Chapter 33
Cassy pov
“I can still smell him,” I told Izzy.
Chuckling, “he is still around,” she mumbled.
Smiling to myself, I tiptoed around the tree, wanting to peek at what he was up to.
However, it was me who was surprised. Tiny candles were flickering on the ground and there were rose petals scattered on the green grass. I squinted at the tiny candles and realised that the lavender scent was coming from them. Although the place was dimly lit, it was enough for us to see the beautiful set-up. When my eyes landed on the banner put on the tree trunk, I gasped.
Will you marry me?
It was written in large, red letters on a white background. He had tied heart-shaped balloons onto it and I thought that it was the most romantic gesture I had ever experienced.
Tears gathered in my eyes. I still haven’t seen Elliot. He was damn good at hiding.
“Oh my God!” Izzy shrieked. “He wants to propose!!!!” She shrieked.
I looked around frantically. Where is that i***t? I need to say yes! I thought. I turned around only to find Elliot kneeling on one leg in front of me, grinning wide. His eyes twinkled in the moonlight. The orange flame of the candles was reflected on his face. My heart skipped a beat.
I felt as though my heart might explode with emotions. Taking deep breaths, as I tried my best to keep calm, I focused on him.
“My love,” he said. I stared at him stupefied. My parted lips slowly stretched into a broad grin. He had indeed surprised me. I guess I never expected that he would propose to me like this.
“Ever since I laid my eyes on you, I knew that you were the one for me. I knew that you were the one I wanted to spend my life with. You are the one I want to make the partner of my life. The mother of my pups. And the time I spent with you only confirmed that. Every single moment only strengthened my desire for you. I am firm on my decision. It was just our destiny that we met when we did. Honestly, I don’t regret flirting with you the first time I saw you. Or the time I became your friend when you needed me to be one. Or falling for you deeper and deeper every day. And I certainly am proud of finally breaking through the friend zone, though I honestly don’t know how that happened.” He exhaled.
Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead. Perhaps he was nervous. Honestly, none of that mattered to me. I was exhilarated.
“I want to spend my entire life with you beside me. I want you to be my life partner.” He paused and opened a little velvet casket, revealing a beautiful diamond ring.
My focus was on the man who was still on one knee in front of me. He could have offered me nothing and I would still say yes.
It was only then did I realise that I was covering my mouth with both hands. I nodded when I couldn’t find my voice to speak. I offered a trembling hand for him to put the ring on, while trying to blink the tears of joy away. He slipped it on, grinning from ear to ear and stood up to stand beside me.
“Elliot…..” I gasped, looking at the beautiful gift he had given me.
However, that was all that I could utter. Tears of happiness had gathered in my eyes. I was at a loss for words. For the first time in my life, I didn’t know what to say. My tongue stopped forming words. My throat was tight and my breathing was uneven.
“Babe….” he whispered, tracing his thumb on my cheeks.
I looked at him and threw my hands around his neck, while locking my lips with his, still trembling and shivering, as I was exhilarated. I let our lips move together. I let our breaths mix. We have taken a step closer to being one. I felt that I was now more significant in his life and vice versa. For me, this was a dream come true.
We broke a k**s and gasped for breath. No words were needed for both of us to understand how much we desired for each other. Giggling, I buried my face in his chest and inhaled his scent.
“I love you, babe.” He whispered, kissing my hair.
“I love you too.” I sniffled, tears still flowing out of my eyes. “I can’t believe that I’m crying,” I giggled, still holding on to him. He chuckled with me and held me close.
I sighed, smiling in content, listening to the beats of his heart. But he had said that he would ask my parents for my hand in marriage. What had happened to that?
“Elliot,” I called. “You still have to ask mom and dad …..”
“I already did.” He cut me in, in a hushed whisper.
“Really?” my smile changed into a broad grin as I looked up to look into his eyes. He nodded.
“Why else do you think they allowed me to take you out tonight? I told them that I wanted to ask you to marry me.” He smirked.
“You didn’t tell me.” I chuckled.
I wanted to be upset because he didn’t tell me about it, but I couldn’t. I was too elated for that.
“Yeah. And I think they would want to hasten the wedding. Since the coronation ceremony is nearby. They said something like having a wedding that same day. You know, I think the wedding and the coronation will be the same ceremony.” He informed me.
“What? This means I will be wearing my wedding dress at the coronation ceremony?” I exclaimed, frowning. Suddenly, I thought about the possibility of Miles being there at the coronation ceremony.
Oh hell no! I won’t let him ruin my special day. Not that he would ruin it, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
“Oh…no! I would rather marry you with close family and friends. I don’t think I want all the alphas to be at my wedding.” I told him honestly. “We can still have the coronation that day, right?” my forehead creased as I thought about it.
“Oh, I don’t know Cass. It was the king’s suggestion. Perhaps we should discuss it with them?” he suggested.
I nodded. “Let’s go?”
After pecking on my lips one last time, he nodded. Our ride home was completely silent.
We walked hand in hand to my father’s study, where they normally would be at that hour. My parents were laughing at something about Elliot’s father.
“Oh look, they are back!” he exclaimed.
“Well, we didn’t expect you to come back this soon,” Mom stated.
“Yeah. On the nights you two sneak out, you will come home later than this,” dad smirked as he added.
Smiling sheepishly, Elliot scratched the back of his neck while I tried my best not to blush. However, my face was already flushed. I just hoped that they didn’t notice.
“So did she say yes?” dad asked Elliot.
“Yes, your highness.” He replied meekly.
“Ugh. Cut that crap. You are family now.” Dad waved his hand.
“Yeah. No need for formalities. You are like our son.” Mom agreed.
Elliot’s eyes widened and his mouth opened agape. He had never met the laid back and fun side of my parents. They had been super formal with each other the whole time. He looked at me in utter shock. I giggled. I knew he would be surprised.
“Show me the ring!” suddenly mom demanded, rushing towards me like an excited teenager. I showed her and she squealed in excitement.
“Oh this is so pretty!” she exclaimed, hugging me and placing a k**s on my forehead. “My baby has grown up.” She said, her eyes glossing with tears.
It only added to Elliot’s amazement.
“Mom, dad? Elliot said that you had decided to have the wedding during the coronation?” I asked.
“Oh yes. That would be better. We don’t have enough time to hold a wedding before the coronation ceremony. So it would be best to have it together.” Dad stated.
“We could crown both of you then,” Mom added.
“Oh..” paused my lips.
“Why?” Mom asked, frowning.
“I think the one who rejected me would be there that day,” I told them. I felt Elliot go stiff beside me.
“He is an alpha?” Father asked, his face drastically changing. His jaws clenched.
“It is okay dad. I have moved on.” I told them quickly. I didn’t care what he did. He could go on with his miserable life. I just didn’t care.
“If that is so, it would be okay to hold the wedding that day.” Mom stated, gazing into my eyes meaningfully.
I gulped and nodded.
I guess…