Page 82 of Arranged with Twins
I hate seeing her hurting, even though the worst of her reaction to their betrayal has happened. This is lingering sadness that will probably never completely dissipate. “They’re probably too ashamed to face you.”
“Are they capable of shame?” She turns back to me with a bitter smile. “I think they’re more likely calculating how to spin this situation to their advantage somehow.”
The possibility doesn’t surprise me. Vincent and Katherine have spent their entire marriage prioritizing appearances over substance and manipulation over honesty. “Either way, they’re no longer our problem.” I reach across the aisle to take her hand. “Tonight is about us and our future.”
The villa is everything the rental agency promised, with secluded luxury and stunning ocean views along with complete privacy. We arrive as the sun begins to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange that rival Sienna’s engagement ring.
“It’s beautiful.” She walks onto the terrace overlooking the beach, breathing deeply of the salt air. “How long can we stay?”
“As long as you want.” I join her at the railing, slipping my arms around her waist from behind. “We should probably head back before your next doctor’s appointment.”
“Mmhmm.” She leans back against my chest, relaxed in ways I’ve never seen before. “I could get used to this kind of peace.”
“Why don’t you take a bath?” I say. “I’ll make us some dinner.”
She nods and goes into the bathroom. I follow a few minutes later, quietly slipping her engagement ring off the counter and sneaking out again before she notices me.
We have dinner on the terrace as stars begin to appear overhead. The conversation ranges from baby names to investment strategies to her ideas for the boutique she wants to open. Every topic reveals new depths to the woman I’ve fallen in love with.
“I have something for you.” I stand when she finishes her dessert, nerves making my pulse quicken.
“Leo, you’ve given me so much already?—”
“This is different.” I pull the ring box from my pocket and drop to one knee beside her chair.
Her intake of breath is sharp and surprised. “What are you doing?”
“Something I should have done months ago.” I open the box to reveal the orange diamond engagement ring. “This isn’t for the press, or for business alliances, or for anyone else’s expectations. This is a private event just for us.”
Tears begin to gather in her eyes as she stares at the ring and down at her finger. She flushes slightly. “I didn’t even realize it was missing when I got dressed after my bath.” There’s a note of accusation in her voice, but she’s grinning.
“Sienna, I love you beyond reason and logic. You’ve shown me that strength isn’t about controlling others but about choosing who matters most and protecting them completely.” I take her hand in mine. “Will you marry me for real? Not because our families arranged it, but because we choose each other?”
“Yes.” The word comes out broken and fierce. “Yes, of course, I will.”
I slide the ring back onto her finger where it belongs with hands that shake slightly. When I stand, she throws her arms around my neck and kisses me with joy, passion, and promise.
“I love you too,” she whispers against my lips. You’re the first choice that’s ever been completely mine, and I freely choose you now that there’s no obligation or pressure to do so.”
“Thank you.” I hold her closer, breathing in her scent. “This is just for us.” I cup her face in my hands. “I used to think love was weakness, but you’ve taught me it’s the only strength that matters.”
We make love that night with tenderness and passion, celebrating not just our official re-engagement, for real this time, but everything we’ve survived to reach this moment. The ocean breeze drifts through open windows as we move together slowly, savoring each touch and kiss like we have all the time in the world.
Afterward, she traces patterns on my chest while I stroke her hair, both of us reluctant to sleep despite the exhaustion pulling at us.
“Tell me about the island,” she murmurs against my shoulder. “How did you find this place?”
“I asked my assistant to find a romantic place,” I confess. “I let her handle the logistics, but this island represents everything I want to build with you. Peace, tranquility, and love as unending as the tides.”
She nudges me. “Did Talia write that for you too?” Her tone is lighthearted though.
I stare at her with complete seriousness. “Those words come from my heart,lyubimaya.”
Her expression softens. “I know. I shouldn’t have teased you. You’re so insecure, after all.”
I feign outrage. “I’m not insecure.”
I start tickling her, which makes her laugh until she begs for mercy. Once I stop, she settles back against my chest with a contented sigh. “I want to bring the babies here someday when they’re old enough to appreciate the ocean.”
