AEAO

twenty-seven

The sun was setting on the campus of UCLA, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling green lawns and iconic brick buildings. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation, as graduation day had finally arrived. For Shi and Luca, this day was not just a celebration of academic achievement, but also the culmination of years of growth—both personally and as a couple. The journey to this point had been filled with challenges, heartache, and triumphs, and now, it was all leading to a new chapter in their lives.

Shi adjusted her cap, the tassel swaying gently as she glanced around at her classmates, all dressed in their caps and gowns. She had always been determined to create her own path, and now, standing on the edge of the future, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in how far she'd come.

Beside her, Luca looked every bit the athlete and scholar as he straightened his collar, his eyes bright with excitement. He had worked tirelessly to balance his tennis career and academics, and now, here he was—graduating, with the woman he loved by his side, and a future they were ready to tackle together.

"Can you believe it?" Shi said, her voice full of wonder as she looked up at him. "We made it. I'm actually graduating."

Luca smiled, taking her hand in his. "I knew you could do it," he said, his voice filled with affection. "You're one of the strongest people I know."

Shi blushed, squeezing his hand tightly. They had been through so much together—shaping each other's futures, dealing with their insecurities, and confronting the realities of being in the public eye. But through it all, they had found a way to support each other. And now, with the promise of a baby on the way, their lives were about to become even more complicated—and beautiful.

The ceremony itself was a blur of speeches, cheers, and the proud faces of family members in the stands. But for Shi and Luca, it was the quiet moments in between—sharing looks of understanding, holding hands, and stealing soft kisses—that made the day unforgettable.

The Reems family had gathered at a private dinner in Los Angeles, a celebration of both Shi and Luca's accomplishments. Camari and Keanu were seated at the head of the table, their faces beaming with pride as they watched their daughter and Luca prepare to take on the next stage of their lives.

"It feels like just yesterday I was holding you, Shi," Camari said, her voice full of emotion as she reached across the table to squeeze her daughter's hand. "I can't believe how much you've grown."

Shi smiled, looking over at her mom. "I never would have gotten here without you, Mom. You've always been there for me, no matter what."

Keanu, sitting beside Camari, chuckled softly. "You've grown into an amazing woman, Shi. It's incredible to see the woman you've become. And I know Luca is going to be there for you every step of the way."

Luca, sitting next to Shi, nodded in agreement, his hand resting on her growing belly. "We're in this together," he said, his voice full of certainty. "Through the ups and downs, we've got each other."

The room was filled with the laughter of friends and family, all celebrating the milestones in their lives. But for Shi and Luca, it was the future they were now building together that felt most significant.

As the evening wore on, the Reems family and Luca's family, including his mother, Maria, settled into the living room. Maria had been quiet all night, but now, as she sat next to Shi, she finally spoke up.

"You know," Maria said, her voice warm and full of love, "I couldn't be more proud of you both. I've watched Luca grow up, and I've seen the way he's changed with you by his side, Shi. You've made him a better man. And I'm so excited for the next chapter in both of your lives."

Shi smiled, grateful for Maria's words. It wasn't easy for her to find her place in Luca's world—especially with the pressures of being in the public eye. But Maria had been nothing but supportive, treating her like a daughter from the moment they'd met.

"I'm really glad I have you in my life, Maria," Shi replied. "I'm so lucky to be a part of this family."

Luca squeezed her hand, a smile spreading across his face. He had always been close with his mom, and now seeing her accept Shi with open arms meant the world to him.

As the evening continued, Luca stood up, clinking his glass to get everyone's attention. The room fell silent, everyone waiting to see what he was going to say.

"I've been thinking a lot about the future," Luca began, his voice steady but full of emotion. "And I realize that, with everything we've been through—Shi and I—we've already built something incredible together. But we're about to take it to the next level. So, I want to make a promise to you, Shi, and to the rest of the family. I know we're about to be parents, and I know this is going to be a big change for us. But I promise, from the bottom of my heart, I'm here for you, I'm here for our child, and I'm here for this family."

He turned to Shi, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Shi. No matter what comes our way, we're in this together. Always."

Shi's heart skipped a beat as Luca reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. It was a delicate silver ring, a promise of their future, a symbol of their commitment to each other.

With a shaky breath, Luca opened the box, revealing the ring. "Will you marry me?" he asked, his voice full of sincerity and love.

Tears welled up in Shi's eyes as she took a moment to process his words. She had imagined this day for so long, but hearing it from Luca, in this moment, felt surreal.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, I'll marry you."

The room erupted in applause, everyone cheering as Luca slid the ring onto Shi's finger. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant everything to them. Their futures were now intertwined, and they were ready for whatever came next.

Later that night, Shi and Luca stood outside, looking up at the stars. The city lights of Los Angeles twinkled around them, but it was the quiet peace between them that made everything feel right.

"Can you believe this?" Shi asked, her voice full of wonder. "We're really doing this, Luca. We're getting married, we're having a baby... It feels like a dream."

Luca smiled, pulling her close. "It's not a dream, Shi. It's our reality. And we're going to make it everything we've ever wanted."

As the cool breeze blew around them, they knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together—with love, commitment, and the support of the families who had always believed in them.