Page 85 of Beautiful Chaos

“That looks nice on you, sir,” he said, with a sincere smile. He must have sensed my confusion when I was slow to respond. He let out a small chuckle.

“What’s that?” I asked. He looked through the rearview mirror, making eye contact. “Love. sir.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Is it that obvious?”.

Hector lifted his hand, his index finger and thumb almost touching —the universal gesture for ‘a little bit.’ I threw my head back, laughing even harder.

“Just drive.”

* * *

As we pulled into the car park, my leg shook anxiously. I was beaming with excitement to get to Harper. Hector opened the door as usual, but this time, a smile was spread across his face.

“You won’t be needed anymore tonight, Hector. The lady and I will be staying in.” He nodded in acknowledgment, “Yes, sir.”

* * *

The elevator dinged at the top floor, I was met with the sight of Harper lying on the sofa, wrapped in her couch blanket, a book in her hand, lost to the pages of whatever romance she was reading today. She only looked up when she heard my keys clatter against the entryway.

“Hey, Beautiful,” I called out as I removed my cuff links. I neared her cozy spot, rolling up the long sleeves of my button-down shirt. She set her book aside, and her gaze followed me.

I kneeled beside her, placing a kiss on her forehead. She closed her eyes and let out a breathy sigh. Just as she had done many times before. I loved the way she responded to me.

“Hey, handsome, How was work?” She asked innocently.

“It was long. Did you eat already?” I asked, sure I already knew the answer. We had settled into a comfortable routine, that I hoped would never stop.

“Of course not. I wanted to wait for you,” she said sweetly, tilting her head.

She’s so fucking adorable.

“You know, you don’t have to do that every night, Doll?”

Selfishly, I preferred she did, but I’d never ask that of her.

“I know. I like the feeling of having dinner together at the table. It’s something I never had growing up. Even with Aster, we usually eat in front of the TV with a bottle of cheap wine.” Her smile widened at the final part. I sometimes forget how fucked up her parents were. She missed out on a lot of everyday stuff, like family dinners, which I never really thought twice about.

I can’t wait to give her all the things she never had.

She pointed towards the dining room,

“Ready to eat? You must be starved.”

“Not yet, Doll. I have something I want to discuss with you first,” her

eyes flashed with worry, but quickly recovered as she gave me a faint nod. She sat up tall, “Of course. What is it?”

She was concerned trying her best to hide it. I reached for her hand lacing my fingers with hers.

“Harper, I want you to move in with me.” I blurted out nervously, pulling the key from my pocket and handing it to her. To my surprise she took it. She remained silent, gazing at the key, absentmindedly twirling the ribbon around her fingers. It seemed like an eternity had passed, yet it had only been a few moments. Without looking up at me she started to nod her head. Still kneeling beside her, I gently lifted her chin to encourage eye contact. She slowly lifted her gaze and looked into my eyes.

Initially, her expression was unreadable, but eventually, a subtle smile crept to her lips.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“I’m sorry, What?” I questioned, playfully cupping my hand behind my ear.

“I said yes. Jasper. I’ll move in with you,” she shouted.

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