Page 128 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

He cupped the nape of my neck and kissed me deeply, his tongue meeting mine in a union.

We had breakfast before Tristan placed a set of Uno cards in front of me. I laughed as I recalled that night with the rain. I made the two air hostesses play with us, and it was amazing.

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Tranquility

A YEAR LATER

I was content where I was. I wasn’t chasing after happiness but instead enjoyed and appreciated the little things. It was like a breath of fresh air after a long run, like I was on the right track and knew where I was headed, but I also wondered if this was the calm before the storm. If I should let myself live in the moment before any chaos occurred. But it’d been a year, and life was fucking amazing. Every moment I spent with the kids and Tristan healed my wounds from the past, and to be honest, it felt like my new beginning.

We’d moved into a penthouse together, but Tristan was still searching for a house and included me in the search, sometimes leaving me to make the decision. We’d had a big celebration for the twins’ third birthday, and Tristan had flown all of us to Milan the day after. We’d gone on a lot of dates—I’d lost count. Sometimes, it was dinner at home with a movie while I snuggled in his arms. We had turns, picking the movie, and Tristan always chose the boring ones while I went for some chick flick or mystery. He always complained about my movie choices but ended up engrossed in the movie more than me. I never got tired of them. I thought love was never getting tired of each other.

On Tuesday evening, Tristan picked me up and took me with him to check out the new house. He wanted to know what I thought of the house before he bought it. It was a few minutes’ drive from our lavish penthouse. The twins were with Tristan’s mom.

“We’re here,” Tristan announced, pulling into a concrete path leading to a two-story estate with big fountains at the front.

Tall palm trees outlined the pathway. The yard was as large as a field, and I was already in love with the view behind the house.

“Wow. It’s larger than I thought,” I said, gaping at the size.

We’d viewed it online before coming, and I’d gushed about how much I loved it and how the kids would have enough outdoor space to play.

“You’ll love the inside. Let’s go.”

I kept looking around as I walked to the door with Tristan behind me, smiling awkwardly. I gave him a questioning look as I climbed up the steps to the double doors, but he said nothing. I opened the large doors and stepped in.

“Oh my God!”

I gasped at the sight of my friends and family in the spacious living area. They all smiled widely at me. I read the rose-gold letter balloons they were all holding.WILL YOU MARRY ME?The thousands of red roses on the floor and the decorations hanging around were lovely.

I turned around to look at Tristan. He was on one knee and holding out a diamond ring.

“Will you marry me, Chloe Cassandra Simpson?”

I was lost for words for some moments, trying to process what was happening.Tristan is proposing? He wants to get married. He wants me to be his wife.I stared at the ring, then at Tristan. I was immediately overwhelmed with different emotions.

Oh shit, this is really happening.

“Chloe, you’re the funniest, kindest, and the most extraordinary woman I have ever known. I want everything that comes with this union—all your flaws, sarcasm, madness, and sweetness. Love isn’t always perfect. We both have our imperfections, and I know along the way, things will get hard. I promise to love you every day through every bump on the way, to be your shield, your rock, your lover, and your best friend. I’ll be the best father and husband each day. Please say yes,” Tristan said, almost running out of breath.

There was a thick silence in the room, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on my back. Tristan’s Adam’s apple bobbed nervously as he waited for my answer.

“Yes,” I said with a big smile, tears glistening in my eyes.

Everyone behind me cheered.

Belvina’s voice was the loudest, and I could hear her screaming, “Make way for the maid of honor.”

“Really?” Tristan whispered, looking a bit surprised at my answer.

“Yes,” I said, nodding my head with tears brimming at the edges of my eyes.

He slowly put the ring on my finger and kissed it. He stood up and stepped closer, taking my hands.

“I promise to be the best dad and the most loving husband. I’ll never get tired of those cheesy movies and your awful cooking,” he said softly, cupping my face.

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