Chapter 86
FREYA
The soft comfort of the glow on my walls painted by the golden hues of the setting sun brought me little comfort amidst the chaos strewn about the floor. My suitcase lay there in shambles–clothes thing in all directions as though it was in a bout of rebellion to pack itself.
I was sitting cross–legged on the couch, my fingers fiddling idly with loose threads of my sweater. He slumped back in the armchair opposite, way too loose for anyone bringing me that much stress.
“But at least you have to tell me what we’re taking with us 1 tried to say without sounding anxious, and yet, my voice did it all anyway–wrapped my increasing frustration tight.
That’ll spoil the surprise, he replied smoothly, a smirk irritatingly song on his face. He leaned back, the very image of ease, as if my rising frustration were some kind of entertainment for him.
I blew out a sharp breath and jerked my gaze to the open suitcase. “How am I supposed to know what to pack, then?” I demanded, throwing up my hands
He angled his head, staring at me in a maddening lack of haste. You know what, he said finally, the tone as casually maddening as always. “Til have someone pack for you.”
I stared at him, trying to correct the obviously wrong cars. But the smirk seemed to solidify on his face and I laughed up at him: sharp, incredulous. “What! You can’t be serious”
His answer hit me like a splash of cold water. My mouth fell open as I stared at him, torn between outrage and disbelief. “Wow,” I said finally, dragging the word out. “That’s like the definition of stupid rich people.”
He shrugged, completely unbothered. “I’ll be that if it won’t run the surprise for you?
I shook my head, laughing again, this time softer, tinged with something warmer. “There’s no way I can get you to tell me where we’re going?”
He inched forward a little, as though he might actually think about it, “No,” he said after a pause, his lips twitching into yet another maddening smirk. “Not that I can think of
My frustration was replaced by something playful. I sat up straighter, my eyes narrowing as a plan began to form. “Are you sure?” I asked, my voice dropping into a singsong tone.
He sat up straighter, his expression shifting from smug to cautious in an instant. “What are you doing?
1 didn’t answer. I just moved.
My feet planted themselves on the floor as I vaulted at him, hands closing toward–what, though, I wasn’t altogether sure. The truth? Revenge? He yelped, a startled, high–pitched sound that would have been comedy gold if I hadn’t been so intent on this mission.
“Oh fuck!” he shouted, scrambling out of the chair just in time to elude my grasp.
I couldn’t help it but laugh out, overflowing as I crumpled back onto the couch, panting. He stood a few feet away, chest heaving, mussed hair, and glare that was more exasperated than angry.
“You’re impossible,” he muttered, but the corners of his mouth creased into a flicker of a smile.
And you’re infuriating,” I shot back, grinning as I sank deeper into the cushions. The suitcase lay abandoned, clothes spilling over the edges like the scattered pieces of an adventure he refused to reveal.
It turned out the surprise destination was Italy. Aiden had flown us there in his private jet. I could hardly believe it when the pilot announced we were landing in Milan. My heart was racing as I glanced over at Aiden, who only grinned, seemingly as calm as ever while I tried to process that I was going to spend a week in our of the most beautiful countries in the world.
The week flew by in a blur of magic. Milan had been a feast for the senses: high–end fashion boutiques, stunning architecture, and food that made me question how I’d ever eat anything else again. Florence, though, was where my heart truly settled. Walking through the Uffizi Gallery was like walking through history itself, and crossing the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, with its golden light reflecting off the Arno River, was a moment I wanted
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Chapter 86
to freeze in time. And Venice–oh, Venice. It was as if someone opened the pages of a fairytale and set me down in the middle of it. Gondolas glided effortlessly through shimmering canals, and the city whispered secrets from centuries past. Every corner of Italy had left its mark on me, and leaving tomorrow felt like saying goodbye to a place I’d just begun to understand.
It was our last night here, and the sadness lay heavily on me as I sat down for dinner by the beach. The moon hung low over the water, reflecting in shimmering liquid silver waves. Lanterns warmed the table with an alluring glow of the delectable feast laid out for us. However, all these beautiful things seemed a weight on my heart.
“I don’t know how I’ll go back to work next week, I confessed, swirling my wine absentmindedly. “I just want to stay here.”
Aiden’s lips curled into a soft smile. “Should I buy a house here?”
The question caught me off guard, but I laughed, playing along. “We can when we grow old. We can shift to Italy.”
His eyes softened in that way that made my heart skip a beat. “Yeah”
“So you do want to grow old with me, I teased, the corners of my lips tugging upward.
“I do,” he said simply. His voice held a weight, a seriousness that made me pause. Before I could respond, he stood up, pushing his chair back with a quiet scrape. Then, to my absolute shock, he dropped to one knee in front of me.
Oh my God!” I squealed, hands flying to cover my open mouth as he whipped out a little velvet box from his pocket. The universe spun into orbit. He was seriously proposing. My Aiden was proposing to me.
“Freya” he started to say, his voice calm but gravelly with emotion. His gaze locked onto mine, not guarded, nor raw but unapologetically unguarded and raw. From the first day I met you, life has been brighter and richer and more beautiful than any person could have ever asked me for. You have watched over me at my lowest when I was most needy; you never turned against me. Instead, you encouraged me, loved me, and made me see forever.
I started crying. He went on, opening the box a little with a shaky hand.
“Every adventure, every challenge, every moment feels like a gift when I’m with you. And this week, seeing you light up as we explored this incredible country, I knew there was no place more perfect to ask you this. I want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you have made me. I want to grow old with you, to build a home with you–here in Italy, or anywhere else we choose. Will you marry me?
I couldn’t stop the tears from spilling over as I nodded vigorously. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you,” I managed to say, my voice choked with emotion.
I had turned my head to kiss him, and suddenly a cheer of thunder broke out. Spinning around, I couldn’t believe my eyes–there were our friends and family standing a short distance from us. Gia, Reyna, Avery, Carlos, Cillian, Erica, Connor, Bianca–all of them were present here. And even our Brownie and Oreo–the dogs–were also there, wagging tails wildly.
“What the hell?” I laughed, wiping at my tears. “Did Aiden just fly everyone over?”
Aiden shrugged, a boyish grin spreading across his face. “I knew you’d want to celebrate with them.”
“I love you.” I whispered, shaking my head in disbelief. “I can’t love you enough.
“Mommy!” Gia, sprinted over, her little arms wrapping around me. “You’re getting married!”
Reyna pulled me into a tight hug. “I am so happy for you, babe.”
Connor and Aiden gave each other a bro hug, and I was so glad they we
were finally getting along.
Cillian smirked. ‘Congratulations, sis–in–law.”
“At this point. I wouldn’t be surprised if you flew Roman over for the proposal,” I quipped, making everyone laugh. The night was perfect and as t
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