Chapter 21
Over the next three days, Dominic employed every romantic gesture imaginable.]
On the first day, he took her to South Bay’s highest Ferris wheel.
“They say couples who kiss at the very top will stay together forever,” he said, standing at the cabin entrance, eyes filled with cautious hope.[]
Ariana laughed coldly. “Then perhaps we should kiss at the very bottom, ensuring we never meet again in the next life.“[]
The light in Dominic’s eyes dimmed, but he forced a smile: “That’s alright. I just wanted to show you the night view.”
When the Ferris wheel reached its zenith, the entire city sparkling below them, Dominic suddenly dropped to one knee, producing a diamond ring from his pocket.
“Ari,” his voice was rough with emotion, “if we could start over…”
“There is no ‘if,” she cut him off, turning to look out the window.
On the second day, he personally prepared an elaborate feast.[]
*I remember you like spicy food.” He picked up a piece of spicy chicken wings in hot sauce and placed it in her bowl. With a tender look in his eyes, he said, “Wanna give it a try?“]] –
Ariana glanced at it dismissively. “Mia doesn’t eat spicy food, so I imagine you never made these dishes for her?“[]
Dominic’s hand froze midair.[]
She deliberately dumped all the food into the garbage bin right before his eyes.
On the third day, he took her to the beach.]
As night fell, drones formed her smiling face in the night sky, while fireworks exploded into the words —Ari, I love you.[]
“Do you like it?” he asked softly.
Ariana looked at the brilliant display, suddenly smiling: “Dominic, did you pursue Mia this way too?”
He clenched his fist tightly, his throat constricting: “…No.”
“Only you,” his voice dropped to barely audible. “All of this, only for you.“!
Ariana remained unmoved.[]
Back in her room, Ariana realized tomorrow would be the final day of their agreement. As she began packing her belongings, she accidentally opened the purse Elena Sindair had given her.
Inside was a faded manila envelope, its edges yellowed as if someone had handled it countless times.[]
She hesitantly opened it, and several sheets of paper slid out-
Each one began with “Dear Ari.”
The first letter read
Απ
Today I saw you for the first time at the Lawrence family gathering. You wore a white dress, standing in the garden feeding a stray cat. Despite all the commotion around you, you seemed to exist in your own quiet world
I watched you from the second floor balcony for what felt like hours, until you noticed me and smiled.]
In that moment, I knew I was done for[]
-Christopher
The second letter:[]
ArL
Chapter 21
1 heard that illegitimate daughter at the Reeves house is causing you trouble again. I had my housekeeper deliver medicine to you from the Sinclair family, though I’m not sure if you used it.]]
I wish I could visit you personally, but I can’t find a suitable excuse.[]
-Christopher
The third letter:]
“Ari
Today is your eighteenth birthday, and also the anniversary of your mother’s passing.
I flew to North Shore and waited outside the cemetery all day, watching you sit alone at the grave, crying.]
I left your favorite blueberry cake by the entrance, hoping you might have at least a bite.[]
-Christopher“]
—0
The final letter.]
Ari.
Your father has come to propose a marriage alliance between the Reeves and Sinclair families.[]
I know he wants his second daughter to marry into our family, and it’s clearly a trap, but I agreed anyway.
Because this is my only chance to marry you.[]
If you’re reading this letter, it means we’re already married.[]
Please don’t fear this marriage. I’m not marrying you out of pity.[]
Since I first saw you at sixteen, I’ve been waiting for this day.[]
-Christopher
The pages slipped from Ariana’s hands.
She recalled the way Christopher had looked at her when he first awoke–that restrained yet profound gaze wasn’t the politeness of a stranger, but love cultivated over years.[]
Chapter 22
