Alina stood in front of the mirror, breathless.
The dress from the mysterious clue rested perfectly on her frame—an enchanting blend of ivory and lavender, delicately embroidered with floral patterns that shimmered with every tiny movement. Its soft, flowing layers swayed like petals in the wind. Her hair fell in gentle waves, pinned softly with pearl clips. Her eyes glimmered with innocence, wonder, and a touch of nervousness. She looked like a dream spun out of a fairy tale, like a princess who'd just stepped out of the pages of a classic romance. Gorgeous. Pretty. Sweet. Innocent.
She looked like heaven itself.
With a soft breath and her heart drumming like a curious melody, she held the letter again and followed its instruction:
"To the garden next door… your final clue awaits."
The path to the garden was quiet. Too quiet.
As she entered through the gate, darkness swallowed her whole. There were no lights. No movement. Only shadows and silence. She paused, confusion creeping into fear. "Is anyone—"
Suddenly, a hand came from behind, gently wrapping around her mouth. She gasped, panic rising in her chest.
But before she could react, another hand circled her waist—firm yet delicate. Then, a familiar, warm whisper brushed against her ear.
"You did it."
Followed by a soft chuckle.
Alina's heart calmed in an instant. She slowly turned.
Evander.
At that moment, as if cued by destiny, the garden bloomed into life.
Soft, golden-white lamps flickered on, casting a magical glow all around. The garden transformed before her very eyes—a living fairy tale. A delicate white net tent stood in the center, flowing like clouds. Twinkling balloons floated gently in the air, dancing with the breeze. Her favourite lavender flowers were placed all around, their scent mingling with the night like a whispered song. A white carpet unfurled beneath her feet, leading to the center of the garden, and from the trees, tiny butterfly-shaped notes dangled—glowing under fairy lights, each one holding a message from Evander.
🦋 "You didn't just walk into my life, you turned it into poetry."
🦋 "From teasing you to falling for you… it all felt like fate."
🦋 "I fell for your chaos, your silence, your everything."
🦋 "You were the plot twist I never saw coming… and never want to end."
🦋 "My favourite chapter is the one where you said 'yes'."
Her eyes widened. She was stunned. Speechless.
Evander stood silently a few steps away, dressed in a black tux with lavender accents to match her gown. His eyes, though quiet, were burning with love and awe. He was utterly lost—because she wasn't just beautiful tonight.
She was his princess.
Alina blinked herself back to reality and turned toward him, mouth parting to say something. But before a word could escape, Evander stepped forward, cupped her face gently—and kissed her.
Soft. Gentle. Timeless.
Then he whispered against her lips, "You look like my wife."
Her mind went blank. Words vanished. All she could do was look into his eyes.
Just then, a soft, romantic piano tune began to play. Evander smiled, took her hand and waist with practiced ease, and began to sway her into a slow dance.
Under the lights. Beneath the stars.
The world faded.
He pulled her closer, step by step, as if telling her things his mouth couldn't say yet. His touch was careful, tender, but longing. Alina felt a lump in her throat. She was overwhelmed. Every little gesture, every single arrangement, every look in his eyes spoke of love—raw, pure, and true.
She held back her tears.
But she was drowning in emotion.
As the music slowed, Evander twirled her gently, then lifted her off the ground with grace—and kissed her again. This time, it wasn't soft.
It was everything.
Everything they had suppressed.
Everything they had felt.
Everything they had been waiting for.
When their lips parted, her eyes remained closed for a moment longer. And then, with a breathless chuckle, she asked:
"When did you even do all this?"
Evander smirked but shook his head. "Nothing. Just focus on what I'm about to tell you… Miss Alina Hart."
Evander took a slow breath, the fairy lights dancing in his eyes as he looked at her—his Alina. His heartbeat was loud, but steady… because this moment was his truth.
He gently got down on one knee, beneath the glowing butterflies and lavender sky, the white carpet soft beneath him.
From his coat pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box, and opened it.
Inside lay a ring—a single, luminous pearl resting on a delicate silver band. It was elegant, timeless, and so Alina. No diamonds, no excess—just pure beauty in its simplest form, just like her.
He looked up at her with a soft, vulnerable smile.
"I remember how we met," he began, voice thick with emotion, "and everything we've been through till now. I don't know what you did to me, Alina… but I'm crazy for you. Genuinely."
"I can't afford to lose you. Not now. Not ever."
"I love you… like nobody has ever loved you before. Or ever will."
His voice cracked slightly as he reached for her hands.
"I can't wait to wife you up, soon—if you say yes. I swear, I'll make you mine forever. You've written so many novels… but you'll never forget The Novel of Us."
Tears fell from Alina's eyes.
She didn't wait.
Not a heartbeat.
She bent down toward him, eyes locked with his, and whispered:
"Yes"
Without wasting another second, Evander smiled—relieved, overjoyed, in love—and gently slid the pearl ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, like it had been waiting for this moment all along.
And before she could even blink again, their lips met—this time full of unspoken promises, eternal love, and the fire of two souls finally finding home in each other.
It wasn't just a kiss.
It was the beginning of forever.
He Kissed Not just as the man who once teased her.
Not just as the stranger-turned-lover.
But as the one who just promised her a forever.