Chapter 334: Waiting for the Right Moment

A quiet smile spread across his face.

In just one more day, he would finally be down on one knee, asking the love of his life to marry him.

He could hardly wait.

The journey continued peacefully. With the gentle hum of the engine in the background, Matteo and Adrian spent the drive talking about anything and everything, completely lost in each other’s company as the scenery slipped by outside.

After a while, Matteo glanced over with a warm smile. "Baby," he said softly, "how about we rest today after we arrive? We can take the yacht out tomorrow. What do you think?"

Adrian nodded initially, but a sudden thought made him pause. "If we go on the yacht tomorrow," he asked, a hint of caution in his voice, "we’re coming back to the resort at night, right?"

Matteo’s smiled softly. "Actually, no. I was thinking... we’d spend the night out on the yacht. Then the following day, we can head back to the resort, pack up, and leave for home."

Adrian immediately shook his head, his meticulously planned beach proposal flashing before his eyes. "No, baby, I don’t think we should sleep on the yacht." He reached over and held Matteo’s hand. "Let’s just spend some time out there and come back to the resort for the night. I’d feel more comfortable that way."

Matteo gave his hand a reassuring, tender squeeze, his thumb tracing the back of Adrian’s knuckles. "The yacht is completely safe, baby. You don’t have to worry about a thing."

Adrian offered a soft smile, though his mind was racing.

It doesn’t matter, he told himself.

Whether the elaborate decorations were set up at the resort or not simply didn’t matter anymore. Even if Matteo’s plan meant they spent the entire night out on the ocean, Adrian’s resolve remained unshaken. He would get the ring from Maxwell the second they arrived. Then, at the very first perfect opportunity, he would drop down to one knee, pour out every single rehearsed word from the depths of his heart, and ask Matteo to marry him.

The location didn’t matter. The decorations didn’t matter. As long as Matteo was the one standing in front of him, the moment would be absolutely perfect.

Letting out a quiet breath of surrender, Adrian shifted closer, wrapping his arms around Matteo and resting his head comfortably against his broad shoulder again. "Whatever you want, baby," he murmured affectionately. "I’m okay with it."

Matteo smiled, pressing a lingering, tender kiss to the crown of Adrian’s head. "Alright, my love."

With the debate settled, they fell into a comfortable silence, watching the open road stretch endlessly ahead. Not long after, the rhythmic motion of the car and the comforting warmth radiating from Matteo proved too much to resist. Adrian’s eyelids grew heavy, and he curled securely against the man he loved, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

The drive lasted nearly three hours. By the time the convoy finally slowed to a stop, Adrian stirred awake as the gentle movement of the car brought him out of his sleep. He blinked a few times before looking out the window, only to find that they had arrived at their beautiful, sun-drenched destination.

Matteo stepped out first as one of his bodyguards opened the car door for him. He then walked around to Adrian’s side and personally opened the door, offering him a warm smile. Taking Adrian’s hand, he helped him out of the car, steadying him as his feet touched the pavement.

Right behind them, Maxwell stepped out of the vehicle following them. As instructed by Matteo, his bodyguards remained close enough to protect him while keeping a respectful distance. The moment the fresh sea breeze brushed against Maxwell’s face, he took a deep breath, stretched his arms above his head, and let out a low whistle.

"Wow," Maxwell said with a grin, looking around. "This place is incredible. Even the ocean air smells amazing."

Adrian smiled, lifting his eyes toward the resort. It was even more breathtaking than he had imagined.

Five luxurious buildings stood proudly along the coastline, connected by beautifully landscaped walkways lined with tropical trees, colorful flowers, and elegant stone paths. The architecture blended modern luxury with coastal elegance, while sparkling swimming pools surrounded the resort, reflecting the afternoon sunlight. Beyond it all, the endless blue ocean stretched toward the horizon, creating a view that almost didn’t seem real.

"It’s beautiful," Adrian whispered.

Before long, several members of the resort staff approached them with warm, welcoming smiles. Having been informed of Matteo’s arrival in advance, they were already waiting to receive him.

"Welcome, sir," one of the staff members greeted respectfully with a slight bow. "We’re delighted to have you with us. Please allow us to escort you to your suites."

"Thank you," Matteo replied with a polite nod.

The staff quickly collected their luggage and began leading them through the grand lobby. Meanwhile, Matteo’s bodyguards quietly fell into formation, keeping a discreet but watchful distance as planned.

As they walked, Matteo leaned closer to Adrian and lowered his voice.

"Baby," Matteo murmured, keeping his voice low. "Our suite is on the fifth floor. Charles and Mark will be staying on the fourth floor, while Maxwell and Frank are on the third."

Adrian nodded. "Okay."

His gaze briefly shifted toward Maxwell. He still needed to get the engagement ring, but with Matteo walking right beside him, there wasn’t a single opportunity.

As the staff stopped near the elevators, Adrian turned to Matteo. "Baby, why don’t you go upstairs with the staff first?" he suggested. "I’ll stay here until Charles, Mark, and Frank arrive. I can’t just leave without making sure everyone gets here safely."

Matteo smiled and gently shook his head. "No, baby," he said. "You’re coming with me. I’ll stay here until everyone arrives, then we’ll go upstairs together."

Adrian hesitated, quickly searching for another excuse. "Then... how about Maxwell comes upstairs with us?" he suggested. "He doesn’t have to wait down here by himself. Once Charles, Mark, and Frank arrive, he can come back down and meet them."

Matteo looked at him curiously, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Baby... What’s going on? You’re acting a little strange."

Adrian’s heart skipped a beat. Realizing he was making Matteo suspicious, he forced a bright smile. "Nothing."

Before Matteo could ask another question, Adrian took his hand. "Come on. Let’s go."

As they turned to leave, Maxwell finally caught on. Realizing it was all about the ring, he casually stepped a little closer and spoke quietly enough for only Adrian to hear.

"I’ll have someone bring it to your room in a few minutes."

Relief washed over Adrian. He gave the smallest, most discreet nod. "Okay."

Satisfied, he followed Matteo and the staff toward the private elevator. The doors slid open a few moments later, revealing the exclusive fifth floor. Their suite occupied almost the entire level, and the moment Adrian stepped inside, his eyes widened. It felt less like a hotel suite and more like a luxurious beachfront mansion.

A spacious living room welcomed them with elegant furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and breathtaking views of the ocean. A fully equipped modern kitchen sat beside a sophisticated dining area, while a long hallway led to several beautifully furnished bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom.

Near the center of the suite, a floating staircase curved gracefully upward. Curious, Adrian followed it to the rooftop, which opened into a stunning private terrace complete with an infinity swimming pool overlooking the endless ocean. Comfortable lounge chairs, a shaded seating area, and soft tropical landscaping made it feel like their own private paradise.

The panoramic view stole Adrian’s breath away. "Wow..." he whispered, turning back to Matteo with a wide, radiant smile. "This is beautiful."

They eventually made their way back down into the master bedroom. Waiting for them was a romantic welcome prepared by the resort: fresh rose petals scattered across the bed, elegant towel swans resting in the center beneath a heart made of flowers, a chilled bottle of sparkling juice beside a basket of fresh fruit and chocolates, and a handwritten welcome card wishing them a wonderful stay.

Adrian couldn’t stop smiling. "This feels like heaven. I love it."

Matteo smiled, wrapping an arm securely around his waist and pulling him close. "I’m glad you do."

Once the staff had finished arranging their luggage and explaining the suite’s amenities, they politely excused themselves, leaving the couple alone in the quiet luxury of their room.

Matteo pulled Adrian a little closer, kissing the side of his head as the door clicked shut behind the departing staff.

"Relax, baby," Matteo murmured against his hair, his hand rubbing soothingly up and down Adrian’s back. "You’ve been tense the whole drive. Take a breath. We have the entire weekend ahead of us, and no one else is here to bother us."

Adrian leaned into the touch, letting out a soft sigh as the last of his travel fatigue melted away. "I know," Adrian replied, turning in Matteo’s arms to wrap his own around his neck. "I guess I’m just really happy to be here with you. Away from everything."

"Me too," Matteo whispered, his gaze softening as he looked down into Adrian’s eyes.

Before either of them could say another word, the sharp, cheerful chime of the suite’s doorbell echoed through the spacious living area.

Matteo frowned slightly, pulling back just an inch. "That must be the others already. Or room service."

Adrian’s heart did a sudden, excited flip.

"I’ll get it," Adrian said quickly, stepping away before Matteo could move.

He hurried out of the master bedroom, crossing the expansive, sunlit living room toward the heavy double doors of the suite’s private entrance. Taking a quick breath to steady his expression, he reached out, unlocked the door, and pulled it open.

Standing in the hallway weren’t Charles, Frank, or Mark.

It was a resort concierge staff member, wearing a polite, professional smile, holding a small, elegantly wrapped velvet box in both hands.

"Sir Adrian," the concierge said quietly, "this was delivered for you."

"Thank you," Adrian replied, his pulse racing.

He accepted the box, slipping it discreetly beneath his shirt, and quickly pulled the door shut. By the time he walked back into the bedroom, his expression was perfectly composed.

Matteo looked up. "Who was it?"

"Just the resort staff," Adrian answered smoothly. "They were checking to make sure we were comfortable and asked if we needed anything else."

Matteo nodded, satisfied. "That’s thoughtful."