Chapter Thirty-Six

It's been a couple of months since everything came to light, and to say things have changed would be the understatement of the century. The darkness that once hung over us has lifted, leaving behind a new sense of lightness. We're finding our way forward, and it feels like we're finally getting somewhere. Arlo is still Arlo—stubborn, arrogant, and undeniably himself—but I can see it in him, day by day. He's beginning to feel, against all odds, happier.

The aftermath of everything was as messy as expected. For weeks, Arlo was knocked back slightly because we had to continuously explain to countless people why Carmella was no longer in our lives, and although it was tough, most came to understand that disloyalty and deceit have no place in our family or our lives. It never will again.

Arlo is slowly starting to accept his new family. His real mom, Vivienne, even if it's with small steps. Jasper and he are closer than ever, and thankfully, he is even finding more trust in my mom.

I've decided to step back from the world of the Elite. My role felt complete the moment I saw Carmella fall to the ground with Arlo's bullet in her head. It was as if my welcome into this world had a purpose—to expose truths that might have never come to light otherwise, and to help Arlo. Now, my purpose there is done, I don't really need to be there. I'll always be ready to stand by him if needed, but for now, with how short and precious life feels, I want to be at home with the kids, embracing the role of being a mom.

I'll always carry the wisdom that I learned though, and if anything should happen again, I know I can always stand beside Arlo with my head held high because I was built for it, I've played my part, but for now, I'll watch him from afar, sitting on his throne like the king he always is.

I'm so fucking proud of him and to call him mine.

When I step out of the private car, the warm night air kisses my skin as I gaze up at the grand, historic building looming before me. Its dark, imposing facade matches with the glittery, black bag I clutch tightly in my hands. I take a deep breath and move forward, my heels clicking against the pavement. A man in a tailored suit opens the door with a small bow, and I step inside.

The interior is as magnificent as the exterior, with walls of black matte covered partially with antique paintings. The silence is almost ghostly, heightening my confusion. This is where Arlo asked me to meet him for dinner, yet the place is completely empty.

I pause in front of a massive mirror, adjusting myself before I see him. The black, sparkly dress fits snugly, with off-the-shoulder ruffled sleeves and a trail that sweeps elegantly across the floor. My hair is styled in a pretty updo, with two loose strands framing my face. The diamond necklace and earrings catch the light, adding a touch of sparkle.

A flicker of movement catches my eye in the shadows, and I notice another man standing by a set of grand double doors, framed by an arch of black and white sparkling roses. My brows knit together in curiosity as I walk towards him, my tall heels clicking with each step. He offers to take my bag, and I hesitantly hand it over. In exchange, he places a bouquet of black and white roses in my hands, gently ushering me through the doors.

My confusion grows, but I accept the flowers and step into the room. The door closes behind me with an echoing thud, and I glance down at the bouquet, my nose wrinkling slightly.

But when I finally lift my gaze, I am struck speechless, a gasp leaving me. The huge, dark, gothic hall that stretches out in front of me is only illuminated by candles—every inch of the floor is a sea of sparkling light, except for a narrow path. The candles are of various sizes, their flames flickering softly. The path is scattered with black and while rose petals, leading my eyes to the end where Arlo stands, alone. As I hear low classical music playing in the background, my focus is now entirely on him.

Dressed in a sharp black suit, he stands with his hands clasped in front of him. His presence almost makes my knees buck beneath me. I swallow hard, my emotions surging uncontrollably. Tears well up in my eyes as I take in the breathtaking scene, overwhelmed by the beauty here. The ceilings are so high I have to crane my neck, noticing it's decorated with a beautiful masterpiece of angels and demons.

Taking a steady breath, I keep my gaze locked on Arlo as I start walking forward. Each step is slow, my long dress trailing behind me and brushing over the rose petals strewn across the floor. His eyes follow my every moved with an intensity that makes my heart throb, his emotions perfectly controlled as always.

When I reach him, he extends his hand to me with his familiar confidence. I place mine in his, and without hesitation, he yanks me close, his arm slipping around the small of my back as usual. He holds me against him, his mouth finding mine in an earth shattering kiss that is both ferocious and tender, a low, possessive growl escaping him.

I smile against his lips before he pulls away, his eyes still locked onto mine. Just as I'm about to ask about the pretty setting, he lowers himself to one knee, then another. With him on both knees in front of me, my eyes widen and he takes my hand in his, rubbing my scar with his thumb like a nervous tic.

"You know what this is, beautiful," he says and the lump in my throat grows as his words sink in.

"No words would ever be enough," he continues, his other tattooed hand resting over his heart, "not enough meaning, not enough love, because it's fucking here. Locked away securely in a place that solely belongs to you. Only you."

In that moment, the room fades away, and all that matters is the undeniable emotion between us.

"But you're my fucking everything, Wren. The air I fucking breathe, the emotions that fill me inside, the eyes through which I see the only good in the world. You're the touch I crave, the strength that keeps me standing. You're every beat in my dark soul, the one I can't live without."

A tear slips down my cheek when I blink as he slides his hand in his inside pocket, presenting a black velvet box. He gently opens it, and I look inside, seeing it's a ring. It's simple silver band is encrusted with sparkling white and black diamonds, and it would match my previous one perfectly.

"You unravelled the beast in me, Wren, not to tame it, but to set it free. In my darkness, I found my light and my way forward. You. You bring out the best in me by embracing the worst. With you by my side, I know I'll never fall—unless it's to my fucking knees at your feet. And I

would do that proudly, for as long as our souls are entwined, if you'd let me."

I can't stop the sob crawling up my throat and I slap my hand over my mouth to stop it from escaping. Fuck. he's doing it, isn't he? He's going to say it without his dick inside me.

"Wren Hayes, will you officially become Mrs Hayes again, but this time as my wife?" he says with a hint of mischievousness.

I laugh, nodding through my tears, "yes."

Arlo stands with a smile, sliding the ring onto my finger, then we collide with an overwhelming fiery kiss. Just as we're getting into it, I hear clapping from a distance and break away, looking where it's coming from. I see Cree, Lumi and the whole family, the family we trust here, standing in the shadows at the back.

I smile, feeling happiness seeping into my pours. Arlo pulls me tighter against him and I gaze up at him. Looking all around his handsome face with my hand on his cheek.

"I love you my Arlo Hayes."