WHEN THEY FALL IN LOVE

CHAPTER 16

ANNABETH:

Tonight, I was going to Mira Jewels' event, and I was so excited. Just as I was about to get ready, my phone rang. It was my dad. I picked up the call, and he said, "I'm outside your university dorm. Dress up and come out quickly. White would be good."

I was puzzled, but quickly obeyed. I put on a white dress that felt elegant yet simple. It was a knee-length A-line dress with delicate lace detailing around the neckline and hem, giving it a soft, feminine touch. The fabric shimmered slightly in the light as I moved. I paired it with some small silver earrings and white heels. After making sure everything was just right, I hurried downstairs.

When I reached the door, my dad handed me my mother's wedding necklace. I was confused but took it. It was a beautiful piece — a delicate chain with a sparkling diamond pendant that caught the light in the most mesmerizing way. I didn't understand why he was giving it to me now.

He then pulled out his phone, smiled at the screen, and I couldn't help but ask, "Who's texting you?" He replied, "Lucas, Lucas Caldwell." I raised an eyebrow. "Lucas Caldwell isn't the type who would send a meme or a funny text," I said. "And you aren't the type to smile over those either. What's going on?"

But he just smiled, almost mysteriously.

We soon arrived at a helipad, and I followed my dad as he led me toward a helicopter. As I climbed in, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with nerves. The helicopter took off, and after a short flight, we landed in the middle of a hill. It was stunning — the hill was covered with vibrant flowers of all colors, making the scene look like something out of a dream.

My dad turned to me and smiled, his eyes twinkling with some secret that I still didn't understand.

As I climbed the stairs, I saw Lucas standing at the top, looking breathtakingly handsome. His usual serious demeanor was replaced with a softness that made my heart race. He stepped forward, his voice steady yet filled with emotion, "Annabeth La Cruz, will you be my wife?"

In that instant, everything around me seemed to blur, and all I could focus on was his face. My breath caught in my throat. I felt a wave of emotions crash over me—love, shock, and a profound sense of disbelief. How had we gotten here? How had I found myself in this surreal moment?

Tears welled in my eyes as I realized this was more than just a proposal—it was a promise. A promise that I would cherish forever. And, for some reason, in that moment, the thought of Z.TAO and his recent engagement flashed through my mind. The way he had publicly declared his love and commitment to the woman who had stood by him through it all. It was beautiful and emotional, just like the moment I was experiencing now. oh, now i understand , i sent him that video and he had done the exact arrngement . This man.

"Me or Z.TAO?" he whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

"Know your limits, sir," I replied, trying to keep my cool despite the intense emotions stirring inside me.

He lifted me effortlessly, carrying me as though I weighed nothing at all. We made our way down, and I could see my parents adoring the sparkling ring on my finger. Lucas, ever the gentleman, was speaking with other guests, his face a mix of pride and calm composure.

Later that evening, while I was lost in conversation with friends, a girl approached me. Her presence was unsettling, like a shadow lurking just behind the light. She came up to me, her voice low and venomous. "Your man won't be alive for much longer."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Before I could react, Lucas was there, pushing her away with a force that surprised me. The girl just smiled cryptically, as if she'd won some invisible battle, and walked off without another word.

The rest of the evening felt like a blur. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Lucas seemed fine, but my mind kept replaying the girl's words.

When we finally left the party, I went back to my dorm to gather my thoughts. I couldn't focus; the girl's words echoed in my mind over and over again. What did she mean by that? Was there something I didn't know?

I heard the familiar sound of Lucas's car pull up outside. My heart raced. I went downstairs, unable to contain my anxiety any longer. "What's going on, Lucas?" I asked, trying to mask the panic in my voice.

He paused, looking at me with a troubled expression. "She was my ex," he confessed. His voice was steady but filled with something darker, something I hadn't heard before. "She's part of my past, and I thought I left her behind. But I guess she hasn't forgotten me."

The weight of his words sank in. This wasn't just about a jealous ex-girlfriend — there was something deeper at play. I could feel the tension building, the unspoken words hanging between us. "uhhh... since we are official now how about sleeping at my place?" he switched from the awkward topic and i went to his house he guided me to his room and the rest was all his play...