Chapter 43: A Glimpse into the Future

KIANA

^THREE YEARS LATER^

I walked into the quaint little café that had become my favorite spot over the past few months. The bell above the door chimed, announcing my arrival.

I spotted a hand waving me over to where Mia and Crystal were already enjoying colorful cocktails at two in the afternoon.

I made my way to the table, and a waiter promptly took my order. I asked for my usual sparkling water and a Virgin Mary, a drink I’d come to love.

“You’re already drinking, and it’s only two?” I teased.

“It’s five o’clock somewhere,” Crystal retorted with a smirk, taking a long sip of her bright-pink cocktail.

“I’m off alcohol for the next five months, in case you’ve forgotten,” Mia reminded me, rubbing the tiny, avocado-sized baby bump.

“Sorry. I still can’t believe my best friend is going to be a mom soon,” I gushed.

Mia and Ben had been a couple for almost three years now. Their romance had sparked on karaoke night. They’d kept it a secret for months until I caught them in a compromising position on the kitchen counter. It was a sight they couldn’t deny, and one I could never erase from my memory.

“How’s the clinic going?” Crystal inquired.

“The clinic’s doing great. I’m planning to expand to a few more cities. I’m finalizing the details now, so it’s been all work, no play for me.”

I lifted my glass and took a sip.

Jackson had made an offer for me to take over his business. It had taken me nearly a week to decide, with much convincing on his part. He’d said it shouldn’t go to anyone but me, his adopted daughter.

I’d never been into running my own large empire, let alone running a business centered around fixing up smaller ones, so I’d convinced him to sell—but not to just anyone.

I knew Chase was looking to grow his business and, as he’d put it, “test the waters in different areas.” So, Jackson had agreed, and we’d sold it to Chase. Initially, he’d tried to give us an absurd amount of money, but I’d refused to accept it until we’d agreed on a fair price.

I’d also made sure Jackson agreed to stay on as a silent partner. He shouldn’t have to pay for Cooper’s mistakes.

Despite Cooper’s horrific actions, Jackson was still his father, and I would never blame him for mourning his son’s death. But I knew that he mourned the child he once was, not the man who died that night.

After the sale, I’d planned on opening up my own veterinary clinic; only Jackson had beat me to it. He’d said it was a graduation present, and he’d helped me start and successfully open my very first clinic.

My clinic mainly focused on charity work, dedicating our efforts to healing and caring for neglected or stray animals.

I’d also built several animal shelters in the area, offering free veterinary healthcare. My goal was to make services affordable for all families and accessible to every animal. This was a dream I’d always had, and now I finally had the chance to make it a reality.

~And I did it without Kenzo’s help.~

I hadn’t seen or heard from him in three years. After his arrest, he’d been denied bail and was imprisoned for several consecutive life sentences. It turned out that he had far more skeletons in his closet than any of us had realized.

Most of his assets went to the state, and anything leftover I donated to charities and shelters. I didn’t need or want anything from him.

The money Jackson had insisted on passing down to me after we’d sold his business to Chase ensured that I would live comfortably, and my clinics would never have to worry about funding.

“Damn. Is that the time?” I jumped up from my chair, glancing at my watch.

“Sorry, girls. I have to run. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I quickly hugged them both goodbye and dashed out of the café.

I fumbled for the keys to my midnight-blue Land Rover and climbed in.

My heart pounded in my chest as I realized I only had ten minutes.

I hadn’t had a panic attack in years, and this minor freak-out seemed insignificant in comparison, but it was still terrifying!

I slammed on the brakes as I finally arrived at my destination. I was one minute early.

I let out a sigh and chuckled to myself. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few speeding tickets showed up in my mailbox.

I spotted a familiar figure walking toward me down a long, narrow brick path.

His suit was crisp and clean, tailored to perfection to accentuate his physique. His jawline was freshly shaved, and his sandy-blond hair was styled just right—casually messy, but in a way that seemed effortless.

The potent scent of spice mixed with a hint of woodiness blew toward me on the cool breeze.

But what really caught my attention…

Those mesmerizing Caribbean-blue eyes, so deep and intense. One look from him and I felt like I could drown in his captivating gaze.

As he moved closer, my heart pounded in my chest. Time hadn’t dulled his effect on me. He still stirred a flutter in my stomach and a longing ache in my heart.

My feelings for him were as strong as ever.

He approached with his hands clasped behind his back, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“Where are we?” I asked, puzzled.

“You’ll see,” he replied, producing a silky black blindfold from behind his back. He tied it around my eyes.

A shiver ran up my spine. “What are you doing?”

“Patience,” he murmured, securing the knot at the back.

I felt his firm hands on my shoulders, guiding me toward an unknown destination.

“Chase, what is this?” I questioned, my voice a mix of laughter and nervousness.

After a few minutes of walking, we came to a halt.

His hands left my shoulders and moved to the blindfold. I felt it loosen and then drop to the ground.

I gasped in awe.

Before me stood a house that could easily be mistaken for a fairytale castle. Its exterior was a striking white brick, with grand double doors painted a bold black.

The house was encircled by a charming array of freshly picked flowers, showcasing a vibrant array of colors that spilled over into the neighboring green field.

The garage was a sight to behold, large enough to house four cars and a sizable motorcycle. The patio was equally impressive, its centerpiece a delicate yet stylish fountain, surrounded by sleek black garden chairs and a matching table.

A large white fence and a modern gate, perfectly complementing the house’s design, framed the property.

I glanced back to see Chase watching me, his eyes filled with anticipation and wonder.

He looked…~nervous~.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“I—it’s…,” I stammered, words failing me.

I turned back to the house and felt Chase’s strong arms wrap around me from behind, his head resting on my shoulder.

“This is ours. I wanted a home, a family home, where our kids can grow up and we can grow old together.

“I’m giving up my bachelor pad. I don’t want it. I want to settle down with you. I want to start a future with you.”

~Kids?!~

I spun around so fast I almost gave myself whiplash at the mention of kids.

He looked surprised as he rubbed the back of his neck in a shy manner.

“Yeah, well, I do want our own little rascals running around eventually.”

I looped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his. I poured all my love, passion, and excitement into the kiss. He returned it with equal fervor.

I felt my panties start to dampen. The simple way this man turned me on never ceased, and it never would.

He gently pulled me away at the waist, our breathing ragged. I realized then that we were in the middle of the street in broad daylight, but I didn’t care. Normally, I would. But right now, it was just Chase and me.

But then he did something that made my heart stop…

My breathing became frantic…

My palms grew sweaty, and my eyes began to fill.

He was down on one knee and holding out a red velvet box containing the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.

The elegant silver band was adorned with a multitude of tiny shimmering diamonds, each one sparkling like a star in the night sky.

But the true showstopper was the magnificent rock at the heart of the ring. It was expertly cut into a perfect diamond shape and was surrounded by an intricately detailed setting of tiny fiery red gemstones.

I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth.

“I have never loved and will never love anyone the way I love you. I want to start a future with you. I want you to be my last everything, Kiana.

“I can’t see a future without you, and I never want to. You make me a better person, and I can’t imagine spending the rest of my days without you.

“I know it sounds cheesy, but you are my soulmate, my best friend, and the love of my life. From the moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you.”

I didn’t move, but I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks. Chase looked flustered and slightly anxious—something that didn’t often happen.

“Will you, Kiana Rose Ailana, do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife and making me the happiest man alive?” He bit his lip.

I crouched down, my sobs growing louder. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you. I love you too, Chase Winters.”

As soon as he slid the ring onto my trembling finger, I pulled him close again. Our lips met in a passionate clash of dominance and desire. I had no intention of ever letting him go.

We had been through so much together, so many trials and obstacles, but we always came out stronger.

I gently pulled away from his lips as I tried to catch my breath. I rested my forehead on his as he lovingly stroked the back of my head.

“We really should get going,” he said breathlessly.

“I know.” I nodded, just as breathless.

“But before then…

“Maybe a tour of our new house is in order? Specifically, the ~bedroom~.”