Chapter 43

▫️ Christian's pov...

I needed to take her on a proper date. Not just dinner, not just some casual outing—I wanted it to be special, like her. The light of my eyes. The woman who made my entire damn world brighter.

And it wasn’t just a date I wanted. I wanted to propose. Not in some half-assed way, but the way she deserved: flowers, me down on one knee, and her smiling like I just handed her the moon.

I called Nick to arrange everything today. I have been testing their patience since 3-4 days by discussing the things and my speech. “I need tulips—red ones, her favorite. And the best damn ring I showed you. Don’t mess this up.” He grumbled something about me being demanding, but I didn’t care. Stella was worth it.

Once that was handled, I went to get ready. If she was going to look like the goddess she is, I needed to look like the man who deserved her. I put on a tailored shirt and pants, the kind that made me look sharp enough to cut someone, and yeah—I slayed it.

Now, I waited. And damn, it was worth it.

After 15 minutes, she walked out of the room, and I swear, my heart skipped a beat. She was in a maroon dress, sleeveless and perfectly fitted to her body, hugging every curve just right. Her hair was loose, soft waves cascading down, and her lips were painted red—That lipstick? I was absolutely ruining it later.

She walked toward me, her heels clicking softly on the floor, and I couldn’t help but stare. My baby. My woman. How the hell did I get so lucky?

When she reached me, I took her hand, kissed it softly, and smiled. “You’re stunning, mon amour. I love you.”

Her lips curled into that sweet smile that drove me insane. “I love you too, baby.”

With one hand on her waist, I guided her outside. My palm fit perfectly there, like it was made for her. “Let’s pick a car,” I said as we reached the garage.

She lit up, scanning the collection before settling on a Bugatti La Voiture Noire, that's my girl.

Opening the door for her, I helped her in like the gentleman I am. She looked at me, slightly confused as I reached across her to buckle her seatbelt. For a second, her lips parted like she thought I’d kiss her. I leaned in, brushed her cheek lightly, then gave her a quick peck. Her eyes sparkled, and I knew I’d just teased her in the best way.

I walked around, got in, and started the car. Stella spent the first part of the drive looking out the window, watching the city lights blur as we passed. She looked peaceful, lost in her thoughts, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her for long.

Fifteen minutes later, we pulled up to the venue—a luxury hotel I owned, of course. “This place is mine,” I said casually, stepping out to open her door.

Her eyes widened as she took it in. “It’s beautiful,” she said, her voice full of wonder.

I smirked. “It’s better now that you’re here.”

Taking her hand, I led her inside and straight to the rooftop, where the real magic was waiting. The place was empty—because I made sure of it. No interruptions tonight.

When we stepped out onto the rooftop, her jaw dropped. The entire space was decorated with soft string lights and candles, casting a warm glow over the table set for two. Tulips—red, vibrant, and perfect—were everywhere. The skyline stretched out around us, the city lights twinkling like they were celebrating us.

And just like that, her smile told me this night was already worth it.

▫️Stella’s POV...

The rooftop was breathtaking—lights, candles, and tulips everywhere. Red tulips. My favorite. The whole place looked like a dream. I couldn’t stop staring, my heart full of awe and something I couldn’t quite describe.

Chris stood there, looking at me like I was the only thing that mattered in the world. His hand was warm against mine, steady, grounding. “You did all this for me?” I whispered.

He smiled, that signature smirk that made my knees weak. “Everything I do is for you, Cherie.”

We sat down at the table, and the night unfolded like something out of a movie. Soft music played in the background, and the city skyline twinkled around us. The food was amazing, but honestly? I barely tasted it because my eyes kept drifting back to Chris.

Then, just as I thought the night couldn’t get more perfect, he stood up, his chair scraping lightly against the floor. “Stella,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the stillness.

I blinked up at him, confused. “Huh?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he walked to my side, pulled me up gently, and reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate tulip, a single red bloom. “Tulips, because they’re your favorite. A single one, because I only need one thing in this life—and that’s you.”

“Chris—”

Before I could finish, he dropped to one knee. One knee. My heart stopped. Should I just from the rooftop from the happiness because I can't control my emotions now.

“Stella,” he began, his voice low and filled with emotion. “I know we’re already married, but there’s something I need you to understand, something I need you to accept—me, my love, all of me.”

I felt my breath hitch, tears pricking my eyes.

“You’re my sunshine, my Cherie. You’ve brought warmth and light into every corner of my life. Before you, everything was cold, calculated, and honestly, a little boring. But you—you changed everything.”

His lips twitched into a soft smile, and I could see the love radiating from him.

“I didn’t know it was possible to feel this much for someone, but then you came along. You’re the light of my eyes, the reason my heart beats a little faster every time you smile. I love you, Stella. Every single thing about you—your stubbornness, your kindness, even your chaos.”

I blinked, a laugh bubbling out of me at the word “chaos,” but he didn’t stop.

“You created chaos in my life, Stella,” he said, his smile turning playful. “You turned my perfectly controlled, dull world upside down. And instead of resisting it, I fell headfirst. I fell for your messy, beautiful, incredible chaos. And I’d fall for it a million times over if it means I get to call you mine.”

Tears pricked at my eyes as his expression turned serious again.

“So, Stella,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper as if the moment was just for us, “will you be my sunshine forever? My lady, my love, my everything?”

I froze for a moment, completely overwhelmed. The man I loved, the one who drove me crazy in all the best ways, was looking up at me, his eyes filled with nothing but love.

“Yes,” I breathed. “Yes, Chris. A thousand times yes.”

He slid the ring onto my finger—a beautiful, delicate piece with a heart shaped Ruby that caught the light perfectly. Then he stood up, pulled me close, and kissed me. And oh, what a kiss it was.

His lips were soft, slow at first, like he wanted to savor the moment. Then he deepened it, his hand sliding around my waist, the other cradling my face. I melted into him, completely lost in the moment.

When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine. “You’re stuck with me now,” he whispered, a teasing grin on his lips.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I replied, laughing softly.

The rest of the night was magical. We ate, we laughed, and we talked about everything and nothing. He kept stealing kisses, and I didn’t mind one bit.

But of course, the night couldn’t end without some chaos.

When we finally stepped out of the hotel, hand in hand, still floating on cloud nine, I was not prepared for what waited outside.

“About damn time!” a voice boomed, making me jump.

I turned to see our friends waiting for us by the car. Nick was leaning against the hood, smirking. Ava and MJ were there too, fresh back from Edinburgh. Ava was practically bouncing with excitement.

“What the hell?” I muttered.

“Surprise!“You guys planned this?” I asked, wide-eyed.

“Of course,” Ava said, running over to hug me. “Chris called me this morning, and I had to be here for my girl’s big moment!”

She grabbed my hand and immediately zeroed in on the ring. “Oh my God, it’s gorgeous! You said yes, right. If you didn’t, Chris would’ve cried, and I really don’t have the patience to deal with that crybaby.”

Chris sighed dramatically. “Can’t even propose in peace.”

Nick clapped him on the back. “You’re lucky we didn’t crash the rooftop. That was plan B.”

"So generous of you." Chris said.

MJ added, " Because we didn't wanted to witness bold scenes from a banned movie."

“Oh, don’t act all cool now,” Nick chimed in, smirking. “You’ve been pacing like a lunatic all week, talking about tulips and diamonds. We had to hear the ‘she’s my light’ speech four times before you got it right.”

Chris glared at him. “I knew you were recording me.”

“Of course I was,” Nick said, pulling out his phone. “It’s going in the wedding montage.”

I couldn’t help it—I burst out laughing. Chris turned to me, his eyes narrowing. “Traitor,” he muttered, though the corners of his mouth twitched.

Chris sighed, his hand tightening around mine. “Why did I invite you idiots to be part of this?”

Nick clapped him on the back. “Because you love us, man. Also, who else would’ve distracted Stella from the upcoming surprise all week while you turned into a lovesick maniac?”

“I’m starting to regret it,” Chris muttered.

“Don’t be mad, baby,” I teased, squeezing his hand. “They’re your chaos. You’re stuck with them.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, but I caught the small smile on his face.

Just when I thought the madness was over, Ava gasped. “Wait! We need a group picture! For the memories!”

“Do we?” Chris asked flatly.

“Yes!” Ava grabbed my hand and dragged me into the group. Nick threw his arm around Chris’s shoulders, MJ begrudgingly stepped closer, and Ava took out her phone.

“Smile!” she chirped.

Chris leaned down and whispered in my ear, “This is the worst decision I’ve ever made.”

I laughed softly. “Admit it—you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He sighed dramatically, but as Ava snapped the photo, I saw him smile.

I laughed, feeling a warmth spread through me. These people, this moment—it was everything I didn’t know I needed.

As we drove home later that night, my head resting on Chris’s shoulder, I couldn’t stop smiling. The man I loved had just made me the happiest woman alive, and I couldn’t wait to spend forever with him.

▫️ Christian's pov...

After we got back, Stella barely mumbled something about needing to sleep and disappeared into the bedroom. Probably for the best—she’s a menace when she’s cranky, and I wasn’t in the mood for her sharp tongue tonight. I figured I’d let her hibernate while I went to handle the real work.

MJ was already waiting for me, leaning against the doorway with his typical nonchalance. “Took you long enough,” he said, tossing a small stress ball he probably stole from my office. “Did she bite your head off again?”

“Not tonight,” I replied with a smirk. “She’s saving her energy for tomorrow.”

We headed out to check the arrangements for tomorrow's meeting with Hunter Michael. I don’t trust the guy—not even for a second. If someone’s low enough to send an intruder to mess with my operations, it’s him. The way he smiled last time we met? Smelled of bad intentions and cheap cologne.

As we walked through the security measures and updates, MJ tried to crack jokes to lighten the mood. “You know,” he said, grinning, “if this guy really is the one behind the intruder, maybe he’s just lonely. Maybe he just wants to be part of the family.”

“Yeah, well, he can be part of the family six feet under if he’s involved,” I shot back, checking my watch.

“Chill, Knight,” MJ laughed. “You’re always so dramatic. Maybe Stella’s rubbing off on you.”

I rolled my eyes and ignored him, running through the checklist. Everything seemed in order—cameras, guards, escape routes. Satisfied, I gave MJ the updates on what we’d learned so far. To his credit, he listened without cracking another joke, probably because he could tell I was dead serious.

By the time I got back to my room, it was late. Stella was sprawled across the bed, taking up most of the space along that pumpkin. I'm wishing for the day when she suffocates that bastard pumpkin in her sleep. I swear she does it on purpose. I carefully maneuvered her arm to make enough space for myself and slid in beside her. And put that pumpkin on another corner.

She mumbled something in her sleep—probably insulting me even in her dreams,even after I proposed her. Classic Stella.

I wrapped my arm around her anyway, feeling the tension from the day melt away. Whatever chaos tomorrow brings, we’ll handle it. Hunter Michael can try his best, but he’s got no idea what’s coming.