𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬

Chapter 26 - you're worth a thousand 'thank yous'

Peter's POV

Coming home was like taking a breath of fresh air. Like stretching after a long journey. It was something I never thought I'd experience, yet here I am.

I had taken full reign over my company again. Blaise and Aiden did a great job keeping it afloat, but I missed it so much.

I missed the smell of fresh baked pastries in the air as I walked through the main lobby. I missed my secretary greeting me every morning. I even missed the terrified faces of my employees when I barged into the office, angry and ready to blow (which I never did because I'm not a mean boss).

I missed her. Dae. She hadn't tried to contact me. I had the sneaking suspicion that this was Aiden's doing because every time I asked about her, he evaded my question. But I let it go because it's probably what is best for me.

There was a knock at my door and I went to answer it.

"Aiden. Rain." I said as they walked inside.

They both gave me a hug and sat down at the chairs opposite me.

"Isabella called me. She wanted to make sure you arrived safely and apologized for everything that you had to go through because of her mistake. She wishes to tell you that you are always welcome in her home." Aiden said as Rain passed me a note.

I looked at it questioningly.

"Her address, in Italy. If you ever want to visit." She said and smiled at me.

"Thank you guys. For everything." I said sincerely, "Aiden. For always making sure I was safe in Iceland, for running my companies and for being the best friend anyone could ask for."

"You would do the same." He said and smiled.

"And you. Rain. Thank you for keeping me sane." I said and chuckled. "Without you, I would have gone mad all alone there. You always made sure to visit me and spend time with me and for that, I am truly and eternally grateful. You're one of the best friends as man can ask for."

"I would do it again in a heartbeat." She said and grabbed my hand from across my desk.

I stared intently at the both of them and found myself wondering how I came to be blessed with such amazing friends and family. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am and who I am today.

*one week later*

I was bored so I was going through the plans of my new hotel in Prague when my phone started ringing.

"Peter Argent." I said as I picked up the phone.

"Meet me in front of your building in ten minutes." The voice on the other side said then ended the call.

That was definitely suspicious and after everything I had been through, I immediately notified security to be ready for when I meet the person.

It had been almost ten minutes. I was in the elevator going down to the lobby and I already had guards placed at specific vantage points close to me.

I stepped outside and waited. I waited for almost five minutes and was about to go inside when a black Porsche pulled up in front of me. Out of it stepped a woman.

"Peter?" She said as she walked towards me.

Her face looked familiar, "Dae?"

She took her sunglasses off and smiled at me. She came to stand in front of me and I found myself grinning back.

"Long time huh." She said.

"Very long." I agreed.

"How have you been?" She asked me.

"Better now that I've seen you."

"I need to tell you something, and I don't want you to interrupt me until I'm done. Okay?"

I nodded my head as an okay.

She took a deep breath, "when you disappeared all those years ago, it forced me to reflect. Reflect on us, what I said to you, and how close we had gotten ever since we decided to start over as friends. Then you went missing, you disappeared. I was scared I was never going to see you again, to hear your voice. So when I heard you were coming back. I knew I had to tell you." She said and paused.

"Tell me?" I said as the silence ensued.

"I have to tell you. I love you. I'm in love with you. I miss you every second you're not next to me. When you were gone, I held out hope that you were okay, and still alive. And now that I've got you again. I never want to loose you. Because I think you're worth it. And because-" She stopped and fumbled with her words. "Because I love you."

I pulled her close to me as I saw her eyes fill with unshed tears. I stared into them and I saw every emotion she was feeling flit across those beautiful blue eyes.

"I love you." She whispered and buried her head in my chest.

"I had this whole speech prepared. For when I saw you? I rehearsed it in the mirror and everything." I smiled as I heard her giggle at that. "And now, I can't remember a thing. You make me so utterly happy that I can't think straight when I'm with you. Because I love you. And I want to love you for as long as I can and as much as I can."

She looked up at me and gave me a big, watery smile. I smirked back and kissed her. Softly. Like she was a gentle breeze and I was merely feeling her pass by.
She tasted like honey and a warm summers day. Her tiny hands grabbed my coat as she kissed me and my hands stayed tangled in her soft hair as I felt the most alive I had felt in three years. With her by my side.

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"Love doesn't erase the past, but it makes the future different."

- Gary Chapman

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a/n - it's a little short but it encapsulates everything i wish to convey. hope you enjoyed it!
don't forget to vote, comment and share ! 💘
- j x