Liana's POV:
We were looking at the photos Laura had taken, and honestly… we actually looked cute. It made me smile brightly. "Send me these."
Laura nodded and sent them over, then added, "It's rare to see real love instead of lust these days. Honestly, you two give me hope… the way you always find your way to each other is wonderful."
She glanced at Ethilia with a knowing smile. "Fighting with your own thoughts is important too. Being stubborn and tight-lipped gets you nowhere."
I frowned. Was it just me, or did her words not make much sense? I mean… neither of us had confessed yet... not me, not Ethilia.
But from the corner of my eye, I caught Ethilia glaring at her, a small smile on her face and a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks betrayed her.
Laura giggled and put her hands on her hip, "It's done. I mean, I told my dad to find out who that girl was getting married to and… let's just say, ruin the guy enough so they don't get married anytime soon."
Ethilia's jaw dropped, and she looked at me before glaring at Laura, "What? But what's that man's fault?"
Before Laura could reply, her phone started buzzing with messages. We all leaned closer instinctively, forming a little circle.
Laura gasped and looked at Ethilia, "He's a freaking playboy… look at this."
We glanced through the messages that Laura's father had sent her about the information on the guy.
I rolled my eyes and looked at Laura, "How did your uncle get this info so fast?"
Laura smirked and raised a brow, "That jerk works at one of my dad's business partner's companies."
I nodded, and almost unconsciously, my arm slipped around Ethilia's waist. "Maybe this is why Finley wanted the marriage to break. See? I knew she isn't evil."
Laura hummed in agreement and started forwarding the details to Finley. We waited, and soon another message came through, more documents. Laura didn't show us but grinned mischievously.
I chucked and shook my head, "Okay, fine. Keep your girl to yourself."
She laughed and ran a hand through her hair. "I'm heading out for a bit. Gonna go change, okay?"
I nodded, watching as Laura dashed toward the house. Ethilia chuckled beside me, her tone teasing. "Everyone's out there doing something… so why are we just sitting here like a boring couple?"
My heart skipped a beat at that word couple. I laughed softly and nodded. "True. Then let's go change. Long ride?" I wiggled my brows playfully.
"Long ride? I've heard of long drives, but what's a long ride?" She asked with a confused smile.
I intertwined our fingers, tugging her gently toward the house. "Motorcycle ride. Okay?"
Her face instantly lit up. I knew how much she loved bikes, and honestly, I was more than ready to give her something she'd enjoy.
She nodded eagerly and pulled me forward, practically dragging me along. "Then let's go! We'll have a wonderful time!"
I couldn't help but smile at her childish excitement. Maybe… maybe this was the right time to finally tell her what's in my heart.
She probably already knew, but some things need to be said out loud, made real. Still, a small part of me hesitated. The last time I'd tried confessing, it had turned into a wound that never really healed.
I wasn't sure if I was ready to propose again… but I'd at least tell her what I feel.
Hopefully, luck would be on my side this time.
I changed into a black shirt and a leather jacket, paired with black pants. I wasn't sure what to do with my hair, so I tied it into a low ponytail.
Taking the bike keys, I stepped out of the room and headed to the garage. "We'll have fun… yeah," I murmured with a small chuckle, leaning against the bike as I put on my helmet.
That's when I saw her. Ethilia walked in wearing a maroon shirt and black pants, her hair left loose.
My heart skipped a beat seeing that soft smile on her lips. She stopped in front of me, "How do I look? At least presentable?" she grinned.
I nodded mindlessly, unable to look away from her. That smile was so rare yet so breathtaking, and the way her eyes met mine… it was the kind of look I always wanted from her.
She looked stunning, but more than that, she looked happy. And in that moment, I knew I'd do anything to keep that smile... anything.
She took the helmet from my hand and shook my arm gently. "Come on, let's get going."
I blinked, snapping out of my daze, and nodded quickly. I got on the bike and waited for her to climb on. "Hold me tightly, okay?"
She wrapped her arms around my waist and hummed, "Let's go."
I smiled, started the engine, and the bike roared to life. The sound echoed softly through the garage before we rode out onto the streets.
The city breeze brushed against us as we sped through the roads. Ethilia's grip tightened around me, and she asked softly, "Where are we going?"
I glanced at her through the mirror and whispered, "Just wait and see." She probably didn't hear, but she didn't ask again either.
As the roads curved, I took a sharper turn. Ethilia gasped, tightening her hold on me almost painfully, and I couldn't help but laugh quietly.
"I love my life, Liana," She muttered, but her voice shook in fear.
I chuckled and slowed the bike a little, reaching to gently squeeze her hand. "Me too…"
The wind rushed past us, and I could feel her slowly relax. Her hands would tighten each time I turned sharply, then ease again as we straightened out.
After a while, I pulled up beside a small roadside café and parked. "Okay… let's have a coffee break?"
Ethilia frowned but got off the bike anyway, removing her helmet. I did the same, setting mine aside as we walked in together.
I knew I was stalling, killing time before we reached where I really wanted to take her.Sunset would be perfect… and there was still about an hour left before the sun began to fall.
After coffee and some selfies, we walked out. Ethilia was more excited than me and I loved it. As she made her way to the bike, I couldn't help from snap a photo of her from behind.
I wanted the world to see, but I also knew not everyone would approve. But who gives a damn about hate as long as my fans are with me?
I posted the photo on social media, careful to keep her face out of view, even after zooming. I added a small message: "If you love me, then love her even more than you love me."
It was a request for my fans, and I hoped they would understand.
"Come fast! The sun will set soon; we should get going," Ethilia called, and I nodded, jogging toward her.
I started the bike and took a dirt road instead of the highway... a winding path that led up the mountain.
When we finally reached the top, I slowed the bike and let it roll to a stop. I stayed seated for a moment, just looking out at the view with her behind me.
Below, the city lights twinkled like stars, and the sunset painted the sky in fiery pinks and oranges.
Ethilia gasped behind me and slowly got off the bike, stepping closer to the edge. I didn't move or say anything, letting her take in the view.
I pulled out my phone, snapping a few more photos of her. My heart was peaceful, yet racing, watching the sun's warm glow kiss her skin.
This woman would be the death of me, and I was ready to give my life for her… but for now, all I wanted was to spend it with her.
She turned toward me, a bright smile lighting her face. "How have I never known about this place?"
I smiled and swung my leg off the bike. "I used to ride up here when I needed to think. Since coming back, I've been here three times… alone."
I removed my helmet, ran a hand through my hair, and set it on the bike seat. Ethilia came closer, "And what do you need to think about tonight?"
I chuckled and shook my head, "Nothing."
She set her helmet beside mine and moved closer as I lowered myself onto the grass, patting the spot beside me. "Come. Let's just sit here. Don't worry... we can throw our clothes in the washing machine later."
She chuckled and sat down beside me. She reached out, running her hand through my hair, and I felt myself truly relax.
"It's beautiful here," she whispered, though her gaze drifted past me... Her mind wasn't here, and I could feel that.
Gently, I took her hands in mine. "Don't you like this place?"
"Why do you think I didn't like it?" Her thumb started caressing my knuckles.
I leaned and kissed her thumb before whispering, "You seem lost."
She looked down at our hands, "I… I need to tell you something." Her voice was barely a whisper and trembling.
My brows furrowed at her sudden hesitation. "Here?"
She nodded. "I want to… because this place feels right."
There was something in her voice that made me nod. She pulled her hands from mine, reaching into her pocket before pulling out something...
At first, I wasn't able to see, but when she held it between us, my eyes widened. "The ring?" I whispered.
She nodded slowly, and I could see how her hands were shaking.