The lake shimmered beneath the moonlight as Aaron and Celina stood in each other's arms.
Neither of them wanted to be the first to let go.
Celina rested her head against Aaron's chest.
She could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
It was calm.
Strong.
Safe.
She smiled.
"So..."
Aaron looked down at her.
"So?"
"I finally understand why everyone says time flies when you're happy."
He chuckled softly.
"I was just thinking the same thing."
She looked up.
"You were?"
He nodded.
"If I could..."
"I'd stop tonight from ending."
Her heart fluttered.
She reached for his hand once again, intertwining their fingers.
"Then let's pretend."
"Pretend what?"
"That we have just five more minutes."
Aaron smiled warmly.
"Only five?"
She laughed.
"If I say an hour, you'll blame me for making you late."
He laughed—a genuine laugh that echoed across the quiet lake.
"I don't think I've laughed this much in years."
"And I don't think I've smiled this much."
For a moment...
Neither spoke.
They simply admired each other.
Aaron gently brushed his thumb across the back of her hand.
"I've been wondering something."
"What is it?"
"Were you nervous before tonight?"
Celina laughed.
"Nervous?"
"I changed my dress four times."
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
"I changed my suit three."
They looked at each other.
Then burst into laughter.
"So..."
Celina teased.
"The famous Aaron Steel gets nervous?"
"Only around one person."
"And who is she?"
He stepped closer.
"The beautiful woman standing in front of me."
Her cheeks warmed immediately.
"You enjoy making me blush."
"I do."
"Why?"
"Because every time you blush..."
"...I remember that I'm the reason."
She playfully nudged his arm.
"You're becoming very confident."
"I'm learning from you."
She tilted her head.
"Really?"
"You taught me it's okay to smile."
"You taught me it's okay to laugh."
"And tonight..."
He gently tucked another loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"You taught me it's okay to fall in love."
Tears shimmered in Celina's eyes again.
Aaron sighed dramatically.
"I told you..."
"No crying."
She laughed through her tears.
"I can't help it."
"You're saying all the things I've always dreamed of hearing."
He gently lifted her chin.
"Then let me say one more."
She looked into his eyes.
"You'll never have to face life alone again."
The words settled deep inside her heart.
Before she realized it...
She wrapped her arms around him once more.
Holding him tightly.
As though she were afraid the night might disappear.
Aaron closed his eyes and embraced her.
Neither noticed...
From across the lake...
A black SUV had quietly arrived.
Inside...
Victor watched them in silence.
Another man sat beside him.
"That's her?"
Victor nodded.
The man studied Celina through binoculars.
"She doesn't look dangerous."
Victor answered quietly.
"She isn't."
"Then why are we here?"
Victor's jaw tightened.
"Because someone powerful believes she is."
His phone vibrated.
The same cold voice spoke.
"Tomorrow morning."
"Begin."
Victor looked toward the couple one last time.
Aaron was smiling.
Celina was laughing.
For a brief moment...
Victor wished he could ignore the order.
But he couldn't.
"Understood."
The call ended.
Back by the lake...
Aaron reluctantly glanced at his watch.
"I suppose I should take you home."
Celina smiled.
"I suppose you should."
Neither moved.
Aaron laughed.
"We're terrible at saying goodbye."
"A little."
He gently took her hand and kissed it.
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
She nodded.
"You'd better."
He opened the car door for her.
Before she got in...
She suddenly turned back.
"What is it?"
She smiled mischievously.
"I think..."
"You forgot something."
Aaron looked confused.
"I did?"
She stood on her tiptoes...
Pressed a quick, gentle kiss against his cheek...
Then hurried into the car before he could react.
Aaron stood frozen.
Watching her.
Touching the place where she had kissed him.
As she rolled down the window...
She laughed.
"Goodnight, Aaron."
He smiled wider than ever before.
"Goodnight..."
"...my beautiful Celina."
The car drove into the night.
Neither of them knew...
That by sunrise...
Their peaceful world would begin to change forever.