𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: 𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲

Chapter 46

A A R A V I

I was stunned-so stunned I felt like my eyes might just pop out of their sockets.

My gaze swept over the arrangement around me, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. The setting was beautiful, dreamy even-twinkling lights, delicate flowers, the soft whisper of the sea nearby-but nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to him.

He stood there in a black suit, crisp and perfect, holding a bouquet of crimson red roses. The evening glow kissed his skin, and for a second, I wondered if this was still real. He looked so breathtakingly handsome, it was impossible to look away-and truth be told, I didn't want to.

Then he moved-slow, steady steps toward me. My heart thudded in my chest, louder with each step he took. When he finally stood before me, I saw something in his eyes- sincerity, hope.

He gently slipped his hand into mine, his touch warm and grounding, guiding me toward the heart-shaped floral arch adorned with delicate petals and soft fairy lights. Every step we took together echoed with silent promises-of healing, of hope, of a new beginning.

As we stopped beneath the arch, he turned to face me, his eyes drinking in every inch of me like I was something fragile and precious.

"You look breathtaking, Cherry," he whispered, his voice soft and reverent. "It's hard for me to take my eyes off you."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. His gaze held a tenderness.

He lifted my hand slowly and brought it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. His lips lingered there for a moment.

"I know we're already married, Aaravi," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "but we never really began as a husband and wife should. I hurt you, doubted you, and failed you in ways I can never take back. But today... I want to start over. As friends, lovers, soulmates... as husband and wife, truly." His voice cracked slightly, and my throat tightened.

"I don't even know how to start this, because, what if you reject me? But... fuck it. I'll still say it. I love you, Aaravi." He said, voice shaky, his eyes met mine

Time stood still as he slowly dropped to one knee.

My breath caught in my throat.

He looked up at me, nervous-terrified, even-and somehow, I was just as scared. My heart pounded in my chest.

"First... first just hear me out, okay?" he said, biting his lower lip in that familiar way he did when trying to hide his anxiety. "Why am I so nervous?" he mumbled to himself, barely loud enough for me to hear.

A small, breathy chuckle escaped me despite the lump forming in my throat. Seeing him like this-so nervous.

"I'm serious! I'm really nervous, Cherry," he said, looking up with wide, almost boyish eyes. "Don't laugh at me," he added, giving me a playful glare, trying to mask the fear beneath it.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath-as if gathering the pieces of courage-and then opened them again, locking his gaze with mine.

"I know..." he began, his voice low and heavy, "I've lost the right to even ask you this."

He paused, pain flickering in his eyes. "I truly don't deserve a second chance—but God, Aaravi, I need one. And here I am, on my knees before you, asking you for it. A chance to fix what I broke. To take back the words I never should've said, to heal the wounds I caused. "