Chapter 275

More confetti burst into the air, filling the night with a flurry of petals and bright

balloons. Outside, glowing drones floated above the bar, spelling out I LOVE LUCIE for everyone to see.

The guests sitting outside couldn't believe their eyes. "Wow, this is straight out of a movie!"

"Who's proposing?"

"I think it's happening inside. Let's go check it out!”

Phones came out in a flash, everyone snapping photos and recording videos.

Lucie stood frozen, totally overwhelmed. There was no happiness on her face—just pure shock and a deep sense of awkwardness.

Elio knelt in front of her, holding out a ring with all the sincerity he could muster. “Lucie, I mean every word. Before, I didn't understand what you wanted from love. Now I do. You want something real, something that lasts forever and never fades. Please, give me another chance. Let me love you, cherish you. I promise I'll get it right this time."

Lucie's brow creased, her throat tight with nerves.

Mira, teary-eyed, nudged her. "Lucie, what are you waiting for? Say yes already!"

Angela looked at her with open envy. "Seriously, what's there to think about? Go for it!"

Yolanda chimed in. "Yeah, don't overthink it-just say yes!"

Elio's gaze was intense, unwavering. “Lucie, I love you."

Time seemed to stop. Lucie finally snapped out of it, her voice barely above a whisper. "Elio, what are you doing?"

"I love you. Marry me. I know this is all kind of rushed, and maybe not as fancy as you deserve."

Lucie glanced around at the crowd, not wanting to embarrass him. She lowered her voice, flustered. "Elio, please... stop. We're really not right for each other."

He shook his head, desperate. "I mean it. I haven't stopped thinking about you these past four years. I can't lose you again. I don't care about your past."

"Lucie, just say yes!" Mira and Yolanda urged, pushing her closer to Elio. Angela grabbed the ring and slipped it onto Lucie's finger herself. "We'll say yes for her!"

"Kiss her! Kiss her!" someone shouted.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Lucie felt lightheaded, her mind spinning. She wanted to run, or just melt into the floor. But the whole place was buzzing, and there was nowhere to hide.

“Elio, we..... we....." Lucie's cheeks burned. She couldn't bring herself to reject him in front of everyone.

Elio smiled and leaned down, capturing her lips in a sudden kiss.

A chorus of awws and cheers rang out.

"Look at them! They're perfect together. Like a real-life fairy tale.”

"Wait, isn't that Lucie from the Anderson family? The antiques heiress?"

"Yeah, that's her! Steven Heath's ex. New Amberton's number one socialite."

Phones flashed everywhere as guests rushed to post photos and videos on social media. Mira, Yolanda, and Angela all joined in, swept up in the excitement, eager to share the moment online.

***

At Rose Manor, Steven was finishing dinner with Bria. After her shower, she came out in a white nightgown, which was his longtime weakness. White had always made him lose control.

“Steven, are you... staying tonight?" Bria asked shyly, her eyes soft and hopeful.

Steven felt a pang in his chest as he looked at her. “I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay with you tonight.”

He crossed the room in a few long strides, scooped her up, and carried her to the bedroom, kissing her on the way He'd mađe up his mind. He Wasn't leaving tonight. He was going to make her happy. He was going to marry her, and she deserved his love.

Bria's heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves. She kissed him back,

breathless. "Steven, I love you..."

"I love you too."

He laid her on the bed, his kisses gentle and urgent all at once as he started unbuttoning his shirt. Bria, afraid he might get cold feet again, hurried to unbuckle his belt This time, he seemed fully committe

“Steven, I want you. I love you. I can't live without you..."

"Hang on, let me get these pants off," he said, pulling away just long enough to take off his trousers.

As he did, his phone slipped out of

his pocket and landed on the bed. The screen, lit up, new notifications popping up one after another.

Steve ignore themeaning.ne

over

her ready to lose himself in the moment.

But then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a headline:

[LUCIE ANDERSON GOES PUBLIC WITH NEW ROMANCE, SHARES SWEET KISS WITH NEW BOYFRIEND]

It hit him like a blast of cold water. His mind spun and he couldn't help himself-he picked up the phone and clicked on the news. There it was: a photo of Lucie and Elio locked in a kiss.