The atmosphere in the private wing of the Helen Cole Memorial Hospital was very calm on the day Sera was finally allowed to go home. Only two days had passed since her rescue and she had quite amazingly regained her health. The doctors were sure that her mental toughness, the excellent care she received, and the relentless spirit of a woman who had managed to survive through ambushes and power struggles over the years were the reasons behind it. The bruises were almost gone. The internal bleeding was controlled. She was walking with a little stiffness, even asking to do it without help. In the corridor, Elias stood and waited, his one heartbeat as regular as it was before the kidnapping. When Sera came out of the room in casual, stylish clothes, a cozy gray sweater and leggings, he was so deeply in love with her that even three steps were not enough to reach her, and then he hugged her. She seemed as if she was made of wax as she hugged him back, face hidden in his neck,

The morning after their wedding, the honeymoon started when a private jet took Elias and Sera to a beautiful island villa located away from the main area of the Caribbean archipelago. There were no security guards inside the villa, just a tiny, trusted crew who watched the area from a distance. It was the first time in months that they were really alone. When it was sunrise Sera in a simple sundress and barefoot, came out onto the white beach. The ocean wind was gently blowing her auburn hair. Elias was not far behind, slightly lifting the sleeves of his white linen shirt while keeping his eyes on her as he had done all the previous years with that same quiet, intense look. When she turned around and saw his face, she smiled at him with that slow soft smile that always managed to make his heart beat faster."Come here, husband," she whispered. He made his way to her quickly and held her tightly. Their kiss was long and slow, filled with the feeling of happiness and freedom that