C27 ADALINE POV

Adaline Point of View

She looks at me and nods.

"That would be a terrible thing to do."

I lean on her shoulder, then say, "I think the worst thing someone can do to me is make me love them, trust them—and then hurt me. Or hurt the people I love. Or hit me exactly where it hurts."

She's quiet for a while, so I glance at her face, then scoff.

"Let’s not talk about sad things anymore. I want to break up with Cyprus."

Her eyes bulge, mouth dropping open.

"What? Absolutely not!"

I laugh at her expected expression. "I actually do want to break up with him. I feel like I’ve drawn out the relationship long enough. I met him when I was broken, and he was... a fix. But now, I don’t feel broken anymore. I’m ready to be who I was born to be."

"Don’t you think you’re overreacting? Why not wait a little and understand your feelings better?" she says, grasping at straws.

I shake my head.

"I know you like Cyp for me, but trust me, you’ll like this guy."

"What guy?" she asks.

I shrug, wishing I could take my words back.

"Tell me about him," she pesters, and I grin, giving in.

"His name is Alexandru. He used to be my best friend," I say, smiling at the memory. It feels so unfamiliar, like ice cream, or chocolate chips, or reading a really good novel. A beautiful feeling.

"We grew up together, me, him, Elena, his sister Alina, Catalina, Zach, Faye, and Rick. But Alexandru and I were closest. He was my whole world... the reason I lived. The love of my life. But I left him when I moved to New York. I left all of them behind. I think he hates me for that."

"I think I hate myself a little bit for it too," I admit. "But I was feeling insecure, so I ran. We recently made contact, in a way, and I just miss all the ways he was... and still is."

Zoe stares at me, frowning.

"He sounds like a good guy, but I think Cyprus is going to propose. And I don’t think you should throw away years of a relationship for a boy you used to know."

I flinch, hoping she doesn’t notice, and grit my teeth. But she’s right. And still, God, this is amazing. I burst into a scream of elation and glee, feeling happier than I have in days.

"Are you sure?" I ask, laughing.

She nods.

"He’s been asking me about the perfect ring for you. I told him to pick something that feels like you. And today he told me he has some big news."

I scream, jumping on the couch in excitement.

"Oh my God!" I repeat over and over.

"Let’s practice!" I say, and she nods, dropping to her knees with a grin.

"Aurora, I’ve loved you for a very long time and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of being my forever?"

"Yes! I will!" I scream, laughing out loud as we fall to the ground, huge smiles plastered across our faces.

"I think it’s time you meet my parents. You and Cyp," I say, and she nods, kissing my cheek. Together, we fall asleep, the last thing on my mind being the way she smells, very different than usual, and yet... familiar.

Life is good.

__

"I’m so sorry, Ashley," I say for the hundredth time later that week as I stir the chicken and check the bread in the oven.

"I’ll forgive you when I’m ready," she says, and I giggle, setting the table.

Tonight we’re all having dinner at Ashley’s, my way of apologizing for ghosting her.

Daniel laughs as he places the fried rice on the table, and I set the chicken on tissue to soak up the oil.

"We’re here, and we brought dessert!" Zoe yells as she walks in with Cyprus behind her.

I smile, walk over to Cyp, and kiss him lightly on the cheek. These past few days, we’ve been all over each other, making up for lost time. And I haven’t thought about Alexandru for a bit... until now.

"Hey, baby," he says, sniffing my hair with his hands around my waist. "I have a surprise for you."

My heart skips a beat. I try to stay calm, he’s going to propose. But then my phone rings. It’s my mom.

"Excuse me, baby," I say, stepping outside onto the porch.

"Hey, Mommy," I smile. We’ve gotten closer lately.

"Baby girl, are we still on for next Saturday?" she asks, her voice light.

"Yes, Mom," I say, glancing back at the house, then frown. I see Cyp and Zoe talking in hushed tones. I smile to myself. This proposal is going to be lit.

"I’m bringing my boyfriend and best friend," I squeal. "I think he’s going to propose!"

She’s silent on the other end.

"Mom," I groan.

She sighs. "You’re my daughter, and I’ll support you no matter what. When he proposes, show me the ring," she laughs.

I nod, looking through the window again. The table is set. Everyone’s seated.

"Got to go, Mom. Love you!"

"Bye, baby girl. Take a picture of the ring!" she calls as I hang up.

I walk back in, take my seat beside Cyp, and bask in his familiar scent. I pick up my glass of champagne and subtly check it for a ring. Zoe catches my eye and smiles.

Cyp rests a hand on my thigh. We eat while Zoe and Daniel chat.

"When are you going back to work?" Ashley asks. Everyone looks at me.

"In two weeks, after we’re back from New Orleans," I reply.

"About that..." Cyp says. I turn to him, brow raised.

"I think it’s time you come home with me. To Romania."

I freeze. So does Zoe.

"I think it’s time my family met the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with. In lieu of that -" he drops to one knee.

I freeze.

"I’ve loved you more than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s been years, and I know it’s time for the next step, the most important one. Aurora Volkov, will you marry me?"

A rush of emotions floods me, and one of them is disappointment. Where’s the grand proposal? The ring is... basic. But I push that down and focus on the better emotions. Like excitement.

This is not how I pictured it. Not really, but maybe happiness is not supposed to be perfect.

"Yes!" I scream, and he slides the ring on.

"Oh my God!" Zoe gasps, tears in her eyes.

I laugh harder, my own eyes wet.

"I love you," I say, hugging him tight.

Ashley screams, hugging her husband.

Everything feels aligned. I dangle the ring in front of Zoe and snap a picture to send to Mom.

"We’re going to Romania," Cyp says, and I nod. I can’t wait to meet his family.

I glance at the ring again, and frown. It scratches my finger. I roll it off and see blisters, red and bruised. I quietly tuck the ring into my purse. Maybe I just need to get used to it.

"Now," Cyp says.

I look at him, confused.

"Now?"

"Yes. We’re going to Romania now. Surprise," he says.

Zoe laughs, but it sounds... off.

I glance at Cyp.

"I told her not to tell you. And she’s coming with us, I want you to feel comfortable."

I glance at Ashley and Daniel, who are grinning with joy, then at Zoe, who’s stuffing her mouth with chicken. Then at my fiance.

"I have a private jet, you know. You’ll be so comfortable," Cyp says, kissing my cheek. His cologne fills my nostrils.

I swallow hard.

I’m going to Romania.