Beyond: Beyond the Lights

Chapter 35

MADELINE

Valentine's Day started like any other, but I should've known Jamie would go above and beyond - he always did. Even with his arm still in that bulky cast, there was no way he was going to let a broken bone stop him from making this day special. I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand, and when I checked it, a text from Jamie appeared.

Morning, pretty girl. Happy Valentine's Day. I've got a little something planned for you today. Check under your pillow ;)

A grin spread across my face as I reached under my pillow and pulled out a red envelope. Inside, there was a small card with Jamie's familiar handwriting:

Good morning, mi amor. Since we both have classes today, I thought I'd send you on a little adventure. You'll need a few helping hands, and I've enlisted some of your favorite people. First stop: the kitchen. Check the fridge. I love you.

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips. Leave it to Jamie to organize a scavenger hunt. I padded into the kitchen, excitement bubbling in my chest, and opened the fridge. There, I found a small brown bag with a card attached to it.

Good morning, Madi! This one's from me - I grabbed your favorite coffee from that place near campus. Meet me at the student center after class! - your bestie

Inside the bag was an iced coffee, just how I liked it. I smiled, my heart already lighter. Elena was my partner-in-crime for everything, so of course, she was in on this.

As the day unfolded, each clue led me through moments with the people I cared about most. After my first class, I met Elena at the student center, where she handed me a single pink rose with another note.

You're on your way, pretty girl. Head to the tennis courts next, someone's waiting for you there...

At the courts, I found Kian, who was leaning against the fence with a cocky grin on his face.

"Jamie's really pulling out all the stops, huh?" he teased, handing me another rose.

"He is," I said, shaking my head with a smile. "You're in on this too?"

"I couldn't say no," Kian chuckled. "Besides, it's not every day I get to see Jamie go full-on romantic mode."

He handed me the next clue, and I took it with a grateful smile.

The scavenger hunt continued throughout the day, each stop involving someone important to Jamie and me. At lunch, Sebastian was waiting with a smirk and a rose, teasing me about how elaborate Jamie's plan was. By the time the final clue was in my hand, my heart was full, my mind buzzing with love and excitement.

The last note was short but sweet, written in Jamie's handwriting:

Come home, mi amor. Your final stop is waiting for you. Don't forget to bring that smile.

When I got back to Jamie's apartment, I opened the door and froze, my breath catching in my throat.

The entire place was transformed. Soft, warm lights twinkled around the room, illuminating the space with a gentle glow. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, leading a path toward the dining table, where Jamie stood waiting, his cast resting in a sling and a shy, proud smile on his face.

He'd decorated the table with candles and a home-cooked meal that filled the air with delicious smells. How he managed to pull this off with one arm was beyond me, but Jamie always found a way.

"Jamie..." I breathed, stepping inside, my eyes wide with awe. "You did all of this?"He grinned, stepping toward me. "Of course, pretty girl. You deserve it."