Chapter 69-70 - Former CIA, Now LAPD

Chapter 69 – A Golden Detail

March 5, 2019 – 9:43 PM

Kendall Jenner's Residence – Living Room

The room was cozy. The lighting was low. A soft playlist filled the space, playing "Sea of Love" by Cat Power. Kendall was lying on the couch with her legs draped over Mike's lap, who was sitting with a closed book in his hand. He watched her like someone watching a sunset.

She was holding her phone, editing a photo she'd taken an hour earlier.

The image was simple: she was wrapped around Mike's neck, her face hidden in his shoulder. He was on his back, wearing a gray cotton shirt, the nape of his neck slightly exposed. Kendall's left arm rested across his chest—and there, in the soft light, was the gold ring on her ring finger.

Mike noticed her hesitation.

"Are you going to post it?"

She looked at him.

— "Not for marketing. Not for buzz. Just because... it's a beautiful moment. And because I don't want to hide it anymore, even if I don't say everything."

He nodded.

— "If the image speaks louder than words, let it speak. With truth."

Kendall pressed "Share."

The caption:

"You are my stillness in the chaos."

📸: Myself.

March 5, 2019 – 9:51 PM

Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok – EXPLOSION

Comments started appearing in seconds:

"Wait a minute! IS THAT A RING???"

"Is Kendall wearing a ring ON HER LEFT FINGER??"

"Guys, is she ENGAGED and hasn't said anything?"

"The pose. The silence. THE RING. This is a disguised advertisement."

"The guy's got his back turned, of course. But he's THERE. This is about Mike."

"Instagram's going to crash, and I'll be here, in slippers, freaking out about Kendall."

"Simple, intimate, and powerful. I loved it."

"She's ENGAGED, and she didn't even need Vogue."

"Couple of the year. Of the century. Of life."

In one hour, the post reached 12 million likes.

Hashtags dominated Twitter:

#KendallEngaged

#JennerEdwards

March 6, 2019 – 12:05 AM

Kendall's Residence – Bedroom

Kendall, already in her pajamas, checked her phone notifications with a mixture of laughter and surprise. Mike came out of the bathroom with a towel thrown over his shoulder, his hair still damp.

"I think we just informed the world. Accidentally."

Mike sat on the bed, watching her slide her finger across the screen.

"It's amazing how a detail becomes a headline."

"And how the absence of pose became... total presence."

She put the phone aside.

"Does it bother you?"

Mike shook his head.

"No. Because this image... is our truth. And the truth... I don't hide it anymore."

She smiled, leaning toward him.

"We're officially visible."

"And yet... only the two of us know how much this means."

March 6, 2019 – 8:00 AM

LAPD – Western Division – Coffee Room

Athena was already holding her morning coffee when she saw Mike enter. Her gaze went straight to his finger.

"So... you've decided to tell?"

Mike smiled.

— "She posted a photo. She didn't intend it to be an announcement. But the world read what it needed to read."

— "I read the comments. Some people are saying it was the most elegant engagement of the decade."

— "And all I did was... stand back."

Athena laughed.

— "You're the most discreet man with the biggest impact I've ever seen."

March 6, 2019 – 10:30 AM

Kris Jenner's Residence – Kitchen

Kris stirred breakfast while Kim, Kylie, and Khloé sat at the center island.

— "She did it her way. No rush. No production. Just... feeling," Kim said.

Kylie showed the photo on her phone.

— "And he's not even in front. But even so... you feel the security there. The presence."

Khloé commented, taking a sip of tea:

"Mike is like... the only man who could stand with his back turned and still leave the planet silent."

Kris smiled.

"And he asked for my blessing first. That... still means something."

March 6, 2019 – 1:00 PM

Live Interview on E! News

"Sources confirm that Kendall Jenner is officially engaged to Mike Edwards, an LAPD officer and former CIA agent. The couple has been in a two-year relationship, away from the spotlight. The photo Kendall posted yesterday was enough to set the internet ablaze. And the question now is: when will the wedding be?"

Late in the Day – At Home

Mike and Kendall were on the couch. The TV was muted. She leaned against his chest as he slowly stroked her head.

"The world knows."

"What now?" he asked.

— "Now we just keep living. Just like before. Only with a ring."

Mike kissed her forehead.

— "And with public love. But still… just ours."

Chapter 70 – Between Ribs and Hearts

March 10, 2019 – 9:40 AM

Mike's Residence – Los Angeles

Mike's house was spacious but simple. Located in a quiet neighborhood with tight security, there was nothing ostentatious about wealth—though the hardwood floors, stone fireplace, and outdoor space with a built-in barbecue spoke volumes about a man who values functionality and understated comfort.

In the kitchen, Mike had his apron tied around his waist. He was slicing peppers with surgical precision. On the counter were fresh ingredients for three main courses: sous-vide prime rib, eggplant lasagna (for Kourtney), and herb-crusted smoked salmon.

Kendall walked in wearing slippers, a cup of coffee in her hand, watching him.

"If you keep this up, we'll have to open a secret bistro for retired federal agents."

Mike smiled, never taking his eyes off the knife.

"It would be a good disguise, if I still needed one."

She leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Is everything under control?"

"With military precision. Now all that's missing is... the human factor."

11:00 AM – Calls to 911 and LAPD

Mike went to the porch with his cell phone. He started with the messages:

Mike: "Engagement luncheon, today, 1:00 PM here at my house. Informal, close friends only. Invited: Eddie, Hen, Chim, Buck, and Maddie. Oh, and I'll let you know: my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law will be there. Be civil."

Replies came quickly.

Hen: "Loving it already. I owe you a glass or two. We'll be there."

Buck: "Wait, like... Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian?!"

Mike: "Like exactly that. But eat like it's just another Sunday."

Eddie: "I saw Kendall and Stormi interacting with you. I think I'll survive."

Maddie: "I'm going with Buck. I promise to behave."

Mike took a deep breath. Social mission underway.

12:15 PM – Arrivals

Athena was first, with May and Harry, who was holding a gift package with a blue bow.

"Did you make real food or is this a disguise to get me to grill?" Athena joked.

"This time, I'm just in charge of the kitchen. No fire delegation."

Right behind them, Kris, Corey, Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, and Kylie arrived in two SUVs. Kendall got out to greet them each with a hug.

Kim, upon entering and seeing the house, commented:

"Simple. Elegant. Totally Mike."

Khloé patted him on the back:

"Shall we talk about your table-setting skills, security tactics, and medium-rare ribs?"

1:20 PM – 118 Crew Arrives

Buck and Maddie arrived together. Maddie wore a light dress; Buck was visibly nervous.

"Okay, this is happening. I'm about to share a glass with Kendall Jenner's mom."

Hen and Chimney arrived with a container of pasta salad and two bottles of wine.

"I understand the dress code: civilized but not disguised."

Eddie, discreet, arrived with a loaf of artisanal bread and a bottle of Spanish olive oil.

Mike gathered them briefly on the porch.

"Everyone, welcome. Inside, you'll see faces that usually grace magazine covers. Ignore that. This... is home. Just be yourselves."

Buck took a deep breath.

— "If I faint, will you catch me?"

— "If you faint, Hen will catch you. And you'll become a legend."

1:40 PM – Lunch served

The table was set in the backyard, under the retractable awning. Neutral tablecloths, white plates, simple arrangements of rosemary and lavender.

Kendall, sitting next to Mike, calmly held his hand. On the other side, Hailey Bieber had just arrived and was already exchanging laughs with Kylie and May.

The conversation flowed.

Kim talked to Maddie about emergency nursing.

Hen and Khloé discussed natural wines.

Eddie and Kourtney talked about plant-based diets.

Mike observed everything with the eyes of someone who recognizes the impossible—and smiled.

Athena raised her glass.

— "To the newlyweds. To this unexpected love that became a home, that became a wedding ring. And that, even coming from different worlds, managed the most difficult thing: to be real."

Everyone toasted.

3:00 PM – After dessert

Mike sat on the edge of the porch with Buck and Eddie.

— "Now... do you believe it's possible to live a new life without denying who we were?"

Buck nodded.

— "You're living proof of that. And now... part of pop royalty."

Eddie smiled.

— "But deep down, you're still the guy who knows which way to go, even with his eyes closed."

Mike looked inside, where Kendall was laughing with May and Hailey.

— "And now... I know where to go back. Always."

Chapter 28 - Chapter 69-70