Arriving back in New York, Vina and I were refreshed completely, which was something we really needed. It was how we should've felt coming back from Florida, but both Vina and my parents ruined it for us.

I settled back into work, feeling inspired by Vina's gift. I decided I'd use my childlike handwriting in the new line I was designing for Inferno—and I felt eternally grateful that Vina introduced me to this idea.

Everything just felt so good—calm even. I officially bought the private plane I had been scoping out for months on end, and I admired that Vina was the one I made my first memories with in it. Even if the short trip was only for a few days, It still made me feel amazing, especially since I needed an actual break from work that didn't consist of constant drama.

Honestly, for a moment there, I thought Vi and I's life would always revolve around some unnecessary external event unfolding, and it was a little concerning. But now it's like everything is falling into place while we feel out this new time in our shared lives.

I don't know... I still felt scared?

Scared that I'd manage to mess this up—maybe do or say the wrong thing? I just don't do well with long-term relationships, considering the longest I've lasted was maybe nine months and that was with my recent ex Zera.

I knew Vina was different and I felt it too, but it didn't mean that I wasn't still adjusting to all of this. I was genuinely trying my hardest with her, hoping that I was doing enough, especially since we both struggle with communicating.

So far, I knew everything was good and would continue to be good so long as we kept putting in the effort and communication.

Suddenly, my work phone began ringing—halting my prior thoughts.

I picked up the phone and one of the receptionists said, "Ms. Cabassi is here for you. Should I send her in?"

I smiled, thinking about seeing Vina. "Yes send her in," I said. "You don't have to inform me anymore, she can just walk back from now on."

"Yes ma'am, I'll send her back now," the woman said.

I nodded, "Very well, thank you."

I hung up the phone, adjusting my maroon long-sleeve sweater over my tan dress pants. I ran my fingers through my dark hair, rising from my seat as one of the doors to my office opened.

Vina looked breathtaking as usual, and I honestly question how she can look this amazing every day. Even when she first wakes up she looks flawless.

My eyes trailed Vina—she was wearing a tan off-the-shoulder thick knit sweater and jeans. Her dark hair was down and curled and her face was coated in neutral makeup—she looked so comfortable, but still managed to look cute at the same time.

"Hi baby," I said, smiling as I walked over to her.

She set the bags of takeout food down on the coffee table by the couch, and I could easily sense her tense body language, which she was evidently trying to hide. "Hi... how is work so far?" she asked.

I analyzed her face before pulling her into a hug—hoping that whatever was bothering her she'd tell me first without me having to ask. "Boring until you got here," I said, pulling out of the hug as I sat down on the soft couch. Vina joined me, sitting down close beside me as she unpacked the Chinese food she brought.

As we ate, we caught up on each other's day so far, discussing work and school. After we finished, we put the to-go containers away before we cuddled up on my couch together with our legs intertwined. There was a comfortable silence floating around us as I played with her soft brown hair, enjoying her presence fully.

Maybe nothing was wrong, but for some reason, she just seemed off... our conversation was normal and she seemed somewhat happy. Still, it all seemed somewhat forced and I knew I would have to ask her before she left. I was just hoping she was comfortable enough with me to tell me first.

"Cayden," Vina said, which easily earned my full attention—rarely does she use my full name with such a serious tone.

I sat up slightly on the armrest of the sectional, staring down at her, knowing this involved the tenseness I easily sensed with her. Something was wrong. "What is it?" I asked, feeling somewhat relieved that she seemed to be bringing up whatever was on her mind. It was nice that I didn't have to ask.

Although, it was concerning that she didn't particularly want to discuss whatever it was. Which meant it had to be bad.

Vina sat up from the couch fully with a stressful sigh, which easily made my brows furrow. What is she so stressed out about? Don't tell me it's Jaci again. Or maybe even Sebastian?

We've finally had a moment to breathe and live without any drama—then something else happens?

Vina played with her hands in her lap, her dark eyes looking anywhere but mine, which only made my stomach twist into knots.

"My parents reached out to me."

I froze, blinking a few times. "They did?" I asked, hesitance clear in my tone as I gently grabbed her hands. "How do you feel?"

Vina looked up at me, finally meeting my eyes. "I uh... I don't know. I feel like this dreadful feeling and I almost just want to throw up."

I frowned, hating that she felt this way. "You don't have to handle it right now. You can respond when you're ready."

Vina nodded, sighing to herself as she shook her head. "This really sucks, Cay. I was happy."

"You're still happy," I said, my tone firm but gentle. Suddenly an idea popped into my head, deciding I wanted to cheer her up and help her forget that her parents even reached out in the first place. It was something to be handled later and on Vina's time. "You don't have classes for the rest of day, right?"

Vina furrowed her brows, "No... why?"

I smiled slightly at her, standing from the couch. "C'mon let me take you somewhere," I said, helping her stand from the couch too.

"What about work?" she asked.

I shrugged. "I'll take the day off—everything will still run smoothly without me."

-

"What... are we doing here?" Vina asked as walked down the pier.

Couples and families were passing by us, laughing and smiling. There were numerous fair rides to endure, but I only had one specific one on my mind.

I smiled at Vina. "You'll see," I said, guiding us through the crowd toward the specific ride occupying my thoughts.

Vina gave me a skeptical look. "Cay..." she trailed off, smiling to herself. "What are you up to?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "You know I'm not going to answer that. You'll just have to see."

Vina was always so curious and impatient—which I found to be cute. I loved the way her lips would pout slightly and her brows would furrow in thought whenever I wouldn't disclose a surprise.

"Fine," Vina said, sighing dramatically.

I chuckled, guiding us over toward the large ride that I knew she'd enjoy. However, she looked shocked and slightly confused when we stood in line for the extremely tall Ferris wheel.

"This is what you had in mind?" she asked, tilting her head. "You know I'm afraid of heights right?"

I pursed my lips, my brows raising slightly. "I...no I didn't."

Vina laughed immediately soothing my stomach that was tangled in knots. "I'm just kidding," she said, and I nudged her jokingly, shaking my head.

"That's not funny."

Her smile grew. "Oh really? It seemed pretty funny to me."

I shook my head as I unconsciously reciprocated her smile. "Yeah okay. Maybe it was."

Vina pressed a brief kiss to my cheek before pulling back, "So the first thing that came to your mind when I was upset..." she trailed off, looking over at the spinning wheel. "Was to take me to a Ferris wheel?"

I laughed through my nose. "When you put it like that, it sounds insane, but I figured this environment would be nice and comforting," I said. "Seriously, you can only have fun at a fair."

Vina nodded. "I see your point."

I leaned into Vina's ear before whispering, "Besides, I know something that will make you feel much better..."

When I pulled back slightly to see her reaction, I noticed Vina's cheeks were tinted light pink. She knew exactly what I was hinting at.

"Oh yeah?" she said, her voice a soft whisper—and I knew she was turned on and ready.

It was always like that with Vina and me. The switch was easy to flip with us, and within a matter of seconds, we were both fully turned on. It's like passion brewed between us during all hours of the day.

Something in me knew that we'd be taking round two back to the condo, finishing off a few more rounds there before inevitably cooking dinner together and enjoying the night in.

I nodded quickly. "Oh yeah," I said, gently pulling her closer to me by her waist.

I knew what I had in store for us, regarding the Ferris wheel—and I knew I could make Vina cum far before the ride was over.