The trip had ended, but something had shifted—something sacred. The air between Ava and Damien was softer now, like the calm after a storm that had nearly wrecked them. They had survived distance, doubt, pain, and the chaos of everything in between.
And now… they stood at the edge of something new.
Damien took Ava's hand that evening and quietly led her to the rooftop of his apartment building. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in warm golds and soft pinks. Fairy lights wrapped around the terrace railings flickered to life, casting a dreamy glow.
Ava blinked in surprise. "What's all this?"
Damien didn't answer at first. He just watched her—really watched her—with eyes that had seen her at her worst and still loved her more with every broken piece.
"Ava," he whispered, tugging her closer. "I've rehearsed this a thousand times, but somehow… none of those versions felt right. Because I realized it's not about perfect words or perfect timing. It's about you."
She stared at him, heart pounding.
He exhaled shakily. "You wrecked me, you know that? Completely. And I let you. I loved you when I wasn't supposed to. When it hurt. When it broke me. But I never stopped. Not even for a second."
Her eyes brimmed with tears, her throat tightening.
"I don't want a life where you're just someone I once knew. I want a life where you're beside me—angry, messy, loud, soft, brilliant… you. All of you." His voice broke as he dropped to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his coat pocket.
Ava gasped, hands flying to her mouth.
Damien opened the box. The ring sparkled, but not more than his tearful eyes.
"I don't have everything figured out, Ava. I won't always know the right words or how to fix everything. But I know this—" he looked up, voice shaking, "—I want to wake up next to you every day. I want to fight with you and make up with you. I want to protect you, grow old with you, and spend every morning memorizing the way your eyes crinkle when you smile."
She let out a choked sob, tears falling freely now.
Damien's voice was barely a whisper. "Ava Canter, will you marry me?"
She didn't speak—couldn't. She sank to her knees in front of him, cupping his face with trembling hands as she kissed him hard, tears mixing with laughter and breathless joy.
"Yes," she finally managed, crying into his chest. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes."
Damien held her tighter than ever, as if afraid the world would pull her away again. But this time, there was no running. No secrets. No unfinished promises.
This time, it was forever.