CHAPTER 40: Guarded

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As the evening wound down, I couldn’t take my eyes off Elena

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As the evening wound down, I couldn’t take my eyes off Elena. The party continued around us, but it all faded into the background as I watched her from across the room. She was glowing, her laughter mingling with the soft hum of conversation, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride knowing she was mine. I’d envisioned this night countless times, but nothing could have prepared me for the reality of seeing her so happy, so radiant, with my ring on her finger.

Bianca was nowhere in sight—a relief I didn’t even bother to hide. Tonight was about Elena, and nothing could tarnish that. I excused myself from a conversation, my gaze never leaving her as I crossed the room. She was with Nonna, who was beaming with pride, looking like she might burst with joy. But as much as I loved seeing her surrounded by the people who cared about her, I couldn’t wait another second to have her back in my arms.

I slipped my arm around her waist, pulling her close. She looked up at me, her smile soft and her eyes sparkling with the kind of joy that made my chest swell.

“Hey, fiancé,” I murmured, leaning down to brush a kiss against her cheek.

“Hey, soon-to-be husband,” she teased, her voice a soft melody that only I could hear.

“Ready to get out of here?” I asked, my voice low, meant just for her.

She nodded, glancing around the crowded room. “More than ready.”

I led her outside, away from the noise and the crowd, the city lights glittering like diamonds against the night sky. There was a lingering sense of disbelief in her eyes, as if she was still processing everything that had happened, and it filled me with a rush of satisfaction. I’d do this a thousand times over just to keep that look on her face, to keep proving how much she meant to me.

We walked quietly, our hands intertwined, the noise of the city a distant hum around us. It was late, but New York was still alive, buzzing with its usual energy. Yet, standing there with Elena, it felt like we were in our own world—a perfect bubble that was just ours.

After a while, I led her down a winding path that overlooked the city lights, a secluded spot away from everything. I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her as we took in the view. For a moment, it felt like the world had gone still, leaving just the two of us in this perfect, quiet moment.

Elena rested her head against my chest, her warmth seeping into me. “I can’t believe you did all this,” she said softly. “And you’ve proposed to me twice now.” She held up her hand, showing off the two rings I’d given her, each one a promise I intended to keep.

I chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I’d do it all again, just to see that look on your face.”

I glanced at the rings and then back at her, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “I guess I’m just making sure you really can’t say no.”

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