Chapter 38

It had been a year since Selena and Von decided to take the leap together. In that year, so much had changed—not just for them individually but for them as a couple. What had started as an unlikely connection had turned into something real, something strong, something built on trust, respect, and love. The chaotic nights out, the drama, the struggles—all of it had led to this.

The sun filtered through the large windows of their new home, casting a warm glow over everything. The house felt like their sanctuary. It was more than just a place to live; it was a reflection of their growth, their dreams, and everything they had built together. They had gone from two people navigating their own individual worlds to partners, creating something more significant than either could have imagined.

Selena sat on the couch, her legs stretched out in front of her, laptop open as she checked her emails. Her business was thriving. Her social media was buzzing. Her brand had expanded beyond just beauty vlogs and hair products; now she was working with bigger companies, collaborating on fashion lines, and her name was becoming synonymous with success. But as much as she loved the work, she had come to appreciate the moments like this—moments where she could simply exist with Von.

Von walked into the room, a glass of water in his hand, looking every bit the man who had come a long way in the streets. He had always been a boss in his own right, but now, he was a boss in every sense of the word. His tattoo shop was flourishing, his connections were solid, and he was more grounded than ever.

"Everything good?" Von asked, sitting down beside her, his arm naturally falling around her shoulders.

"Yeah, just checking some things for the next shoot," she replied, glancing at him with a smile. "How's the shop?"

"Same ol'. Busy, but steady. You know how it is." He paused, looking over at her. "You're busy too. You ready for the next trip?"

Selena nodded, flipping through the next few things on her list. "Yeah, I've got the content schedule and everything lined up. It's going to be a lot, but I'm excited." She tilted her head up to look at him. "I wouldn't mind a little downtime, though. Maybe a weekend getaway?"

Von chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "That sounds good. We'll figure it out. But for now, just enjoy the damn house. We worked hard for it."

Selena smiled, resting against him. "I know. I'm still getting used to it."

They had come a long way from their first apartment, the one she had been in when they first met. That apartment had been temporary, like a stopgap in her life before she figured out what she wanted. But this house—this was theirs. Every room had been carefully curated, every corner reflected their personalities and tastes. The cozy living room, the massive kitchen, and the backyard with the pool were their daily reminders of what they had worked for.

The sound of nails clicking on the hardwood floor made both of them turn their heads. Rocky, their black-and-white pitbull, trotted into the room, his tail wagging excitedly.

"You're a little needy today, huh?" Von said, leaning down to scratch the dog's ears.

Selena smiled, watching them. Rocky had been a gift from Von, and since that day, he'd become part of their little family. He was a good dog—loyal, protective, and always there when they needed him most. Von had been hesitant at first, worried about the responsibility, but now, it was clear he was as attached to the dog as Selena was.

Von stood at the front door, his hand resting lightly on the knob as he looked over at Selena, who was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Their life together had become seamless—each day flowing into the next, built on trust, hard work, and shared dreams. In the year since they'd come together, they'd both leveled up. Their businesses were thriving, their friends were close, and they were finally living the lives they had always dreamed of.

Selena looked up from her phone, meeting Von's gaze. Her eyes softened, and she smiled. The stress of the past seemed like a distant memory now. They'd come so far—together, but individually too. She had her own successful brand, her career growing, and Von had expanded his tattoo empire, creating art that spoke louder than words ever could. They were a power couple in every sense of the word, but more than that, they were partners—unbreakable.

"I've been thinking..." Von said, breaking the silence.

Selena arched an eyebrow. "About what?"

He stepped closer to her, sitting down beside her on the couch. "About the future. What's next for us?"

She smiled, a little surprised at the question, but not entirely. She had been thinking about it too, though it had always felt like a far-off idea.

"We keep building," she said softly, her voice confident. "We keep growing, keep making moves. And when the time's right, we'll take the next step. Whatever that looks like. A baby, a bigger house—who knows?"

Von leaned back, his hand brushing against hers. "Sounds good to me. No rush. Just us, taking it day by day. But I gotta admit..." He paused, turning to face her, his expression soft. "I can't imagine my life without you. I never could've predicted any of this, but I'm glad it's with you."

Selena's heart swelled at his words. They were a reminder of how far they had come—from strangers, to enemies, to lovers, and now, to this. A solid, unwavering bond that was rooted in love, respect, and understanding. She had given him her heart, and he had done the same. Their story wasn't perfect—it was real, it was raw, but it was theirs.

"Me neither," Selena whispered, her eyes locking with his. "You're my home, Von."

His lips curved into a small, tender smile. "And you're mine."

The doorbell rang, breaking the moment. Von looked at Selena, raising an eyebrow. She shrugged, but before she could say anything, he stood up, heading toward the door.

"Expecting someone?" she called out.

"Nah, but I got a feeling it's either delivery or a surprise," Von replied, his voice light.

When he opened the door, there stood their close friend Ray, her arms full of bags. Behind her, her lil sister Mya walked up, looking more put together than ever. She smiled brightly, looking at both of them.

"I brought everything for the weekend!" Ray said, pushing past Von. "And guess what? Mya's got the hookup for our next adventure!"

Selena laughed, shaking her head. "What did you two plan this time?"

Ray gave her a wink. "Something unforgettable."

As the evening unfolded with laughter, music, and plans for the next chapter of their lives, Selena and Von exchanged quiet glances across the room. They had weathered the storms, outgrown the toxicity, and fought for their love. And now, they had everything they'd ever dreamed of.

The future was no longer something they feared—it was something they couldn't wait to build together.

They were ready for whatever came next. One day at a time. Together.

And as the night fell, and the city buzzed with life beyond their doors, Selena and Von knew that the best was still to come.

The Enddddddd

Lmk what y'all think & VOTEEEEEEEE!!