Eternal Echoes

48

Aria had spent the last week feeling uneasy, unsure of why Alessandro and Isabella had been acting distant. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that perhaps they didn't want her anymore. It had hurt her deeply, the thought of losing the bond they shared, but she kept it to herself, trying to focus on the children, the business, and the everyday hustle.

But that night, everything changed.

As the evening settled in, Aria was in her room, staring at the baby monitor, when a soft knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Shadow standing by the door, with Hunter right behind him, both looking at her expectantly. There was a small note on the floor next to them.

Aria bent down, her heart racing a little, and picked it up.

"Once you're ready, please come to the garden. Love, Alessandro & Isabella."

Her confusion only deepened. Why the note? Why the sudden request to go outside? And why did Shadow and Hunter seem to be her personal guides? She didn't understand, but curiosity got the best of her.

After a quick glance at the dress laid out on the bed—a stunning, deep red gown—Aria slowly undressed and changed. The heels that accompanied the dress were delicate and elegant, and she felt the weight of the moment start to settle in as she applied the makeup, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. The note had left her with more questions than answers, but she obeyed, trusting that whatever was happening would make sense soon enough.

When she was done, Aria stood in front of the mirror, her reflection a vision she hardly recognized—confident, elegant, but also nervous, as if she were stepping into something new and life-altering. Shadow and Hunter were there, waiting for her. She took a deep breath and followed them.

As she walked through the hallway, the house felt eerily quiet, but as she stepped outside and into the garden, her breath caught in her throat.

The garden, normally a peaceful space filled with flowers and greenery, had been transformed. Twinkling fairy lights hung from the trees, casting a soft glow over the area. The air was thick with the scent of roses and jasmine. There, in the middle of the garden, were Alessandro and Isabella, both dressed in formal attire, standing together in the center, gazing at her with anticipation.

Aria stopped in her tracks, her heart thundering in her chest. What was going on?

Before she could ask, Alessandro and Isabella both dropped to their knees at the same time, their actions catching her completely off guard. Aria froze, unsure whether this was a dream or some elaborate trick. She stood there, silent, as Alessandro opened a small ring box, revealing a beautiful, shining diamond ring. Isabella, with a soft smile on her face, held out a delicate choker necklace—one that seemed to glow in the soft light.

"Aria," Alessandro began, his voice thick with emotion, "you've come into our lives in the most unexpected way. But in that way, you've filled every part of our hearts with love, joy, and a sense of completeness that we never imagined was possible. You gave us everything we ever wanted—children, a home, a family. But there's one thing left that we need. One thing that will make all of this—everything—official."

Isabella continued, her voice gentle yet firm, "We've built a life together, and we want to make that life permanent. We want to show you, every day, that you are not just a part of our world, you are our world. We want to build a future together, a future where we promise to stand by you, to love you, and to cherish you always."

Aria stood there, her chest tight, eyes brimming with tears, as they both looked up at her, their hands trembling slightly. Isabella held the choker necklace in her hands, a sign of her commitment. Alessandro held the ring, a symbol of their eternal love.