The California sun filtered through the blinds as you lounged on the couch, mindlessly scrolling through your phone while the TV played in the background. Nick had been gone for three days, off to New York for an interview. It wasn't unusual—his career demanded constant travel, and you were used to the rhythm of his comings and goings. You missed him, of course, but you had no reason to worry. He always called or texted when he could.
But then, the breaking news banner flashed across the screen.
"A devastating plane crash en route from New York to Los Angeles—no survivors."
Your breath hitched. A suffocating weight settled in your chest as you sat frozen, the words on the screen blurring together. That was Nick's flight. He was supposed to be on that plane.
The remote tumbled from your hands as you covered your mouth, shaking your head in denial. No. No, this couldn't be happening. Tears welled in your eyes, then spilled over, warm and relentless. A deep, aching sob tore through your throat. The love of your life—gone. Just like that.
Your mind raced through every memory—his laughter, the way he held you at night, his sleepy good morning kisses. The way he called you "my love" like it was the most natural thing in the world. And now? Now, he was just... gone?
You curled into yourself, pressing your forehead to your knees as the sobs overtook you. Time became meaningless, lost to grief and disbelief. You didn't know how long you sat there, drowning in sorrow.
Then—three soft knocks at the door.
You barely registered the sound at first, too consumed by the agony of your thoughts. But then came another set of knocks, more insistent this time. Your head snapped up. A flicker of irrational hope lit inside you. But no. It couldn't be...
Wiping your tear-streaked face with trembling hands, you stumbled toward the door, heart hammering against your ribs. You barely managed to twist the knob before swinging it open.
And there he was.
Nicholas.
Standing in the doorway, slightly disheveled but so incredibly real, suitcase in hand.
A choked sob escaped your lips as you threw yourself into his arms, clutching him like he might disappear if you let go. His scent—familiar and warm—wrapped around you, grounding you in the reality that he was here. That he was alive.
Nick's arms locked around your waist, pulling you in tight. "Hey, hey," he murmured, his voice laced with concern. "What's wrong, my love?"
You pulled back just enough to look at him, your hands gripping the lapels of his jacket. "T-There was a plane crash," you stammered, your voice thick with emotion. "A flight from New York to LA—no one survived. I thought—I thought you were on it. Nick, I thought you were—"
Your words broke into another sob, and his hands cupped your face, thumbs brushing away your tears. His expression shifted, his own eyes widening in realization. Then, something changed in his face—a flicker of guilt.
"Baby," he exhaled, dropping his forehead against yours. "I wasn't on that plane. I never even went to New York."
You blinked, confusion piercing through the haze of your grief. "What?" You shook your head. "But you told me—"
"I know," he cut in gently, his hands now gripping yours. "I lied. I'm so sorry, my love, but I had to."
Your breath caught. "Where were you, then?"
Nick swallowed hard, then slowly lowered himself onto one knee.
Your world tilted.
From his pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a breathtaking diamond ring. Not just any ring—a Harry Winston ring. The exact one you had once gushed over, the one you thought was nothing more than a far-fetched dream.
Your lips parted, but no words came out.
"I wasn't in New York," Nick continued, voice thick with emotion. "I was in London. Because that's where this ring was." He let out a small, nervous laugh. "I wanted to give you the ring of your dreams because, my love, you are the woman of mine."
Tears welled in your eyes again, but this time, they were different. Overwhelming, joyous.
Nick took a deep breath before continuing, his voice steady despite the raw emotion behind his words. "Since the day I met you, you have been the best part of my life. You've loved me through every high and low, supported my dreams, and given me a love I never thought I deserved. I can't imagine a single day without you. I don't want to imagine it. So, I went halfway across the world for this ring, because it had to be perfect—just like you."
A soft, shaky laugh escaped your lips as tears spilled down your cheeks.
Nick's own eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he held the ring up. "My love, will you marry me?"
Your heart felt like it might burst. You didn't need to think. Didn't need to hesitate.
You tugged him up by his jacket, crashing your lips onto his in a kiss so deep, so full of love, that it said everything words couldn't. He responded immediately, arms tightening around you as if he never wanted to let go.
When you finally pulled away, breathless and lightheaded, you cupped his face, your smile so wide it hurt. "Yes," you whispered. Then louder, with all the love in your heart. "Yes, Nicholas, a million times yes."
A relieved, joyous laugh bubbled from his lips as he slipped the ring onto your finger, his hands shaking just slightly. The moment it settled into place, he pulled you back into his arms, spinning you around as you laughed through your happy tears.
You had thought you lost him today. But instead, you got forever.
