Chapter 11

▫️Christian's pov...

The next morning at breakfast, Stella sat at the table, enjoying her pancakes with a satisfied expression.

I leaned back in my chair, sipping my coffee, watching her. She caught my gaze and raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you staring at me, Mr. Knight?” she asked, feigning innocence.

“Just wondering if you’re planning on moving in permanently,” I said dryly.

She smirked, setting her fork down. “Don’t worry, I’m leaving after this. Oh, and just to be clear, I’m repeating myself  ‘Don’t call me back. Find a real girlfriend for you.”

I rolled my eyes, smirking slightly. “For the record, I wasn’t planning on calling you back anyway.”

Stella laughed, pushing her chair back. “Well, don’t miss me too much. Bye, boys.”

"Never." I said.

"I'm not talking about people with no heart." she chuckled looking me into my eyes.

I raised eyebrows and ignored her. Typical morning banter. Somehow, she always managed to have the last word.

▫️ Stella's pov...

I couldn't help but wonder—why did he have such beautiful eyes, yet always looked so cold-hearted? Why God even gave him? But I quickly pushed that thought aside.

I sighed and turned to him, saying firmly, “So now my work is done, don’t you dare call me again. I’m dating someone, and I don’t want to be called a cheater due to misunderstandings. Understand?”

Christian just hummed in response, offering no words, no explanation. He didn’t even care, I suppose. But I didn’t care either.

I left without another word, heading straight back to Jess’s place. As soon as I stepped through the door, she leapt up to greet me, her excitement written all over her face. “Oh my god, what happened? Tell me everything!” she demanded.

I took a deep breath and filled her in on everything that happened—Christian’s coldness, the awkwardness of the whole situation. When I told her about Gabriel calling because I hadn’t responded to his messages, she burst into laughter.

“That man is persistent,” she said, still chuckling. “But seriously, I’m glad you’re okay.”

I nodded, grateful for her support. “Thanks, Jess. You’re the best. And hey, I think I need a proper date tonight.”

She grinned. “I’ve got your back. You deserve a night out. Go get ready!”

I smiled and agreed, heading off to change. I decided on a gorgeous red outfit, one that made me feel confident and elegant. The night with Gabriel was perfect. He treated me like a princess, but there was something different about him this time. He was quieter, more serious than before.

Out of nowhere, he dropped a bombshell. “Stella, will you be my girlfriend?”

I froze. My heart stopped for a second. What? I wasn’t expecting this. I mean, I liked Gabriel, but girlfriend in one date? I wasn’t sure I was ready to take that step with him yet. I was still figuring things out, still unsure about being his girlfriend.

Before I could even respond, Gabriel reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He FaceTimed my mom. What the hell? Why is he calling my mom right now?

Mom picked up immediately, her face lighting up with excitement. “Yes, Stella! My daughter is getting a boyfriend! I’m so happy for you, my princess!”

I couldn’t believe it. My mom—who’d barely spoken to me in years—was calling me her "princess." It hit me hard, and my heart softened. I wiped away a tear, my emotions all over the place. If being with Gabriel made my mom this happy, maybe I could give this a chance.

I smiled through my tears. “Yes.”

He slid the ring onto my finger, then handed me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. My mom cut the call, giving us some privacy, and Gabriel pulled me into a tight hug.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I whispered. “Thank you.”

The next month passed in a blur of happiness. Gabriel and I spent a lot of time together. He stayed at my apartment occasionally, and the three of us—Gabriel, Jess, and I—watched movies, shared dinners, and laughed a lot. It felt so natural, like I was finally living the life I deserved. All the pain of the past seemed worth it now.

Then came the surprise. I went out shopping one afternoon, and when I returned home, the lights were off. I stepped inside, flicked the switch, and found myself standing in the middle of a sea of decorations. Gabriel was on one knee, holding a ring, surrounded by candles and flowers. The sign above him read, Will you marry me?

His speech was beautiful, heartfelt, and for a moment, I was lost in it. This is real, I thought. He loves me. I was overwhelmed with emotion and simply nodded, my voice barely a whisper, “Yes.”

Jess jumped up from the couch, clapping and snapping pictures. “This is the best day ever!” she cheered.

Gabriel smiled at me, holding up the ring. “We’re getting married in a week, Stella. I’ve already arranged everything.”

I felt like I was living in a dream. I couldn’t believe it was all happening so fast, but at that moment, everything felt right. I love Gabriel so much that I can't stay without seeing him for a day.

I immediately called my mom, my heart pounding. The phone rang for only a moment before she picked up, her voice warm and loving. “Stella, my baby! How are you?”

I smiled, unable to contain my happiness. “I’m good, Mom. Gabriel and I are getting married in a week. Will you come?”

Her voice was filled with joy. “Of course, sweetheart! I’m so happy for you!”

Hearing her say those words, after so many years of silence, made me feel like everything had finally fallen into place. I can't imagine how much happy she will be in my wedding hall.

Gabriel and I even went together to pick out my wedding gown, and he kept telling me I looked like a goddess in every dress. He made me feel special, loved, and cherished. Every couple tells each other that they looks beautiful even in rags but believe me when the love of your life says this , it feels like the world. Not cringe.

I didn’t reach out to anyone from the mafia—I didn’t want them involved in this new chapter of my life. For once, I was choosing happiness, and I was going to hold onto it as tightly as I could.