Mia’s POV
If someone had told me that in four years I would be in England, dating Liam Payne of One Direction, and living with my favourite band and my best friends, I would have thought they were crazy. It was mind-boggling to think that this was all coming true. It had been four years since that concert, four years since Liam had swept me off my feet.
I was in my last year of university with Jess and Alice. The band had gone on another world tour, with plenty of small gigs thrown in between along with rehearsals, photoshoots, interviews, and even a movie opportunity.
I smirked at Liam, who was sitting across from me, attempting to pick up noodles with chopsticks. “Babe, four years and still no progress.” I laughed as he glared at me, trying even harder to stab the slippery food into his mouth. We were sitting in a small Chinese restaurant, celebrating our four year anniversary.
“You know, majoring in math and minoring in photography was the smartest decision I’ve ever made.” Liam looked up as I spoke, smiling as he put the chopsticks down and took a sip of water. “Oh, you little nerd, you.” I laughed and rolled my eyes at the comment. “Well I’m sorry that I can’t sing, otherwise I would become an international popstar like yourself.” Liam leaned across the table and kissed me unexpectedly, causing me to smile even wider.
“Here. Anniversary present.”
I watched him pull out two pieces of rectangular paper and hand them to me. I stared down at the laminated slips. “Tickets to Colorado? Why would I ever wanna go back there?” A puzzled look creased my face as I spoke. Liam just smiled, shaking his head and standing up.
“Come on. We leave tonight.”
Liam and I held a casual conversation the entire plane ride. I had no idea where the other boys, Jess, or Alice were. When we landed, Liam and I pushed past the paparazzi until we reached a cab. He slipped the driver a note with the location written on it as we climbed in. I continually asked him where we were headed, but he just shook his head at me and smiled.
I glanced out the window of the cab, suddenly spotting a familiar building. “Liam, is that the hotel we stayed at?” He nodded, stroking my hair and rubbing my arm. “We’re almost there, don’t worry.”
The cab turned down a few streets before finally stopping in front of an abandoned looking restaurant. I raised my eyebrow at Liam. “This is your idea of a romantic anniversary date?” He laughed, pulling me out of the taxi and thanking the driver. “Don’t be all judgy. Come on.”
We walked inside, hand in hand. My eyes adjusted to the dimly lit café.
“SURPRISE!”
I let out a small scream as Lou jumped out at me, pulling me into a hug. The other boys and my best friends wandered out from various hiding places. “What are you guys doing here!?” I glanced at Liam, then back at the people who had become my family. Without answering, Liam took my hand again and pulled me towards a booth at the end. I slid in, wondering what in the world was going through his mind.
Liam took a deep breath, kneeling down in front of me. “This… this is the booth where we sat three years ago. This is the café where we met the couple. Do you remember them?” I nodded, transfixed by his twinkling honey glazed eyes and smooth voice. “Why did you fly me all the way here?” My voice was barely a whisper as I watched Liam reach into his pocket, pulling out a small box.
My thoughts raced as he unclasped the small lock, revealing a shiny diamond ring.
“Mia… I love you more than anyone else in the world. I know there past four years have been crazy, but I’ve never met anyone who understands me more. Will…Will you marry me?”
Tears slid down my face as I heard him speak the words. I could feel the others watching us and I knew Lou was trying to hold back a sassy remark. Without another thought I nodded, jumping into Liam’s arms as he picked me up and spun me around.
And that is how I ended up as the next Mrs. Payne. Never in my life had I once considered getting married to a celebrity. After the proposal, thousands of hate tweets and messages were sent to me, but they were outnumbered by the amount of congrats and love we received. Liam helped me through the tough times, and I knew that with him by my side, I could get through anything.
Sometimes I look back and wonder, what if I had never reacted to Zayn the way I did back at the concert? I wouldn’t be with Liam now. It hurt to even think about the thought. But I guess all it takes is one chance encounter. One moment of truth. One conversation that changes everything.
All you have to do is just… listen.
