As the last of the fireworks faded into the night sky, the Ferris wheel began its slow descent. When Tom and Agnes reached the bottom, their cabin came to a gentle stop. Tom opened the safety door for her, his voice warm but casual. “Careful now. You take the flowers, and I’ll handle the moon lamp.”
“Got it,” Agnes replied, stepping out with a small smile.
Tom stayed close, his arm brushing hers as he carried the crescent moon lamp. It was soft, glowing with a warm yellow light-probably solar-powered-and looked oddly endearing in his hands. In his other hand, he balanced a cake box. He reached for Agnes’s hand, their fingers intertwining naturally. The height difference between them made the moment even sweeter.
Agnes held the bouquet close, breathing in the scent before turning to him with a bright smile. “Thank you. I love it.”
“Worth it just to see you smile,” Tom said, his tone light but sincere. “Wasn’t sure if it’d come off too cheesy. I kinda threw it all together last minute.”
Agnes shook her head, her smile widening. “It’s perfect. Really.”
The night breeze was soft, carrying a hint of sweetness. Behind them, the Ferris wheel glowed a serene blue, its lights reflecting off the ground. It was a scene straight out of a dream.
As they walked out of the amusement park, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd.
“Look! That’s them! They’re so gorgeous!”
“What a perfect couple!”
“She’s stunning, and he’s so handsome. They’re adorable!”
Tom and Agnes walked hand in hand, their smiles effortless. Nearby, Lisa sat on a bench, her head turning at the commotion. Her eyes landed on them, and her chest tightened.
Flowers. Cake. The moon lamp. The Ferris wheel ride. The fireworks. It was all so… romantic. They looked like a couple deeply in love, their smiles genuine, their connection undeniable.
Lisa’s heart sank. This was supposed to be fake. A business arrangement. But now… it was real. If it weren’t, she might’ve still held onto hope. But this? This was the end of it.
She felt a sharp pang in her chest. Tom-someone so extraordinary-had chosen Agnes. A comic writer with no notable family background. What did love even mean? What did being “well-matched” matter?
All Lisa could do was force a bitter smile.
Tom opened the passenger door for Agnes, who slid into the car, still clutching her flowers. After closing her door, he placed the moon lamp and cake in the trunk before getting into the driver’s seat.
He fastened his seatbelt and glanced at Agnes, his hand reaching out. She smiled and placed her hand in his without hesitation.
Only then did he start the car.
It wasn’t the first time she’d sat in his passenger seat or held his hand, but tonight felt different. Now that their relationship was official, there was a sense of security, of belonging.
The city lights blurred past as they drove, the night scenery more beautiful than ever.
“Kitten,” Agnes said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. She’d been mulling over the question for a while.
“Yeah?” Tom glanced at her, his gaze warm.
Agnes studied his profile, her voice gentle. “Do you ever regret giving up on your project here?” After all, even his family hadn’t been able to convince him to stay before.