The golden morning after Ayra and Eliot's engagement still hung in the air like confetti — soft laughter and memories clinging to every corner of Antonio and Selene's Paris mansion. The garden was still dressed in last night's flowers, and the living room echoed with teasing voices and clinking coffee mugs.
Selene stood in the kitchen, tying her robe tighter, a sleepy grin playing on her lips as she stirred Antonio's morning espresso. Mira sat at the counter, dramatically sipping hers.
> "Sooo," Mira began, tapping her mug. "Now that Ayra and Eliot are locked in, when's your turn?"
Selene raised a brow, "Our turn?"
Amara chimed in, flopping onto the nearby couch, "Don't act shocked. Everyone's waiting. Even your neighbors are gossiping."
Antonio walked in just then, tousled and shirtless under his open robe. "What's this I hear? My sisters plotting again?"
> "Your sisters and your mom," Devina added as she entered with a knowing smile. "We were just saying how lovely two engagements in one season would be…"
Mr. Reyes walked in behind her, chuckling, "We have the venue, the florists, the photographers. You're halfway there."
Antonio looked at Selene, a slow, mischievous smile forming.
> "We are halfway there," he murmured. "And I hate making people wait."
Selene blinked. "Wait—you're not actually—"
> "I'm very much actually," he cut in, taking the mug from her hands, setting it down, and slipping his fingers through hers. "Let's do it. Fast. Our way."
Ayra popped her head in. "Your way? Meaning?"
> "Meaning," Selene whispered, her cheeks warming with realization, "at our place."
That Special Place
Not long after, everyone was buzzing with half-approval, half-teasing urgency. But Selene and Antonio had their minds set.
By late afternoon, Antonio's black BMW M5 pulled to a stop on a quiet hill just outside Paris — the place where it all began. It was the same field where Antonio once chased dogs toward Selene, then heroically saved her in his own ridiculous (but charming) plan to reconnect with her after years apart.
Now, that field was draped in the gentle light of dusk. Antonio had arranged a surprise — a low wooden arch draped in ivory silk and dusky rose blooms, lights wrapped around the trees, and a table for two set beneath their favorite oak.
Selene stepped out of the car in a pale blush corset-style dress she designed herself — elegant, soft, radiant. Antonio, in a tailored steel-gray suit, held out his hand.
> "Remember this place?" he asked.
> "You mean where you faked a dog attack just to play hero?"
> "Exactly," he grinned. "And you fell for me. Admit it."
> "I fell for your dog. But yes… I did."
The Moment
Their closest circle gathered in secret — Ayra, Eliot, Mira, Amara, their parents — all standing just far enough to give space, but close enough to witness.
Antonio stepped forward, holding a small velvet box.
> "Selene," he began, voice low and reverent, "we've lived through stories most couples couldn't dream of. From friendship, to heartbreak, to rediscovering each other… You've been my constant. My peace. My fire. I want the world to know you're mine. I want to start forever now."
He opened the box — an elegant ring with a center diamond framed by rose-gold vines and two tiny sapphires — her favorite.
Selene felt her eyes well up.
> "You didn't even ask," she teased, tears glistening.
> "I didn't need to. I already knew the answer," Antonio said. "But I'll say the words anyway — Will you marry me, my wifey?"
She laughed, nodded, and then whispered, "Yes, you fool. Yes."
He slipped the ring on her finger, and as the field filled with applause and cheers, Antonio kissed her — long and full of everything they'd been through.
Celebration Under Stars
Blankets were spread, fairy lights twinkled above, music hummed through a vintage speaker. They danced barefoot in the grass, wine in hand, laughter echoing under the moon.
Ayra leaned on Eliot's shoulder.
> "They're completely insane, aren't they?"
> "Madly," he smiled. "But perfectly made for each other."
Selene rested her head on Antonio's chest as they swayed.
> "That was fast."
> "You deserve a ring. A moment. The world."
> "And you deserve me?"
> "Every breath of you."