The night was perfect...
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the De Luca estate.
The garden was bathed in soft golden lights, illuminating the sea of roses and white lilies carefully arranged along the cobblestone path.
Every detail was flawless.
But Lucian's heart was anything but calm.
He stood at the center of it all, his hands gripping the small velvet box tucked securely in his pocket.
In his other hand, the flower of Stella d'Italia.
Its flawless white petals shimmered under the moonlight, as if blessed by the heavens.
"Nervous?"
Matteo's amused voice echoed from behind.
Lucian turned slightly, his expression stoic
"No."
"Liar."
Matteo smirked, leaning casually against a nearby pillar.
"You've fought assassins, handled negotiations, and taken on an entire family… But proposing to Seraphina makes you sweat?"
"It's different."
Lucian's jaw clenched as he stared at the flower in his hand.
"This… This matters more than anything."
Matteo's grin softened
"You'll do fine, kid."
"She's always been yours."
"We'll see."
Lucian took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
☆☆☆
Seraphina was completely unaware...
"Nonno, why are we in the garden this late?"
Her voice was laced with curiosity as she walked alongside her grandfather.
"Just come, Piccola."
Nonno's smile was cryptic, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"You'll see."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"You're being weird."
Nonno laughed but said nothing.
As they turned the corner…
Seraphina froze.
Her breath caught as her eyes landed on Lucian standing beneath the arch of flowers.
Dressed in a crisp black suit, his hair slightly tousled, he looked… breathtaking.
"Lucian …?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Lucian's heart pounded in his ears.
But he managed to smile stiffly.
"Hey, Sera."
Serafina took a step forward, her eyes widening as she took in the scene.
The soft music playing in the background.
The petals scattered at her feet.
And Lucian…
"What… is all this?"
Lucian swallowed hard, steeling his nerves.
"Sera…"
His voice was steady but his hands trembled slightly as he held out the flower of Stella d'Italia.
Her eyes softened.
Seraphina's breath hitched.
"Sera…"
Lucian took a step closer, his eyes reflecting a thousand emotions.
"You've been my light since we were kids."
"You gave me a reason to keep moving forward… Even when I had nothing."
"You taught me what it meant to be loved… and to love in eeturn."
Seraphina's eyes began to glimmer with unshed tears.
"I know I'm not perfect."
"But— I know I'll spend my life trying to protect you from every danger…"
"Even when I know you're stronger than I'll ever be."
"But I want to spend every second of that life…"
"With YOU."
Lucian lowered himself onto one knee.
The velvet box opened slowly, revealing a Sapphire ring so elegant and dazzling…
A perfect reflection of Serafina herself.
"Serafina De Luca…"
His voice was barely above a whisper now.
"Will you marry me?"
The world stood still...
Serafina couldn't speak.
Her heart pounded in her chest, her vision blurring as tears threatened to fall.
But then…
A smile—soft and genuine—curved on her lips.
"Yes."
Her voice was shaky, but clear.
"A million times, yes."
Lucian's breath of relief was audible as he slipped the ring onto her finger.
And Then…
He stood, pulling her into his arms.
Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss.
The world faded away.
It was just them.
Applause erupted from behind.
"Finally!"
Matteo's loud voice echoed across the garden.
"About damn time!"
Nonno wiped a tear from his eye… Though he'd never admit it.
Lorenzo's arms were crossed, his expression stoic…
But the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.
"Welcome to the family, Lucian."
Lorenzo's voice was low, but firm.
Lucian's jaw tightened as he nodded
"Thank you… sir."
"I love you, Lucian."
Seraphina's whispered words were the only ones that mattered.
And in that moment…
Lucian knew he had found his forever.