26
Ciara’s Pov
The engagement party felt like a dream. Everywhere I turned, people were congratulating me.
My father pulled me into a warm embrace. “I knew this day would come,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Congratulations, sis,” Adam said, smirking as he hugged me. “Guess I have to start getting used to calling him ‘brother–in–law‘ now”
I rolled my eyes. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
He laughed. “It’s just… weird. But in a good way.”
Guests from work, old friends, and family all took turns congratulating me. Zaverio stayed by my side, his hand. never leaving mine. Every time I glanced at him, he was already looking at me like I was the only person in the room.
By the time the party wound down, I was exhausted but happy. I leaned into Zaverio as we made our way outside. “That was overwhelming.”
He chuckled. “Did you enjoy it?”
I nodded. “It was perfect.”
“Good,” he said, opening the car door for me. “Because the night isn’t over yet”
I raised a brow “Where are we going?”
He smirked. “You’ll see.”
Zaverio took me to a rooftop restaurant with a breathtaking view of the city. The warm glow of the city lights stretched endlessly, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of roses and expensive wine.
A candlelit table was set just for us. The entire place was empty except for a few servers in the background.
I shook my head in disbelief. “You really went all out”
He pulled out a chair for me. “Only the best for my fiancée.”
We sat, and as the food arrived, we talked and laughed like we always had.
At one point, I sighed, swirling the wine in my glass. “I thought you ghosted me after I kissed you at the hospital.”
He looked at me, surprised. “Ghost you? Never.”
“Well, you barely called or texted,” I admitted. “I thought maybe you regretted it.”
Zaverio reached across the table, taking my hand. “I wasn’t avoiding you, Ciara. I was planning all of this.” He
gestured around us. “I wanted everything to be perfect.”
I smiled, squeezing his hand. “It was.”
His gaze softened. “How soon do you want the wedding?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Tomorrow
He blinked, then burst into laughter.
I laughed with him. “I’m serious! I don’t want to wait.”
He shook his head, amused. “I should’ve known you’d say that.”
I leaned forward. “Can we?”
He smirked. “I can arrange it soon for you.
Excitement bubbled inside me. “Then I’m going for my wedding dress fitting tomorrow.”
His eyes darkened slightly as he watched me. “You’re really excited about this.
“Of course I am,” I said, grinning. “Aren’t you?”
He leaned back, sipping his wine. “More than you know.”
That night, Zaverio took me to a luxurious suite. The moment we stepped inside, he pulled me close, his lips finding mine in a slow, deep kiss.
I melted into him, my fingers tangling in his hair. “We’re really doing this,” I whispered.
His hands traced down my back. “We are.”
There was no hesitation, no doubts. Just us.
And I wanted all of him.
The next morning, I woke up to the scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries. I blinked, stretching lazily as Zaverio walked in, holding a tray
“Breakfast in bed?” I teased.
He placed the tray in front of me. “Anything for my fiancée.”
I picked up a croissant, taking a bite. “This feels like a honeymoon.”
He smirked. “Enjoy it, because our real honeymoon will be even better.”
I rolled my eyes. “Now you’re just showing off.”
He kissed my forehead. “I mean it, Ciara. I’ll do anything to make you happy.”
Two weeks passed in a blur. Zaverio convinced me to spend time with him. He said we deserve some time away after the Tony and Hailey saga.
True to his word, he made sure I was happy. Lavish dinners, spontaneous trips, stolen moments where it was just the two of us
For the first time in a long time, I felt truly at peace.
Until the peace was shattered.
When I returned home, my mother greeted me with a warm smile.
“How was your time with Zaverio?” she asked.
“Perfect” I said, kicking off my heels. “I almost didn’t want to come back.”
She laughed. “Well, enjoy it while it lasts.”
I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Her smile faded. “Your father and Adam are in the study. There’s something you need to know.”
A sinking feeling settled in my stomach.
“What is it?” I asked slowly.
She hesitated. “There’s been an issue at the company.”
I tensed. “What kind of issue?”
She sighed. “Someone has been embezzling funds.”
My heart dropped.
“What?”
