Beneath the Surface

Chapter 54

⚠️Smut

After their walk on the beach, Y/N and Lizzie had returned hand in hand, the cool night air brushing against their skin. As they approached the house, the flickering glow of the fire pit became more apparent, along with the sound of soft chatter. Mia, Jess, Lizzie's parents, the twins, Viktor—everyone was still gathered by the fire, wrapped in blankets and enjoying the late evening.

Y/N felt Lizzie squeeze her hand as they walked up the steps. She could feel the tension in Lizzie's grip, but she didn't let go, holding her close as they entered the circle of family and friends.

The chatter around the fire died down almost immediately. All eyes were on them—on their intertwined hands—and the flicker of confusion was palpable. For a brief moment, there was only the sound of the crackling fire, and then Lizzie's mother was the first to speak.

"Did something... happen?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Lizzie, her eyes glistening with happy tears, lifted her left hand, showing the sparkling ring that now adorned her finger. A collective gasp filled the air, followed by a moment of stunned silence.

And then the cheers erupted.

"Oh my God!" Mia shrieked, leaping from her seat and rushing over to Lizzie, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You're engaged!"

Jess was next, practically bouncing on her feet as she grabbed Lizzie's hand, examining the ring with wide eyes. "This is incredible! Oh my God, it's finally happening!"

Y/N felt herself beaming, the love and support of everyone around them filling her heart to the brim. Lizzie's parents approached, wrapping both of them in warm hugs, while the twins grinned at Y/N with knowing looks.

"Took you long enough," Mary-Kate teased, giving Y/N a playful nudge.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head.

Pictures were taken, toasts were made, and for a while, it felt like the entire world was celebrating their love. Y/N couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this kind of overwhelming joy. It was as if all the pieces of her life had finally fallen into place, standing there, with Lizzie's hand in hers, surrounded by the people they loved most.

———

Y/N blinked, her mind drifting back to the present. She was sitting in the living room, the sounds of the BBQ continuing outside. She could see Lizzie from where she sat, standing with Mary-Kate, Mia, Jess and Ashley by the kitchen counter, discussing wedding plans. They were laughing about something—probably about the dress—and Lizzie's face was glowing with happiness.

"She's really excited about this," Viktor's voice broke through Y/N's thoughts.

Y/N glanced over at him, standing in the doorway with a bottle of beer in hand. He leaned casually against the frame, his expression soft. He'd been there last night, too, celebrating with the rest of the family, though Y/N had caught the quiet look in his eyes—the one that said he understood more than most what this moment meant for her.

"Yeah," Y/N replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I've never seen her this happy."

Viktor took a sip of his beer, nodding thoughtfully. "You deserve it, you know."

Y/N looked at him, her brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"

"All of this," Viktor said, gesturing to the house, the people, and the life Y/N had built. "You've been through a lot to get here. It's nice to see you finally enjoying it."

Y/N let out a soft breath, her gaze drifting back to Lizzie. "I guess I never really thought I'd have this—someone like her."

Viktor chuckled softly. "You've always underestimated yourself."