Chapter 22:
Our brunch was officially ruined. By the time Cliffe had finished shouting obscenities at us, the entire café had turned their attention to the spectacle. People had already recognized me and Ryan, and lingering any longer would only invite more gossip
Ryan sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose before gesturing to a few men standing discreetly nearby his shadow guards, I realized With a flick of his fingers, they closed in on Cliffe, escorting him back to whatever hole he had crawled out from
“Do you want to go to my place instead?” Ryan asked as we drove away. “I have a house not too far from here. I could make your brunch there.”
“You cook?” I asked, amused.I
He smirked. “Yes, Aya, I eat, so I can cook, of course.”
I laughed at his teasing tone, and he chuckled along with me.
When we arrived at his house, I was immediately taken in by how peaceful the neighborhood was. It was quiet, lined with elegant homes and tall trees that swayed gently in the wind.
“Wow I breathed, taking in the sight.
Ryan glanced at me. “You like this place?
“Yes,” I said absently, still admiring the scenery.
“It’s yours then”
I choked on my spit. “What?“”
He smiled, reaching into his pocket and handing me a set of keys. “Take them. It’s yours.“}
“Just like that?” I laughed nervously.
“Just like that.”
“Ohhh, to be rich” I sighed dramatically.X
He let out a laugh. “Aya, you are rich.“%
I blinked, then laughed too. “Oh Yeah. That’s true.”
We stepped inside, and the interior was just as stunning as the exterior modem, yet warm and inviting.
“You can get changed while I start on lunch,” Ryan said, already rolling up his sleeves. “I stocked some clothes and products you might like upstairs.” He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “Actually I keep clothes and products for you in all of my houses. You know, just in case you ever come over
He sounded nervous, and that made my heart squeeze.
I stood on my tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
“Thank you” I murmured before hurrying upstairs, my cheeks burning.
He had even gotten the exact products I used, and I couldn’t help but smile at his thoughtfulness.
After washing up, I slipped into a light sundress and secured my hair with a claw clip I found in a basket of accessories. Standing before the mirror, I admired the healthy glow on my face. Maybe it was the lighting or maybe it was the sheer happiness bubbling inside me. Either way, I knew I was going to include everything that happened today in my book.
As I walked downstairs, the delicious aroma of food filled the air, making my stomach rumble
“Come eat when you’re done drooling on the stairs,” Ryan teased, laughter lacing his voice.
Startled, I wiped at my cheeks instinctively, only to realize he had tricked me.)
“Hey!” I huffed, glaring at him playfully
He laughed, and despite myself, I found my lips curving into a smile!!
When I reached the table, he pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down, inhaling the scent of the meal.
“This smells absolutely wonderful,” I murmured, but Ryan didn’t respond.
I frowned “Ryan?”
Still, nothing
Turning in my seat, I froze
He was on one knee, a small, elegant ring box open in his hand.X
My breath hitched
“Hey, love.” His voice was steady, but I could hear the slight nervous edge beneath it. “I did some digging through Vivian, and she told me you liked private proposals. Then I checked your book and saw that your main character preferred them too… so I figured well, I hoped this would be perfect”
“It’s perfect” I whispered, cutting him off before he could finish.
He let out a soft chuckle, relief flashing in his eyes. “Well then, I guess I can start properly now”
I held my breath as he took my hand X
“Aya Mielle Valthorne from the moment you came back into my life, it has been filled with warmth and happiness. So here I am, asking you to make me the happiest man alive. I’ll make you the happiest woman. Will you marry me?”
2:23 PM
Tears pricked my eyes as I nodded. “Yes.”
I barely got the word out before I said it again, firmer this time. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Ryan’s smile was breathtaking. He slipped the silver ring onto my finger and pulled me into a deep, lingering kiss. “I love you, Aya,” he murmured against my lips. “Forever and always. To the moon and beyond.
Our lunch was filled with laughter, and I ended up staying over
Later that evening, while updating my story from the room Ryan had given me, I overheard him on a phone call.
That’s great.. we can turn it into a film then,” he said
Cunous, I stepped out of the room.X
“Yes, all adaptation rights will belong to Aya.”
I froze. What?
“Why would the adaptation rights belong to me?” I asked, confused.
Ryan turned, startled. “I’ll call you back,” he said into the phone before hanging up with a sigh
“I guess I can’t hide it anymore…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “As your editor might have mentioned, I’ve been working on buying your book from the platform so that you’d have full nights over it when it’s adapted
I frowned. “But you said you only learned about my writing recently from Vivian.”
“Yeah.. I might’ve bent the truth a little. I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.” He looked almost sheepish. “Im sorry.“>
I smiled, stepping closer to kiss him. I’m not mad
“So… you have full control now,” he said, watching my reaction. “You can cast whoever you want.
