Page 84 of Vacation with the Ice Queen

The words landed with uncomfortable precision, leaving Serena momentarily speechless. She hadn't expected this level of insight from someone who was, essentially, a stranger.

"My personal life is not relevant to my stay here," she managed finally, her tone cooler than the tropical air warranted.

"Perhaps not," Elara agreed easily. "But it is relevant to your wellness journey, which is why you're here. And it appears to have become relevant to one of my most valued staff members."

There it was—the real reason for this conversation. Serena studied the woman beside her, recognizing the protective instinct of a leader looking out for her team.

"You're concerned about Lila," she stated.

"I'm concerned about both of you, actually." Elara's expression softened slightly. "Lila has her own journey and her own patterns she's working through. But you..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "You remind me very much of myself before my wake-up call."

"Your health crisis," Serena said, recalling the vague details from her pre-island research.

"A heart attack at forty-five," Elara confirmed with a nod. "Brought on by stress, overwork, and a complete disconnection from anything resembling balance." Her smile turned wry. "Sound familiar?"

Despite herself, Serena felt a reluctant recognition stir. "The parallels aren't lost on me."

"I was fortunate. My warning came in time to change course." Elara gazed out at the ocean, something distant in her expression. "Not everyone gets that chance. Some people only realize what matters when it's permanently beyond reach."

The simple observation carried weight beyond its words. Serena found herself thinking of Rachel and of connections sacrificed at the altar of professional success.

"I'm not sure what you expect me to do with this insight," she said finally.

"Nothing," Elara replied, rising from the bench. "Or everything. The choice is entirely yours, as it should be."

She straightened her already-perfect cotton dress, preparing to leave. "I simply wanted to offer a perspective from someone who's stood where you're standing and who made choices and lived with their consequences."

Serena remained seated, something in Elara's words keeping her rooted to the spot. "And if I were to ask what choice you'd make, looking back from where you stand now?"

Elara's smile held genuine warmth. "I chose this island. This life. This purpose." She gestured toward the resort. "Not because I rejected success or ambition, but because I expanded my definition of what those words truly mean."

The simplicity of her answer carried more impact than a lecture might have. Serena felt something shift inside her, a subtle realignment of possibilities.

"Thank you for your candor."

"That's what this island is for," Elara replied, already turning to leave. "Seeing clearly what was previously obscured." She paused, glancing back with knowing eyes. "You have five more days here, Serena. The question is what you'll do with them."

Serena watched her go, the slender figure moving with graceful purpose along the winding path. Five days. Not sixanymore. The countdown continued relentlessly, each hour bringing her closer to departure.

The thought, which had brought relief that morning, now filled her with a strange hollow feeling. She turned back toward the ocean, watching as the sun began its descent toward the horizon, golden light spilling across endless water.

Five days to figure out what truly mattered. Five days to decide what kind of woman would board that plane back to New York.

Twilight settled over the island as Serena made her way back to her villa. The transition between day and night in the tropics happened with surprising swiftness—one moment golden sunlight, the next a deep blue that quickly darkened to black.

Her villa looked the same as she'd left it hours ago. Her laptop was still open on the dining table, reports were stacked in neat piles, and half-empty water glass left a ring on expensive wood. The trappings of her New York life meticulously arranged. Yet somehow the space felt different to her now, as if she were seeing it through new eyes.

She moved to the terrace doors, pushing them open to let in the night breeze. The sound of waves filled the room, along with the sweet scent of night-blooming jasmine from the gardens below. How hadn't she noticed these details when she'd first arrived?

Her phone chimed from her pocket—Ashley again, undoubtedly still waiting for responses to her increasingly urgent messages. With a sigh, Serena pulled it out, prepared to dive back into the Walter situation.

Instead, she found herself opening her photo gallery, scrolling to pictures she'd taken during her snorkeling adventure with Lila. She hadn't even realized she'd captured these moments: the turquoise water, colorful fish darting among coral formations, and one slightly blurry shot of Lila underwater, hair floating around her face like a golden halo, her smile visible even through the snorkel mask.

Serena's chest tightened at the image. Had that really been just days ago? It felt simultaneously like yesterday and a lifetime past.

Back then, she'd been allowing herself to explore whatever was growing between them, following Lila's lead into experiences she would never have chosen on her own, including being seen, really seen, by someone who valued the woman beneath her title.

And how had she repaid that gift? By withdrawing completely at the first hint of deeper feelings. By hiding behind work and walls. By pretending their connection was nothing more than a convenient vacation distraction.

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