Page 19 of Tycoon

The ride home was quiet and intimate, the soft jazz playing in the background a gentle contrast to the evening’s earlier excitement. We held hands, basking in the afterglow of the night’s success and the warmth of our connection.

When we arrived at my townhouse, I helped Amara out of the car, and we made our way inside. The penthouse was quiet, the city lights casting a soft glow through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I poured us each a glass of wine, and we sat together on the plush sofa, the events of the evening replaying in our minds.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better night,” I said, looking at Amara. “Having you there made it perfect.”

She smiled, leaning in to kiss me softly. “It was wonderful. You were amazing, Andrew.”

We finished our wine and made our way to the bedroom, the day's emotions and excitement finally catching up with us. As we lay down together, I pulled her close, her warmth and presence a comforting balm.

“Goodnight, Amara,” I whispered, kissing her forehead.

“Goodnight, Andrew,” she replied, her voice soft and filled with love.

I was so grateful for her that I couldn't stop feeling it as we drifted off in each other's arms. I was fortunate not just for the success of my business, but for the love and support of an incredible woman who stood by my side through it all. With Amara, I knew that we could face anything the future held, together.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Amara

That once dreaded day of Darriun's wedding was months ago. It seems to be a faint memory; overtaken by the happiness and peacefulness I've experienced with Andrew since. We’ve spent every possible moment together, our bond deepening with each passing day. It's as if the universe conspired to bring us together, aligning our paths perfectly.

Today, we’re at our favorite spot in the park, nestled beneath the shade of an ancient oak tree. The air is crisp with the first hints of autumn, leaves tinged with gold and crimson rustling gently in the breeze. Andrew sat beside me, his presence as constant and reassuring as the sun’s warmth.

“Amara,” he began, his voice unusually serious, “there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

I turned to him, sensing the weight of his words. His eyes, usually so full of playful light, are now earnest and intense. “What is it, Andrew?”

He took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around mine. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us, about everything we’ve shared these past few months. And I realized... I don’t want this to be just pretend anymore.”

My heart skipped a beat, the world narrowing to the space between us. “What do you mean?”

He shifted closer, his other hand coming up to cradle my cheek. “I mean, I want us to be real, Amara. I don’t want to just be your pretend boyfriend. I want to be your real boyfriend, your partner in every sense of the word.”

I searched his eyes, finding only sincerity and a love so deep it takes my breath away. “Andrew, I—”

He cuts me off gently, his thumb brushing against my lips. “Let me finish. I want to build a future with you. I want to take care of you, body, mind, and soul. You’ve become such an integral part of my life, and I can’t imagine a future without you in it.”

His words wrapped around my heart like a warm embrace, each syllable a promise of the life we could have together. “I feel the same way, Andrew,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. “You’ve brought so much joy and love into my life. I can’t imagine being without you either.”

A slow, radiant smile spreads across his face, and he pulls me into his arms, holding me close. “So, what do you say? Will you be my real girlfriend, Amara?”

“Yes,” I breathe against his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong beneath my cheek. “Yes, I will.”

We sit there for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world around us silent and still. Eventually, he pulls back just enough to look into my eyes. “I want to make you a promise, Amara. I promise to take care of you, to cherish you, and to support you in everything you do. I want to be there for you, through every joy and every challenge.”

I felt tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of his commitment. “And I promise to do the same for you, Andrew. To stand by your side, to support you, and to love you with all my heart.”

He leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s both tender and full of promise. It’s a kiss that seals our vows, binding us together in a way that feels both new and eternal.

As we parted, he rests his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine. “I love you, Amara.”

“I love you too, Andrew.”

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blissful haze. We talked about our hopes and dreams, about the life we wanted to build together. The park, with its vibrant autumn colors and soft rustling leaves, became the backdrop to our shared vision of the future.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we made our way back to his townhouse. The city lights flicker to life, creating a tapestry of warmth and brilliance that mirrors the emotions in my heart.

In his townhouse, we settled onto the sofa, a comfortable silence enveloping us. Andrew pours us each a glass of wine, the rich, fruity aroma filling the room. “To us,” he says, raising his glass.

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