25
The television flickered, casting a dim glow across the room. The news anchor’s voice filled the silence.
“The manhunt for Hailey, the woman responsible for the attempted murder of Ciara Salvador and the shooting of Zaverio Gurrelio, is still ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward-
I sighed and grabbed the remote, turning off the TV.
“Still watching the news?”
I turned to see my mother standing by the doorway, arms crossed, a frown on her face.
I leaned back against the couch, rubbing my temple. “It’s been two weeks, and they still haven’t found her.”
She walked over and sat beside me, taking my hand in hers. “If there was any news, we’d be the first to know.”
I looked down, my mind drifting elsewhere.
She studied my face carefully. “Something else is bothering you.”
I hesitated before speaking. “Ever since I kissed Zaverio at the hospital, he’s been distant.”
My mother raised a brow
e got discharged, then left for work,” I continued, mis quieter. “He barely calls, barely texts. I feel like he’s
avoiding me.”
She gave
I
me a knowing smile. “Men can be strange when it comes to their feelings.”
I sighed again. “It’s just frustrating. Everything feels unresolved.”
“Well, sitting here and sulking won’t help. Come shopping with me.”
I pouted. “Shopping?”
“Yes. You need a break, and I need a shopping partner.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “You never take me shopping just because.”
She chuckled. “Fine, you caught me. There’s a party tonight–one of our cartel alliances is hosting. I want you to come.”
I groaned. “A party? I’m not really in the mood.”
“That’s exactly why you should come.” She stood up, hands on her hips. “You’ve been pouting for two weeks. Enough.”
I sighed in defeat. “Fine. I’ll go.”
The shopping mall smelled of luxury perfumes and expensive leather, the soft rustling of designer fabrics
the air.
I glanced at the racks of extravagant gowns and frowned. “Mom, are we here for a party dress or an entire wardrobe?”
She grinned. “Just a little something to cheer you up.”
A sales assistant led us into a private fitting area where rows of gowns were displayed like works of art.
“Okay, this is a bit much,” I said as another assistant held up a shimmering gold dress
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My mother clapped her hands. “Try it on.”
I sighed and stepped into the dressing room. Moments later, I emerged, the dress hugging my figure perfectly.
My mother’s eyes sparkled. “You look stunning.”
I turned to the mirror. The dress was beautiful, but something about the whole situation felt off.
“You’re up to something,” I accused.
She only smiled. “I just want my daughter to shine tonight.”
Back home, a team of professionals fussed over my hair and makeup.
I arched my brow “Okay, now you’re definitely being extra.”
My mother laughed. “You haven’t been taking care of yourself. Consider this a reset.”
I rolled my eyes but let them finish. When I finally saw myself in the mirror, I had to admit–I looked breathtaking.
As we got into the car, I glanced at my mother. “Where’s Dad? And Adam?”
“They’re already at the venue,” she replied casually
Something still felt off, but I let it go.
The venue was breathtaking. A luxurious hall adorned with crystal chandeliers, soft golden lights, and floral arrangements in deep reds and whites.
As I stepped inside, my heels clicking against the marble floor, my gaze landed on a massive floral arrangement in the center of the hall.
The words formed perfectly in fresh petals:
“Will you marry me?”
My breath caught in my throat.
Đ
The lights dimmed for a moment. Then, suddenly, the entire hall illuminated, and a chorus of voices rang out-
“Surprise!”
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I spun
around, seeing my father, Adam, and dozens of familiar faces in the crowd.
I turned to my mother in shock. “What… what is this?”
She chuckled. “We were planning a surprise.”
I blinked. “For what? Who am I-”
And then he stepped forward.
Zaverio.
Dressed in a sharp black suit, his dark eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.
I barely had time to process before he slowly got down on one knee.
The entire room went silent.
My breath hitched as he pulled out a dazzling 24–karat gold ring
“Ciara Salvador,” Zaverio said, his voice steady but full of emotion. “We had a rushed, impulsive marriage before. But now, I want to do things right.”
My heart pounded in my chest.
“I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you,” he continued. “You drive me crazy, but you also make my world make sense.” He took a deep breath. “I want you, forever. Marry me–properly, this time.”
Tears blurred my vision.
This man.
The one who had saved me. Fought for me. Protected me.
The one who had been avoiding me.
All this time, had he been planning this?
The crowd held its breath, waiting for my
my answer.
I pressed my lips together, overwhelmed by emotions.
Then, I smiled.
“Yes.”
The room erupted in cheers.
Zaverio stood, slipping the ring onto my finger before cupping my face and pressing a deep, passionate kiss to my lips.
The crowd chanted, “Kiss! Kiss!” as we pulled apart, breathless.
Adam smirked, clapping Zaverio on the shoulder. “Took you long enough.”
Zaverio smirked back. “Had to make it perfect.”
I turned to him, teasing. “So, when’s the wedding?”
“Whenever you want,” he murmured
I laughed, “Cheers to forever then.”
Zaverio shook his head as he kissed my forehead, “No, baby, this is the beginning of our forever. Cheers”
