The Ex-Husband of Alice Langley

42

PARIS SWIFT-KELCE
Lauren insisted I dress to the nines tonight, saying she wanted me to look as beautiful as possible, though she added that, in her eyes, I always look beautiful. "You don't need makeup or fancy clothes to make yourself more attractive," she told me with that genuine smile of hers. I laughed and told her the same, and she blushed hard, her cheeks turning bright red as she tried to brush it off. It was adorable, seeing her get so flustered. Moments like that remind me just how lucky I am to have her.

I smile to myself, feeling a surge of excitement as I open the red velvet box and see the engagement ring glinting inside. It's perfect, simple yet elegant, exactly what I know Lauren would love. "Imagine her face when I make her surprise even better," I murmur, my heart racing at the thought. I close the box and tuck it back into the shoe box, making sure it's hidden away safely for now. I can't wait to see her reaction when the moment finally comes.

When we flew down to West Virginia last week to visit her parents for a couple of days, I asked them for their blessing, and they were absolutely ecstatic about it. Her dad pulled me into the tightest hug—I thought I was going to explode. It was the kind of warmth that made everything feel so right, like I was already part of their family.

"Are you almost ready to go? We're going to miss our reservations!" Lauren calls from the living room, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.

I take one last look in the mirror, making sure my look is flawless. I've worn a lot of luxury outfits over the years, but this might be one that tops them all. I'm in a Maria Lucia Hohan navy velvet mini dress, priced at $1,775, paired with Grace Lee Designs crossover helix earrings at $780. I cinch my waist with a B-low the Belt Acadia chain belt, which cost me $156, and wear the Arpeggia five-line necklace my mom gave me—worth a whopping $193,000. I add a Louis Vuitton blossom ring for $2,450, VRAI linked tennis earrings for $1,990, a '7 Diamond Kate Smooth bar bracelet that goes for $5,950, and finish the look with AQUAZZURA twist 95 velvet heels at $1,074. To top it all off, I grab my Prada Re-Nylon re-edition 2005 shoulder bag, which set me back $1,775. It's more than just a look; it's a statement.

I take one last look in the mirror, admiring how my outfit hugs me in all the right places and how my hair falls in perfect, subtle curls. The red lipstick makes my blue eyes pop, and the cat-eye liner is done flawlessly. I've never looked so beautiful in my entire life.

I grab the engagement ring from the closet and slip it into my purse. "Okay, I'm ready to go," I say, stepping out of the bedroom.

Lauren's jaw practically drops to the floor when she sees me. Her eyes widen, and she looks like she can't believe what she's seeing.

"Do you like it? I got a new dress for tonight, and I know you told me I'm always beautiful, but you know how I am about luxury items and—" I start to ramble.

"Holy shit, you are hot. I mean, beautiful," she interrupts, her voice filled with awe.

"Thank you." I chuckle lightly, feeling my cheeks warm.

"No, I mean like, we are having so much sex tonight," she says, her tone playful but her eyes completely serious.

"Just so you know, you look just as beautiful in that dress."

"Really?" she asks, raising an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Yeah, because I can do this." I slide my hand up her thigh, under her dress, inching toward her ass, feeling the warmth of her skin under the fabric.

She bites down softly on her lip, eyes darkening for a moment, but then she snaps out of it, playfully swatting my hand away. "Okay, I get your point! Save the theatrics till later!"