness.
He took a sip of his iced coffee and watched her drama unfold.
Romy had seen it all. He knew exactly where Harsh was. And more importantly, who he was with.
Romy just smirked and turned his attention back to the pool.
Suddenly, a sharp voice from behind snapped his attention.
"Ohhh… so this is your thing now, huh?"
It was Monty.
Storming up with crossed arms, Monty was clearly annoyed. His brows were drawn together, and his lips formed a dramatic pout.
"You're getting very cozy with Naina," Monty said, narrowing his eyes.
Romy tilted his head, amused. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Monty."
Monty scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm just saying—do you throw yourself at every girl like that?"
Romy straightened, his voice lowering just enough to make Monty flinch.
"I don't throw myself at every girl, Preety."
He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto Monty's.
"I only do this," he said, tapping Monty gently on the chest, "when the girl I'm helping happens to belong to someone very… special."
Monty blinked, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Romy gave a half-smile. "You're my wife, aren't you? Wasn't I just helping my dramatic, possessive, jealous little wife?"
Monty's mouth opened and closed like a goldfish. "I'm your—what?!"
Romy didn't answer. He just walked a slow circle around him, speaking playfully.
"Here I am, trying to distract Naina, giving you the perfect opening. But nooo… my dear Preety chooses to throw tantrums like I just stole his teddy bear."
Monty, stunned by the playful attack, finally stammered, "I-I wasn't jealous! I was just—just... concerned!"
"Aw," Romy teased, "you're adorable when you lie."
Monty folded his arms again. "Whatever. I said what I said."
But even as he turned away with a dramatic huff, Romy could see it—the little twitch in his cheek, the way he bit his lower lip, trying not to smile.
Romy leaned closer. "Admit it. You were jealous."
"Nope."
"Your face turned red."
"It's sunburn!"
Romy tilted his head. "Your nose only crinkles when you're lying."
Monty groaned. "Ugh, fine! Okay? I was a tiny bit jealous. Happy?"
"No," Romy said flatly.
Monty blinked. "Why not?!"
"Because you yelled at me instead of saying thank you," Romy said, crossing his arms and pretending to pout.
Monty rolled his eyes and stepped forward. "Okay, okay. Thank you for being such a charming, seductive, fake boyfriend to Naina."
Romy didn't budge.
Monty sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Also… sorry for accusing you. I may have overreacted."
Romy raised an eyebrow.
Monty groaned again, looked up at the sky, then suddenly dropped to a squat, tugged his ears and said dramatically, "I'm sorryyyy! Please forgive your annoying, insecure, jealous wife!"
Romy tried—really tried—not to laugh. His cheeks puffed slightly, his lips trembled, but he held it.
Monty saw him struggling and raised one eyebrow with a funny face. "Don't you dare laugh. I will actually jump in that pool and pull you in with me!"
That was it.
Romy burst into laughter.
He grabbed Monty by the shoulders, stood him up, and before Monty could protest further, pulled him into a tight hug.
Monty froze.
The hug was… warm.
Too warm.
Romy's chin rested lightly against Monty's shoulder, his breath brushing against his neck. Monty could feel his heart hammering in his chest like a wild drum. Was it always this loud?
"You're ridiculous," Romy whispered with a grin. "But cute."
Monty tried to smile, but his heart wasn't cooperating.
And then… it happened.
Just as Romy was about to pull away, his lips brushed gently—accidentally—against Monty's neck.
A light, almost teasing kiss.
Monty's eyes flew open like someone had dumped a bucket of ice on him.
"W-what the—" he squeaked, immediately backing away, his cheeks flaming red. "Did you just KISS me?!"
Romy shrugged casually, pretending to inspect his nails. "Hmm? Oh, that? That was gratitude."
Monty pointed a finger at him. "That's not how people say thank you!"
"Oh?" Romy teased, "Then how do you want me to thank you next time, my dear?"
Monty looked like he might faint. Or fight. Or both.
But he just turned on his heel, muttering to himself as he walked away, "This guy's going to drive me insane."
Behind him, Romy chuckled, watching Monty's flustered retreat.
He's cute when he's mad, Romy thought. Too cute for his own good.
And somewhere in the distance, behind villa Room 114, the sound of someone's heart skipping a beat echoed quietly through the evening air.