Kismet [ENGLOT]

Chapter 22

Engfa's POV:

My car glided through the city streets, the quiet hum of the engine filling the space between us. The glow of the streetlights danced across Charlotte's face, illuminating her delicate features in a way that made my chest tighten. She was quiet, her gaze fixed on the window, lost in her own thoughts. But even in silence, her presence filled the car, wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

I glanced at her, unable to stop the smile tugging at my lips. Tonight wasn't over—not yet. We'd cleared the air at the dance, but I needed to do more. I needed her to know just how much she meant to me, how deeply she had rooted herself in my heart.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked, her voice soft but curious.

"You'll see," I replied, throwing her a small, playful smile. "It's a surprise."

Her brows furrowed slightly, but the hint of a smile danced on her lips. She turned to study me, her gaze searching as if trying to read my thoughts. "You're being mysterious," she teased.

I chuckled, my grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. "Just trust me, okay?"

She didn't push further, her faith in me evident in her relaxed posture. That simple trust made my resolve even stronger.

The drive wasn't long, and soon I pulled into the entrance of an upscale hotel. Charlotte's eyes widened slightly as she took in the grand facade.

"Engfa," she said, her tone a mix of wonder and suspicion. "What are we doing here?"

I stepped out of the car and quickly made my way to her side, opening her door. Offering her my hand, I smiled down at her. "You'll see. Just trust me," I repeated, this time with a playful smirk that earned a roll of her eyes and a soft laugh.

I guided her through the lobby to a private elevator. Swiping the keycard, I watched her reaction as the elevator ascended. When the doors opened, her audible gasp was everything I'd hoped for.

The rooftop was a dream. Soft string lights twinkled overhead like stars, casting a warm, golden glow. The city stretched out before us, its lights glittering against the dark expanse of the night sky. A small table sat nearby, a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket with two flutes waiting beside it. The air was crisp but gentle, the perfect complement to the intimate scene.

"Engfa..." Charlotte whispered, stepping forward. Her voice was full of awe, her wide eyes drinking in the view. "This is... incredible."

I walked up behind her, gently placing my hands on her shoulders. "Not as incredible as you," I murmured.

She turned slightly, her cheeks flushed, and I felt a surge of affection so strong it made my chest ache. The lights framed her like a halo, her beauty so radiant that it was almost overwhelming.

I took her hand, leading her to the railing overlooking the city. "I wanted tonight to be unforgettable for you," I said softly, my thumb brushing the back of her hand.

She turned to me, her expression tender. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble," she said, her voice laced with affection.

"I wanted to," I replied, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Because you mean that much to me, Charlotte. You've changed everything—my world, my heart, my future. I don't even know who I was before you."

Her lips parted, her gaze softening as she turned to face me fully. "You mean everything to me too, Engfa," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Her words undid me. Without thinking, I cupped her face in my hands and leaned in. "Charlotte, I love you," I whispered, the raw emotion of the confession thick in my voice.