f o r t y t h r e e

Xavier was acting weird.

All-day he had been ignoring her texts and calls, making her mind swarm with anxiety. She even called Lucas and practically the entire Knight family, yet their answers were all the same— Xavier was busy with important meetings.

But even when he was busy, he would never purposely ignore her for the entire day. He would at least let her know what was going on and never once had he left her hanging. Had she done something wrong?

It's not like she ruined another one of his cooking pans or had forgotten her keys on the coffee maker in the office again— which somehow he always managed to find out about. Aurora couldn't help but think of everything that she could have possibly done wrong. She blamed her anxiety and her ability to overthink.

She was this close to storming into his office to demand what was wrong but ultimately refrained herself from making a rash decision.

Yeah, he was probably busy.

Aurora ran her fingers through her hair and sighed. The dark house was quiet and untouched, an indication that Xavier was not home. As she made her way through the house, she turned on the lights, afraid she was going to go walking into a wall. With a heavy heart, she trudged her way up the stairs, staring down at her feet.

But something caught her attention when she arrived at the very top.

Starting from the top step, a sprinkle of different colored rose petals and string lights led her down the long hallway and to their bedroom. It was almost like she stepped into a fairytale. She continued to walk down the hall with awe and surprise. So this was what he'd been up to all day.

Aurora couldn't help but be confused as she entered their bedroom only to be led to... a box?

She had honestly thought Xavier would be standing there to greet her, but instead, a beautiful pink box was waiting for her on top of flower petals arranged in a heart. Gently, she opened the box and inside sat a beautiful blue one-shoulder dress made out of smooth satin material.

There was a beautiful card sitting on top of the dress and immediately, she recognized Xavier's neat handwriting.

Wear the dress, beautiful, and head to where we first bumped into each other. Jackson will be waiting outside to take you there. I can't wait to see you and don't keep me waiting, love.

X

She held the card with a small smile dancing on her lips. Just what exactly was her man planning?

She quickly got dressed and retouched her makeup. With a satisfied grin, she giddily met Jackson who, as Xavier had said, was waiting for her outside. Even though she knew where they were headed, she couldn't help but bug Jackson about what Xavier was planning. Sadly, her puppy dog face didn't work on Jackson like it would Xavier, but she swore if she were Grace, it would've worked.

Massie's Corner Cafe was completely dark from the outside. She was sure this was where they first met, but it seemed like the cafe was closed for the night.

Bidding Jackson goodbye, she made her way towards the door, and to her luck, it was unlocked. Unsure, she walked in anyways, and similar to earlier, rose petals decorated the floor, leading to the counter where Massie stood with a bright smile on her face.

"I already knew from the moment you two laid eyes on each other," With a twinkle in her eyes, Massie handed Aurora another card, similar to the one she got at home.

Almost a year ago, our fates crossed paths here at this very cafe. Head to where we had our first date, and I promise we will see each other soon. I love you.

X

Her smile never left her lips as she reread the card. She quickly leaned over the counter to hug Massie and turned around, only to be met with Liam, who had a mischievous smile on his face.

"My lady," Liam dramatically bowed, causing Aurora to roll her eyes with amusement. "I believe you have some place to be."

He led her to his car where he drove them to the restaurant Xavier continued to insist was where their first date was. As she got out of his car, he winked at her with a knowing smile, causing her to squint her eyes at him suspiciously.

She walked into the same fancy Italian restaurant from when they first met, with the name she could not pronounce. Immediately, she noticed that there were no customers, which was odd since the restaurant was typically packed and reservations were usually made months prior.

"Miss Young?" A waiter appeared in front of her, gesturing for her to follow him. "Right this way please."

He led her through the restaurant and right as they turned the corner, Xavier stood next to the same table they sat in with his hands in his pocket, looking absolutely delectable. He was in a satin blue dress shirt that matched her dress, tucked into a pair of black dress pants.

As soon as he spotted her, a smile broke out onto his face. Aurora quickly walked towards him and into his arms. His warm embrace engulfed her and she felt him place a kiss on her forehead.

"Just like I imagined," he murmured, looking down at the beautiful angel standing in front of him. "So god damn beautiful."

The blue satin complimented her skin and he couldn't help but admire his girlfriend's beauty. But it wasn't the dress that caught his attention, it was the beautiful smile that never left her face. God, he could never get tired of looking at her smile.

She giggled, squeezing his arm playfully. But her expression turned into one of confusion, causing her to unknowingly pout.

"Is this what you've been doing all day?" She asked with a tilt of her head. "I was worried— you weren't answering my calls or texts."

Xavier leaned down, kissing her soft lips in an attempt to apologize for causing her to worry. "I'm sorry, love. I just wanted to surprise you."

Aurora pretended to think for a second before leaning up to peck his lips with a smile. "All is forgiven... as long as you feed me because I'm starving."

"Well, let's not waste any more time, then."

Xavier gave her one last kiss on the lips before letting her go so they could sit. Like a gentleman that he was, he pulled her chair out for her then sat across from her. The same waiter came by to take their orders before leaving the two of them alone again.

"Did you enjoy my little surprise at home?"

"It was so pretty— the flowers and the lights," He could see her eyes twinkling in the dim lighting. "And this dress is beautiful. I'd say you have amazing taste, Mr. Knight."

"I believe that it's the model who makes the dress even more beautiful," he sent her a wink, smirking when her cheeks flushed. He found it absolutely endearing how she still blushed at his remarks. "I'm really glad you liked it, love."

"I loved it. But you really didn't have to rent out the entire restaurant," murmured Aurora, looking around. They were the only ones in the restaurant, apart from the staff that was working there.

"Only the best for my girl," He held one of her hands on the table, gently stroking her soft skin with his thumb.

Aurora gave him a playful look. "What's going on with you today? Did I forget a special date or something?"

Her question was that of genuine concern. One of her biggest fears would be forgetting an important date— and she did have to admit, she was forgetful at times, which was why she wrote everything down in her trusty calendar app. It wasn't any of their birthdays or their anniversary, so what exactly was going on?

"Can't I show my girl how much I love her?" He asked, giving her a cheeky grin. "And no, baby, you didn't forget an important date."

"Thank god," she breathed out a small sigh of relief. "But you really didn't have to— you already spoil me."

"Maybe I just want to spoil you some more," he gave her hand a small squeeze and brought it up to his lips. "As a token of appreciation for walking into my life."

Xavier Knight always had a way with words.

"You cheeseball."

They took their time with their dinner, even ordering dessert. There was no rush— it was like they had all the time in the world. They sat and talked as if they were on their very first date getting to know each other. It was like they couldn't get tired of each other, always learning new things about one another.

Xavier paid for the dinner quickly, eager to take his beautiful girlfriend to their next destination— where he was planning something special, although, he did have to admit, he was a bit nervous.

"Let's go, sweetheart," Xavier led her out of the restaurant and to where his car was parked.

"Where are we going?" She asked curiously. What more could he be planning?

"It's a surprise."

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"I don't like this."

Aurora sat in the passenger seat with a blindfold over her eyes. She hated the feeling of not seeing what was going on and she was far too impatient with surprises. The blindfold also made her feel extremely claustrophobic.

"We're almost there, love," Xavier chuckled, knowing how impatient she could be. He grabbed her hand to stop her from squirming and rubbed soothing circles on the back of it. "Just bear with me for a few more minutes."

Aurora took a deep calming breath. A few more minutes— yeah, she could do that.

She felt the car slow to a stop and then the killing of the engine. It was only a 20-minute drive, but even then, she had no idea where they were.

She heard the door open and close, which was most likely Xavier getting out of the car. She just hoped he didn't leave her in there for too long or else she would truly go crazy.

Next, her the passenger door opened, and she felt Xavier lean down to unbuckle her seatbelt. He was so close— she could smell his familiar scent, and immediately she felt her nerves calm down a bit. She still desperately wanted to rip the blindfold off.

Xavier could see how anxious she was based on her nonstop fidgeting. He leaned down to place a small kiss right above the blindfold on her forehead and helped her out of his car carefully.

"Alright, sweetheart, you can take off the blindfold now."

Finally.

Aurora slowly untied the satin blindfold and blinked a couple of times to adjust her eyes. It was dark out but there seemed to be a dim light shining above them.

Okay, now she was confused. They were at... her old school?

"Babe," she looked up at her boyfriend with confusion. "Why are we here?"

He had a gentle smile on his face as he took her small hand in his large ones. The lights overhead in front of the art building where they were standing cast a light shadow on his face, making his handsome features even more defined in the night.

"I have a confession to make," he began softly, taking a deep breath. "The first time I saw you wasn't at Massie's, it was here, at this very spot— well, not at his very spot, it was somewhere along this sidewalk."

"But how-," she paused as she tried to wrack her brain, but ultimately came back with nothing. Surely, she would have remembered meeting an Adonis like him. "I-I don't remember."

Xavier chuckled, rubbing her hand soothingly, letting her know that it was okay. "I know, baby. But, I remember because that was the day I first saw you. 4, now almost 5 years ago, I came to pick Maddie up for spring break and you bumped into me. But before I could even get your name, you ran off."

Aurora stood gaping up at him, her mouth opening and closing with surprise. Now that she thought back, she did remember bumping into someone— she just didn't know that the someone was Xavier.

"I'm sorry I didn't remember," she murmured, looking up into his eyes.

"It's alright, sweetheart," he gave her a reassuring smile. There was nothing but love in his eyes as he stared down at her. "I'm just glad I could tell you now."

Aurora smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck as his circled her waist. "Thank you for telling me," She pressed a soft kiss against his lips before pulling away.

"So," A teasing smile graced her face. "You've been in love with me for this long?"

Xavier chuckled, pulling her close again as he rolled his eyes. "Don't let it get to your head, sweetheart."

Aurora laughed, leaning her head against his chest with a content sigh. "Today really was a walk down memory lane."

"Well," he began again as he took a step back. "That isn't the only reason why we're here."

"What are you-"

She froze, eyes widening, as Xavier bent down on one knee and pulled out a red velvet box from the inside of his pockets. She already felt her eyes begin to tear up, her hands covering her mouth with shock as he looked up at her with a gentle loving smile.

"The first time I laid my eyes on you was purely accidental," he began, eyes not once leaving hers. "You bumped into me and I remember staring at this beautiful girl in front of me, wondering who exactly was this angel. And then, you just disappeared. I was afraid I was never going to see you again, but 4 years later, you bumped into me again, coincidentally landing in my arms. I thought it was all a dream, but turns out, it was just fate giving me a second chance to actually get to know you and love you."

He took a deep breath before opening the velvet box that held the most beautiful diamond ring she had ever seen in her life. "You are the best thing that's ever happened to me and every time I look at you, I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with you and your little quirks. You are the strongest woman I know and you are and forever will be the love of my life. Aurora, will you marry me?"

Aurora couldn't breathe. This was actually happening. Tears continuously ran down her face as she was now full-on sobbing.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself down. "A-are you sure?" She stuttered tearfully. "I mean, I can't cook and I- I talk too much sometimes. And I'm practically blind in the dark and I always leave my keys on the god damn coffee machine and-"

Xavier chuckled, cutting her off from her nervous rambling. "Baby, I'm a hundred percent sure I want to spend the rest of my life with you and only you. Be my wife?"

He began to feel nervous when there was no response. He was about to stand up, masking his disappointment, when she finally reacted and jumped into his arms, sobbing.

"Is that a yes?" He asked quietly, knowing she could hear him, as he rubbed her back soothingly.

"Yes!" She all but screamed, causing him to relax and let out a chuckle.

She was a complete mess— sobbing and laughing as he twirled her around in his arms. He captured her lips in a heated kiss, both of them pouring all their love and feelings into this one kiss.

And even as they pulled away, their eyes never once left each other.

"Put the ring on me," she sniffled, holding her left hand out. She was finally calm— sort of.

He chuckled, slipping the expensive diamond ring onto her ring finger. He thanked the gods he had managed to get the ring size right as he watched as the ring fit perfectly around her delicate finger.

Aurora wiggled her fingers, watching as her ring shimmered under the overhead lighting. She couldn't believe this was actually happening.

"I love you," she murmured, feeling herself tear up once again.

He brought his hands up to cup her face, brushing away any tears that were threatening to fall.

"And I love you more."

Xavier continued to stare at her with love and affection. Even with her makeup slightly runny and her cheeks stained with tears, she still looked so god damn beautiful.

"I can't wait until you're officially Mrs. Knight."

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Surprise! School just started and even though it's Week 0, I'm already swamped with a bunch of work. So, thank you all for being understanding and patient with me. Thank you for reading and I hope you have all lovely day <3 Next week will be the epilogue!