LANCE'S POV:
I checked my watch again.
6:27 PM.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft, golden glow across the city skyline.
From the rooftop where i stood, everything looked unreal, like a dream caught in slow motion.
But nothing compared to what i felt in my chest right now.
My heart was pounding so loud i could hear it in my ears.
The entire place was filled with flowers—white peonies, pale pink roses, hydrangeas in soft blues and violets.
Aurora always said she liked blooms that felt like a sigh. Something gentle. Something that didn't scream for attention but somehow took your breath away.
There were fairy lights trailing across the walls, warm and low, weaving into the flower arrangements that lined the walkway. At the center, the small stage was built just for tonight. And that stage was where i'd ask the only woman i've ever truly loved to marry me.
I ran a hand through my hair and took a deep breath. Everything was ready.
All we needed now was her.
I had to trick her into coming, said there was an emergency shoot meeting and the director needed her there.
She didn't even ask questions. Just said, "I'm on my way." God, I love that about her. How she always shows up.
Tonight, I was hoping she'd say yes to showing up for the rest of her life.
"Attorney," one of the staff said behind me, "the car just arrived."
My throat tightened.
I turned to the entrance.
From where i stood, I could already hear her heels clicking against the tiled floor. Quick, confused steps.
And then—
There she was.
Aurora.
Her brows were furrowed, probably still thinking she was walking into an emergency.
Her hair was loosely tied in a clip, her makeup soft, her dress cream and flowy, hugging her in all the right places.
She looked… ethereal.
She paused when she saw the flowers.
When she saw me.
I didn't move.
She walked slowly now, taking it all in. The lights. The blooms. The quiet music in the background.
And me, standing there like a man who knew he was about to do the bravest and scariest thing of his life.
I met her halfway.
Her voice was hushed. "Lance… what is this?"
I didn't answer her right away.
I reached into the inside pocket of my blazer, feeling the box like a weight in my hand.
Then i looked at her.
Really looked.
I saw everything.
The girl who fought for justice.
The woman who healed through pain.
The soul who somehow chose me through all the chaos.
My voice felt shaky, but i didn't care.
"Aurora…" I said, breathless. "You've been through so much. And somehow, you still look at the world with hope. You still choose love, even after everything. And you chose me."
Her eyes were already wet.
I hadn't even knelt yet.
I pulled the box out.
And i got down on one knee.
She gasped.
Her hand flew to her mouth.
I smiled, nerves crashing like waves in my chest.
"I love you. I've loved you since the day you looked at me like i wasn't just another lawyer… since the moment you cried in that damn interrogation room and i realized i'd give anything to never see you in pain again. I want to grow old with you, laugh with you, fight with you about what show to binge next. I want all of it."
I opened the box.
The ring sparkled under the fairy lights.
"Aurora Ysabelle Zobel…" I said, "Will you marry me?"
Her hand was shaking when she reached for mine.
She didn't speak at first.
She just cried.
And then—
"Yes," she whispered, barely holding it in. "Yes. Yes, Lance. God—yes."
I slid the ring onto her finger.
Just like that, every ache, every sleepless night, every painful memory we'd survived melted into nothing.
I stood up, lifting her with me, her feet leaving the floor for a second as everyone behind us erupted into cheers.
My hands were shaking, but not from nerves. From relief.
From joy so pure, it almost hurt.
Her parents were crying.
Mine too.
I leaned close and murmured, "They're here."
She turned her head and froze.
Her mom and dad had stepped into view, wiping away tears, and then my mom waved from behind a column of white orchids.
I felt Aurora's breath catch.
"You brought them?" she whispered, eyes wide.
I nodded, still holding her hand. "Of course i did. I wanted everyone who matters to see this."
Her hand tightened around mine.
Our moms rushed first.
The four of us stood there for a long time, tangled in one big embrace.
Then her dad reached out and pulled me into a firm hug. "You take care of our girl," he said, his voice thick. "You already have, I know. But now—forever."
I swallowed hard. "Always."
We didn't talk about the past, the trauma, the wounds. Not tonight.
Tonight, there was only the future.
We moved to the long banquet table under a canopy of lights.
Dinner had been prepared, a full course meal of Aurora's favorites and mine, curated down to the tiniest detail.
There was even music.
A small string quartet played soft renditions of classic songs we loved.
I'd made sure of that.
Aurora leaned in as we sat down. "You really planned everything, huh?"
I laughed. "I had help. Nico knew a guy. Selena helped with the flowers. Even your makeup artist came early to do your look."
She blinked. "Wait. That's why she was acting weird this morning."
I grinned. "She was trying not to spill the surprise."
Aurora glanced down at her hand, the diamond catching the light.
"Do you like it?" I asked.
"Are you kidding? It's insane. But also perfect."
"You deserve more."
"No," she whispered, leaning against my shoulder. "This is everything."
Later, when most of the guests had left and we were the last two standing on the rooftop, I reached for her hand again.
"Come here."
She let me guide her back to the stage, now a little quieter, a little softer in the light.
I held her waist, and she curled into me like she always did when the world disappeared.
"I was so scared you'd say no," I admitted, pressing my forehead to hers.
"I almost did."
I blinked. "What?"
"I almost said no because i didn't think i deserved this," she whispered. "After everything that happened. After what i went through. What i put you through."
I pulled back just enough to look her in the eye. "You didn't put me through anything. We went through it together."
"But—"
"Aurora," I said firmly, "don't ever say you don't deserve love again."
Her eyes glistened. "I'm trying."
"You're doing more than trying. You're healing. And i'll be here every step of the way."
She nodded slowly, tears sliding down her cheeks again, this time not from pain but from something gentler.
Something finally, finally safe.
When we got home, our home now, I watched her take off her earrings in the bathroom mirror while humming softly. The city lights flickered behind her reflection.
I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind.
"Did you know," I murmured, "that i've been dreaming about tonight since the moment i met you?"
She met my gaze in the mirror. "You mean when i look like a ghost? ?"
"You're beautiful even then"
She laughed, full and warm. "I thought you hated me."
"I was already falling."
She turned in my arms, her bare feet light against the tile. "You still are?"
"Falling?" I asked.
She nodded.
I leaned down to kiss her, slow and certain.
"Every day."