untamed hearts

CHAPTER 16 : RILEYS PROPOSAL

The night had a magical quality to it, with the city lights twinkling like stars. Riley had been planning this moment for weeks, carefully orchestrating every detail. For once, the ever-confident alpha found herself feeling nervous. Proposing to Jax wasn't just about asking him to spend his life with her—it was about proving that he was her equal, her partner in every sense of the word.

Jax had been busy all day, working on his designs, unaware of Riley's plans. When she showed up at his studio, dressed in a sleek black dress that highlighted her striking features, he looked up in surprise.

"Riley? What's the occasion?" he asked, a curious smile playing on his lips.

She stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You'll find out soon enough. Come with me."

Jax didn't argue. He grabbed his coat and followed her to her car, where a driver was already waiting. The drive was quiet but comfortable, the kind of silence that spoke of shared understanding.

The Rooftop Setting

Riley had chosen the rooftop of one of the city's tallest buildings, where a private dinner was set up under a canopy of fairy lights. The table was adorned with candles and roses, and a soft melody played in the background.

Jax gasped as he took in the sight. "Riley... this is incredible. What's all this for?"

She led him to the table, pulling out his chair like a true gentleman. "You'll see."

They enjoyed a delicious meal, the conversation flowing easily. But Riley couldn't ignore the pounding of her heart as the moment drew closer.

When dessert was served—a decadent chocolate cake with the words Forever & Always written in icing—Jax looked at her with a mix of amusement and suspicion.

"Okay, now you have to tell me. What's going on?"

The Proposal

Riley stood, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, then dropped to one knee.

Jax's eyes widened, his hand flying to his mouth. "Riley..."

"Jax Everett," Riley began, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. "You walked into my life and turned it upside down in the best possible way. You challenged me, inspired me, and showed me a kind of love I didn't think I deserved. You make me want to be better, not just for you, but for us."

She opened the box, revealing a simple yet elegant ring—a band of platinum with a small, brilliant diamond.

"I don't want to imagine a life without you. So here I am, on one knee, asking the man who changed my world to marry me. Will you do me the honor of being my partner, my equal, and my forever?"

Tears streamed down Jax's cheeks as he nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "Yes, Riley. A million times yes."

Riley slipped the ring onto his finger, then stood to pull him into a kiss, the world around them fading away.

The Celebration

After the proposal, Riley surprised Jax with a small party at her apartment, where their closest friends were waiting to celebrate. Noah, Mia, and Ethan were among the guests, each offering their heartfelt congratulations.

"You actually proposed," Noah teased, clinking glasses with Riley. "Didn't think you had it in you."

Riley smirked, sipping her champagne. "I guess Jax has a way of bringing out the best in me."

Jax, meanwhile, was being fussed over by Mia, who couldn't stop admiring his ring. "It's perfect," she gushed. "Just like you two."

A Night to Remember

As the night wound down and the guests left, Riley and Jax found themselves alone on the balcony, overlooking the city.

"I still can't believe you did that," Jax said, leaning against her.

Riley wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

He smiled, resting his head on her shoulder. "You know, I always thought proposals were supposed to be nerve-wracking, but you made it feel... perfect."

"That's because it was," Riley said softly.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth, the future felt bright and limitless. They were no longer just Riley and Jax—they were a team, ready to take on the world together.