Isla awoke to sunlight streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed a soft rustling sound near the door. There, a housekeeper stood with a small smile and a delicate package wrapped in silver fabric.
“Good morning, Miss Isla,” the housekeeper greeted her, stepping forward with a respectful bow. “Master Dante asked me to bring this to you. He said today would be… special.”
Isla felt her cheeks warm as she accepted the package, her heart racing at the implications. She carefully unwrapped it, revealing a stunning dress-soft, elegant, and in the deepest shade of emerald that matched her eyes. The fabric shimmered as she held it up, the craftsmanship exquisite. She traced her fingers along the delicate lace bodice, marveling at its beauty.
“Is he… waiting for me?” she asked, her voice a little breathless.
The housekeeper nodded. “He wanted everything to be perfect for you. He’ll meet you when you’re ready.”
A flurry of anticipation swirled within her as she dressed, her fingers trembling slightly. She could hardly believe what was happening. Consuming her thoughts were Dante’s words from last night-the unspoken promise that lingered in his gaze. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage, and stepped out of her room, feeling every bit as regal as the dress made her look.
Dante waited in a private dining area, his back to her as he looked out over the garden. When he turned to face her, his eyes widened slightly, and a slow smile spread across his face.
“You look…” He seemed at a loss for words, but his eyes conveyed what he couldn’t. “Perfect.”
Isla blushed, brushing a hand over the skirt. “It’s beautiful, Dante. Thank you.”
He stepped closer, taking her hands in his as he leaned down, his gaze holding hers. “It’s nothing compared to you,” he murmured, his voice low. “Today is a special day, Isla. I want it to be one you’ll remember forever.”
His words made her heart skip, and she struggled to keep her composure. “You already make every moment feel that way,” she whispered.
Dante smiled, his hand lifting to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. “Then let’s make it even more memorable.”
He led her to a small, intimate table set just for the two of them. A delicate breakfast spread awaited, with fresh fruit, warm pastries, and tea in fine china. They talked and laughed between bites, the air between them charged with a quiet anticipation. She caught Dante glancing at her often, his expression a mixture of affection and resolve.
After breakfast, he took her hand again, guiding her through the corridors of his home. “There’s one more thing I want to show you,” he said, his tone softened by an underlying intensity. “Something I’ve been waiting for the right moment to share with you.”
He led her to a grand, elegant room that felt both imposing and serene. The space was furnished with rich, dark wood and velvet drapes, an air of timelessness filling the air.
“Dante,” she breathed, her gaze sweeping the room, taking in the details.
“This is my family’s sanctuary,” he explained, guiding her toward the center where a beautifully carved bed stood. “It’s where each generation has… welcomed their future, where promises are made and trust is sealed.” He paused, his voice growing softer. “It’s where I want us to begin our journey together.”
Isla looked up at him, understanding the significance of this room. This wasn’t just about the traditions of his family; it was about them, starting something real and unbreakable together. She felt her heart swell, overwhelmed by the depth of his trust in her.
“I’m honored, Dante,” she whispered, her hand tightening in his.
He drew her close, his gaze searching her face. “Isla… you know what today means, don’t you? I want you to be my queen, my partner in all things. Together, we can lead with strength, and…” His words grew soft. “Start our family.”
Her breath caught at his words, her mind racing with the significance. “A family?”
He nodded, his hand gentle as it caressed her cheek. “Yes. I want to have an heir with you, Isla. Someone who’ll carry on our legacy. Someone who’s a part of us, bound by love.”
Isla’s pulse raced as she looked into his eyes, seeing the vulnerability beneath his strength. The idea of having a family with him was both daunting and exhilarating, but in that moment, it felt right-like the missing piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.
“I want that too, Dante,” she whispered, feeling the weight of her words settle between them.
A flash of relief and happiness lit his eyes, and he leaned down, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was tender but filled with a fierce promise. Isla responded, her arms wrapping around his neck as she melted into him, the world fading away until it was just the two of them.
Gently, he guided her toward the bed, his touch soft and reverent as he brushed his lips along her neck, her collarbone. Each kiss, each caress felt like a vow, a quiet promise of the life they would build together.
“Are you sure?” he murmured, his eyes dark and searching as they met hers. “I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
She reached up, touching his face as she smiled. “I’ve never been more sure, Dante.”
With that reassurance, he continued, his hands exploring her with a gentleness that belied his strength. She felt cherished, every touch and whispered word etching itself into her memory. Time seemed to stretch, each moment blending into the next as they lost themselves in each other, creating a memory that would last a lifetime.
Later, as they lay together, tangled in each other’s arms, Dante traced gentle circles on her back. The morning sun had shifted, casting warm light across the room, illuminating the peaceful expression on his face.
“This is just the beginning,” he said softly, his voice filled with a quiet joy. “We’ll have so much more-more mornings like this, more memories, more of us.”
Isla nestled closer, her heart full as she looked up at him. “I’m ready for whatever comes. As long as I have you, I know I can face anything.”
He smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead, and she felt his arms tighten around her. “Then let’s face it together, Isla-forever.”
As they lay in comfortable silence, both knew that they had crossed an invisible threshold. They were no longer just two people drawn together by chance; they were something more now-something enduring, something that no force could separate.
And as Isla drifted into a peaceful sleep, her head resting on Dante’s chest, she felt a quiet certainty settle over her. This was where she was meant to be-by his side, in his arms, and in his heart-for now and always.