Time seems to slow as his eyes lock onto mine, the universe holding its breath, waiting for our next move.

The moment hangs suspended, a silent heartbeat echoing through the grand ballroom. My heart swells with emotion and tears blur my vision as I nod, whispering my answer into the space between us. "Yes, I will marry you."

Alexander's eyes light up like fireworks at midnight, and he stands, pulling me into his arms. Our bodies meld together in a tight embrace, and I can feel his heart beat in tandem with mine. The warmth of his love envelops me, chasing away any lingering doubts or fears.

"Clara," he breathes into my ear, his voice thick with emotion. "I promise to cherish you, to stand by your side, and to make you laugh every day we're together."

My heart threatens to burst from my chest, and a sob of sheer happiness escapes my lips. "And I promise to support you, to challenge you, and to dance with you whenever you ask."

As if on cue, the room erupts into applause and cheers, our bubble of intimacy expanding to include everyone around us. The attendees, dressed in their finest attire, are beaming with joy for our newfound happiness. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I can't help but laugh, my cheeks flushed with elation.

"Congratulations!" someone shouts above the cacophony, and I'm soon swept up in a whirlwind of hugs, handshakes, and well-wishes.

"Thank you," I say again and again, basking in the glow of people genuinely happy for us. Alexander's hand never strays far from mine, anchoring me to him amid the flurry of activity.

"Let's go celebrate," he suggests, leading me towards the dance floor. As the music swells and our bodies sway in time, I find myself lost in the rhythm of the song and the feeling of Alexander's arms wrapped securely around me.

This moment—our love, our forgiveness, and the promise of our future together—feels like a dream. Yet, as I close my eyes and let Alexander guide me across the dance floor, I know it's the most vibrant reality I've ever known.

"Clara," he murmurs into my hair, "I can't wait to see what life has in store for us."

"Me neither," I whisper back, the weight of his words settling deep within my soul. And as we continue to dance, surrounded by friends and colleagues, I realize that this journey is only just beginning. Together, Alexander and I will face whatever lies ahead, hand-in-hand, hearts entwined, ready to conquer the world.

30

ALEXANDER

I wake up before Clara, the morning sun streaming through the open windows of our beachfront bungalow in Hawaii. To me, it’s been the best honeymoon. I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I proposed.

The sea breeze carries the scent of salt and coconut, as if the island itself is whispering sweet nothings in our ears. I glance over at Clara, her golden-brown hair fanned out across her pillow, her long lashes casting delicate shadows on her cheeks.

"Good morning, my love," I murmur, rolling over to hover above her. Her naked body lies tangled in the white sheets, a testament to the passion we shared last night. I lean down and brush my lips against her forehead, trailing kisses down her face, along her neck, and onto her shoulder.

"Alex?" she mumbles, still half-asleep.

"Shh," I whisper, smiling. "Just relax, it's our honeymoon."

As I continue to kiss my way down her body, I remember how far we've come since our first meeting in the office. I was a billionaire alpha male CEO, she was a fresh-faced intern, and neither of us could have predicted that an unlikely friendship would blossom into something so much deeper. It was a second chance for both of us, an opportunity to forgive each other's flaws and learn from our past mistakes.

The sunlight filtering through the curtains creates a warm glow on Clara's skin, her chest rising and falling with each breath. I can't help but feel my heart swell with love for this woman who has come to mean so much more than just a colleague or intern.

I settle between her thighs, leaning in to lick up her seam, and a soft sigh escapes her. She’s already wet with a few kisses, and I grin, eager to dive in.

"Alex?" Clara murmurs, her eyes fluttering open as she fully wakes with a jolt. Her fingers instinctively clutch at my hair, guiding me as I continue to lavish attention on her.

"Good morning," I grin, my voice muffled against her skin. "Just thought I'd start our day off right."

"Is this how you plan on waking me up every day?" she teases, her voice breathy with pleasure.

"Only if you want me to," I reply, my hand and mouth working in tandem to bring her closer to the edge. Her grip on my hair tightens, urging me on, and I know that I would do anything to make her happy.

"God, I love you, Alex," Clara breathes out, her body shuddering as waves of pleasure wash over her.

"Love you too, babe," I whisper against her skin, feeling her heartbeat quickening beneath my lips.

As the sun continues to rise, casting long shadows across the room, I realize that there's nowhere else I'd rather be. In this moment, it's just Clara and me, our love for each other transcending any barriers that once stood between us. We've built something beautiful together, and I'm determined to keep it that way for the rest of our lives.

The salty scent of the ocean fills my nostrils as I feel Clara's body tense beneath me. Her grip on my hair tightens, and I can tell she's reaching her peak. I double down on my efforts, knowing that I'm the one responsible for her pleasure at this moment. My heart swells with love.