Selene's POV
The night deepened, but the joy within the house still lingered like a soft aftertaste. Laughter now simmered to low conversation and occasional clinks of tea mugs from the kitchen. As I sat curled into the corner of the couch, Antonio leaned in closer.
"Want to sneak away?" he whispered, his breath teasing my ear.
I bit back a grin. "Again?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you become so obedient?"
I nudged him with my shoulder. "I'm always obedient. Except when you tempt me like this."
We exchanged a knowing glance before I stood casually and murmured something about helping Devina with leftover desserts. Antonio followed a minute later, slipping away with the same practiced ease.
Instead of the balcony, this time we took the narrow staircase that led to the roof—our old hideaway.
The wind was cool up there, whispering through the night. Paris glimmered below us, golden and sleepy. We stood near the edge, just far enough to feel a thrill but safe within each other's presence.
Antonio tugged me gently to face him. "You looked stunning tonight. Not just in the dress—but you. You looked… happy. Radiant."
I smiled, brushing my hand against his jaw. "That's because of you. Of all of this. I never imagined life would feel this full."
His hands slid to my waist, drawing me close. "Do you ever think about what's next for us?"
I blinked slowly. "You mean—next after Vogue, after designing?"
He shook his head gently. "No, I mean us. You and me. Selene Adele Laurent and Antonio Reyes."
My heart skipped. "I do. I think about it more than I admit."
He cupped my face then, thumb caressing my cheek. "I want to marry you, Selene. Not next year. Not 'someday.' I want it soon. I want to build a home with you, one filled with warmth and chaos and—"
"—tiny footsteps?" I whispered, already teary-eyed.
He chuckled softly. "Yes. I want kids. A little girl with your eyes and moles. A boy who argues like you and smiles like me."
I laughed through my tears. "We'll see who they take after. But I'd love that. I want that with you."
He leaned his forehead to mine. "Do you have names in mind?"
"I do, actually," I smiled, surprising even myself. "I always loved the name 'Sasha' for a girl. And for a boy… maybe 'Alex.'"
He closed his eyes, letting the names sink in. "Sasha and Alex. That sounds… just right."
"What about you?" I asked softly.
"I liked 'Aria' for a girl. And 'Soren' for a boy."
We stood there wrapped in quiet for a moment.
Then, without needing a cue, he kissed me. Deep and slow, like a vow. His hands held my face like I was something precious—fragile but strong.
And in that moment, under a sky full of stars, I saw our future—dancing children, messy kitchens, love notes on mirrors, late-night cuddles. I saw a life not of perfection, but of endless love.
"I love you, Antonio," I whispered.
He smiled. "Enough to marry me?"
I kissed him again. "More than enough."