Chapter 17
Two years have passed since the night when Caius boldly confessed his relationship with me in front of everyone. Two years since I started living a completely new life, without the shadow of the past.
Our relationship was going smoothly. There were no secrets, no lies, and most importantly, no fear of being ignored, or hidden.
Today, I stood on the balcony of our apartment, enjoying the view of the city shrouded in twilight. A cool breeze was gently blowing, bringing a serenity that was hard to put into words.
I heard footsteps approaching. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
“Are you ready?” Caius‘ voice sounded behind me.
I turned my head and smiled. “Ready for what?” I asked confused.
Caius just smiled a little. “Come with me,” he invited as he tugged gently on my hand.
Without asking further questions, I followed his lead. Caius always had a way of making little surprises, and I was used to it.
Q
We left in his car and drove to a place I didn’t know. I just stood still, enjoying the ride, until the car finally stopped at a familiar place, the lake we had visited two years ago.
I looked at Caius in confusion. “Why are we here?”
He just smiled. “Come on, get down!”
I followed his lead, walking to the edge of the lake that was still as beautiful as ever. The wind blew gently, carrying the fresh scent of the calm water.
I vividly remember the first time he brought me to this place. It was then that I began to see Caius not just as my superior, but as someone who had his world outside of work.
He suddenly stopped and turned to look at me.
“I have something to say,” he said with a serious face.
I blinked, suddenly feeling nervous and scared. Afraid of something bad happening.
Caius looked at me deeply. “Two years ago, I brought someone to this place, someone who was still full of wounds and trying to find his way.”
I paused, listening to every word he said.
“I watched her grow, heal herself, and become someone stronger than she could ever imagine,” he said with a faint smile. “And, I fell in love with her, every day, without ever stopping.”
My heart beats faster.
Caius took a deep breath and then, putting his hand into his coat pocket, pulled out a small dark blue box.
When he opened the box, I was shocked. Inside, a simple diamond ring shone in the twilight light.
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I was transfixed with my mouth slightly open.
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“Althea,” his voice sounded deeper than usual as if it penetrated every corner of my heart. “I won’t say that I’m perfect because I’m not that kind of person. Nor will I promise a life without problems,” he said with conviction.
I could feel my throat drying up.
“But what I can promise is this,” he continued. “I will always stand by you. I will always choose you, no matter what circumstances we face.” He said and sat down, propped up on one leg.
My eyes began to water.
Caius looked at me with confidence. “Will you marry me?”
I stared at him, feeling every emotion flowing through my chest.
There was no doubt. No fear. I knew the answer.
With a slightly trembling voice, I smiled as I said, “Yes. I am willing to marry you, Caius
Leclair.”
Caius smiled widely, and before I could say more, he got up and pulled me into his arms.
I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his body erase all the remaining shadows of the past that had once haunted me. I cried in his arms.
I had finally found my home. And, that home is Caius.
Caius released his embrace slowly but still held my hand tightly. I looked at him, seeing how his eyes were filled with sincerity and conviction.
“How can you be so sure?” I asked softly.
He smiled, lifted my hand, and kissed it gently. “Because there isn’t a single day that I doubt my feelings for you.”
I bit my lip, holding back the emotion that began to fill my chest. Caius was always like this, simple, but instantly serious.
He never made sweet promises that couldn’t be kept. He only said what he truly felt.
I looked down, staring at the ring in the box. It was simple, not overdone, but that’s what made it feel so meaningful.
It was as if Caius could read my mind. “I chose this ring because I know you don’t like anything too flashy,” he said softly. “I wanted something that symbolized us, simple, but meaningful.”
I lifted my head, looking up at him with my eyes filled with tears again.
“Thank you,” I whispered through my tears.
He smiled then took the ring and put it on my ring finger.
A warm feeling coursed through my body. This wasn’t just a ring. It’s proof that I’m moving forward.
Two years ago, I was someone who still doubted many things. But now, I know that I no
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longer need to doubt.
I had found the person who truly saw me, chose me, and never thought of hiding me.
I grasped Caius‘ hand tighter.
“Come on, go home! Let’s have dinner at home,” I said softly while pulling his hand.
“I want a special dinner,” he replied with a hearty laugh.
We walked back to the car with our hands still clasped together.
And I knew, from this day on, I would never walk alone again.
