7. Chapter 7

Chapter seven

S mall shards of glass drift through the air, shimmering like fragments of stardust against the night sky. Each piece catches the faintest glimmer of light as it dances through the darkness. In slow motion, specks of crimson—streaks of blood—trace their way past me, their vivid hue contrasting sharply with the surrounding shadows. As my senses struggle to grasp the scene unfolding before me, I notice that more and more of the blood comes into view, painting a stark and haunting picture.

Bright lights cut through the chaos, their beams slicing through the confusion and coming into direct contact with me, blinding and disorienting. The sensation is jarring, like a harsh wake-up call that only adds to my mounting sense of bewilderment. It feels as if I’m floating in a disorienting dream, the edges of reality blurring as if I’ve been sedated or drugged.

The cacophony around me is a symphony of chaos: the blaring, unrelenting sound of a horn, the shrill, piercing screech of tires on asphalt—each noise punctuates the disarray. It’s a relentless assault on my senses, and I’m unable to make sense of it all. Then, as if the world itself is collapsing in on me, everything suddenly fades to black. The tumultuous noise, the blinding lights, the vivid images—all dissolve into an engulfing void. Silence and darkness envelop me, swallowing the chaos whole, leaving nothing but an all-consuming, impenetrable blackness.

Shooting up in bed, my chest heaving and heart pounding like a jackhammer, I wake in a fog of disorientation, struggling to piece together where I am. The room, bathed in soft morning light, slowly comes into focus, revealing that I’m alone. Laelia isn’t beside me. She must be down in her office, hard at work, or perhaps she’s already left for the day. Her absence is evident, an emptiness that lingers in the stillness of the room.

Usually, Laelia’s morning routine involves gently waking me with a kiss before heading off to her demanding job. But since the accident, her routine has shifted. The weight of her responsibilities seems to have taken over, and with her return to work, it’s clear that the workload has become overwhelming. I understand why she might not have the time or energy for those small but cherished rituals we once shared.

With a heavy sigh, I run my fingers through my dishevelled hair and flop back onto the bed, letting out another frustrated groan. What the hell was that dream about? Fragments of it flicker at the edge of my memory, elusive and haunting. It felt so real, unlike any nightmare I’ve experienced in years. I’ve grown accustomed to dreams filled with playful fantasies about celebrities or hopeful glimpses into my future with Laelia. But this—whatever it was—felt disturbingly different.

I flip over, burying my face into the pillow and letting out a muffled moan of discomfort. My body aches, a reminder of my recent injury. I must have slept in an awkward position, and it’s certainly not helping my already sore ribs. I need to be cautious about my recovery, but going back to work so soon has already set me back. The longing for my motorbike, which has been absent from my life for just a month, only adds to my frustration. I miss the freedom it offered, the thrill of the open road that now feels like a distant memory.

Raising myself up, I take in the room’s details. My gaze falls on the bedside table, where the blue roses I placed there last night are now wilting slightly. Next to them is an empty coffee mug. Laelia’s choice of decaf, though she’s always yearning for the real thing. Her love for coffee has remained consistent over the years, always with the same order from Costa or Starbucks, accompanied by her signature cherry red lipstick, leaving its mark on every cup she uses. The sight of the lipstick stain on the mug is a small but poignant reminder of her presence.

As I move the cup to examine it more closely, something catches my eye—a glint of light reflecting off something hidden behind the mug. Reaching forward, I discover her engagement ring nestled in the small space. She must have removed it before her shower last night and forgot to put it back on. It’s a common occurrence, and though she often panics when she realises, I always reassure her that it’s not a big deal. Gently, I slide the ring back onto her finger whenever she’s around.

Holding the ring in my hand, I admire the diamond’s brilliance and the engraved words ‘Always and Forever’ on the inner band. The memory of presenting this ring to her just over three months ago rushes back, filling me with warmth and nostalgia. It was a moment of profound significance, a symbol of our enduring commitment and love.

4th March 2023

As much as I might not look it, sitting here next to her on this long plane journey, enduring the tedium of two layovers before we finally reach Troms?, Norway, my heart is racing with a mix of excitement and sheer terror. We've been travelling for seven hours now, and as the anticipation builds, I find myself nervously counting down the minutes.

We've come all this way to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders—the Northern Lights—and to fulfil a dream of hers. But more than that, I have an even greater plan in mind: to ask her to marry me beneath the shimmering aurora.

What could be more magical than a proposal set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, dancing in the Arctic sky? I can hardly imagine a more perfect setting to take this monumental step, and I desperately hope that everything goes according to plan. The pressure is on; I’ve faced my share of mishaps in my quest to propose.

There was the time we went to that restaurant, and in a bizarre twist of fate, our table caught fire. Then there was the day at the fun fair when a child’s unfortunate accident left me covered in vomit. And let’s not forget the romantic picnic we had planned, which seemed perfect until a torrential downpour turned it into a soggy mess. Each time, my hopes seemed to slip away like sand through my fingers.

This time, though, it’s different. This time, I’ve chosen the Northern Lights because they’ve been a dream of hers for as long as I’ve known her. I want to make that dream come true, and I want it to be entwined with a moment she will cherish forever. I hope, with all my heart, that when I ask her to be my wife, she’ll say yes.

Hiding the ring has been its own adventure—one that has tested my patience and creativity. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had to move it to a new hiding spot, desperately hoping she wouldn’t stumble upon it. Each time she’s come close to discovering it, my heart has nearly stopped.

From the moment we rekindled our love, I’ve known that I wanted a future with her. I’ve known that one day, I would ask her to be mine forever. As I sit here, waiting for our plane to land, my mind is filled with dreams of that perfect proposal and the hope that it will be everything we both have ever wished for.

As the plane begins its descent and the seat-belt signs flicker off, a wave of anticipation washes over the cabin. The usual rush to stand up and retrieve carry-ons ensues, but Laelia remains seated, her eyes barely open. She mumbles sleepily about her desire to sleep longer, and I can’t help but chuckle at her adorable grumbling. Her eyes, half-closed and heavy, shoot me a mockingly stern look, though it's clear she’s more amused than annoyed.

Laelia’s struggle with sleep is something I’ve come to recognise over the past month. She’s been perpetually tired, and it’s no wonder. Her workload has nearly doubled, pushing her to the edge. Her job, which involves working for a learning disability service, is both demanding and emotionally draining. Her role encompasses providing care, support, and assistance with schooling, work, and finances for those in need. Recently, she’s been assigned a particularly challenging case—a child who’s been shuffled through various systems and is now at their last stop, with Laelia’s team being their final hope. The case file she’s inherited is so voluminous that she’s spent an entire month painstakingly working through only half of it, ensuring that every detail is scrutinised to prevent any further mishaps.

What I admire most about Laelia is her unwavering dedication and boundless compassion. Despite the immense pressure, she dives deep into each case with a level of empathy that is truly inspiring. Her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of her clients—be that children, teenagers, adults, or their families—is nothing short of remarkable. She goes above and beyond, driven by a genuine desire to help and make things right.

As we disembark the plane, Laelia reaches for my arm, seeking a steadying presence as we navigate the busy airport. We make our way to the luggage carousel, where we find ourselves waiting for what seems like an eternity as the bags slowly begin to appear. After collecting our belongings, we head towards the coach that will take us to our hotel—a much-needed respite from the relentless pace of life.

During the forty-minute drive, Laelia succumbs to exhaustion once more, her head gently resting on my arm. Her contented sigh and the occasional drool that escapes her lips cause me to smile. In those moments, I’m reminded of her vulnerability and the fact that beneath her undeniable beauty and grace, she’s as human as anyone else, complete with endearing imperfections.

As the coach rolls on towards our destination, I’m filled with a sense of warmth and gratitude. Despite the challenges she faces, Laelia remains a source of light and inspiration. Our upcoming holiday will offer her a much-deserved break and a chance to recharge, and I’m eager to share this time with her, to unwind and revel in the joy of simply being together.

As we arrive at the hotel, I gently raise my hand and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes flutter open, and she quickly looks around, a bit disoriented. She hastily wipes her mouth and glances down at my sleeve, noticing the drool from her unintended nap.

“I’m so sorry,” she murmurs, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she bites her lip.

I can’t help but chuckle softly. “You’re lucky you’re so beautiful,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.

Once we step off the coach, we linger beside it, eagerly waiting for our bags to be unloaded. I’m bubbling with excitement, especially since I’ve upgraded every aspect of our trip as a surprise for her. I can hardly wait to see the astonished look on her face when she realises just how luxurious our stay will be.

As we approach the hotel, the grandeur of the lobby begins to unfold before us. The space is bathed in soft light, highlighting the ivory satin-painted walls that complement the rich oak beams crisscrossing the ceiling. The reception counter, crafted from polished oak, stands at the heart of this elegant setting. In the centre of the lobby, an impressive oak table is surrounded by satin-upholstered chairs, their colour perfectly harmonising with the walls. The entire atmosphere exudes warmth and sophistication.

Overhead, a magnificent chandelier dangles gracefully, its crystals casting a mesmerising dance of light and creating shimmering diamond patterns across the floor. It feels as if we are strolling beneath a canopy of stars.

To our left, a cosy alcove beckons with its cream-coloured chairs and pale green couches, adorned with intricate beading that forms swirling patterns on the arms. The space is filled with guests engrossed in lively conversations, enjoying the comfortable and inviting ambience. Families, friends, and couples alike seem to be savouring the serene and homely comforts this exquisite hotel provides.

I can’t wait to see her reaction to all of this—every detail meticulously chosen to make our stay unforgettable.

Laelia stops midway into the lobby and turns to face me, a sceptical eyebrow raised. “Since when did we book this hotel?” she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

I shrug casually. “I upgraded us,” I reply, a hint of mischief in my tone.

“Why?” she presses, her gaze steady.

“Because I wanted to,” I answer with a grin.

A faint blush colours her cheeks as she turns her attention back to the reception desk, clearly touched but trying to maintain her composure. After a quick check-in, the receptionist hands me a sleek key card, and we make our way out of the lobby. We walk down a long, elegant corridor before stepping into a lift that ascends to our floor.

Once we reach our room, I use the fob on the door, and the lock’s light turns a satisfying green. I push the door open, gesturing for Laelia to go ahead. As she steps into the room, her eyes widen, and her jaw drops in sheer amazement. The deluxe suite is a feast for the senses: the walls are adorned in a soft, sophisticated grey, and the real oak flooring adds a warm, earthy touch.

To the left, a forest green couch beckons, draped with a cosy cotton blanket. In front of it, an oak table holds a delicate crystal vase filled with vibrant blue roses—an extra touch I arranged with the hotel for an additional fee, knowing how much she adores blue roses.

I watch as Laelia eagerly moves to the window, her excitement palpable. She draws back the satin grey curtains, and her face lights up as she takes in the breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains stretching into the distance. A wide, genuine smile spreads across her face.

“It’s beautiful,” she says softly, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Thank you.”

Her reaction fills me with satisfaction, and I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s moments like these that make every effort worthwhile.

Before I can even utter a word, she dashes through the doorway and into the bedroom, her excited squeal echoing off the walls. I follow, dragging our suitcases behind me, and enter to find the room bathed in the same elegant colour scheme of deep greens and rich woods. The centrepiece is a magnificent king-sized bed adorned with forest green linens that look both inviting and luxurious.

As I step further in, I see her eyes wide with wonder as she surveys the room. Her gaze lingers on the intricately carved oak furniture, its details accentuated by delicate gold paint. It’s clear that this is the most opulent hotel we’ve ever stayed in, and it’s the best in the area—something I believe she truly deserves.

Without warning, she flings herself into my arms, pressing her lips to mine in a passionate kiss. I respond eagerly, my hands roaming over her body, but she gently pushes me away.

“As much as I would love to, I’m so exhausted I feel like I’d fall asleep during sex,” she admits with a playful grin.

I chuckle softly, my lips brushing against her neck. “I’m certain you’ll be wide awake when I’m finished with you,” I tease, eliciting a soft moan from her as my kisses travel to her collarbone.

She swats my arm playfully, laughing. “Sleep,” she drags out the word as she steps back. “Nice try, but the puppy dog look isn’t going to work. It’s one in the morning, and I need my beauty sleep.”

I feign a pout, which only makes her laugh more. She opens her suitcase and starts pulling out her pyjamas, while I come up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and planting a kiss on her cheek. “But you’re already so beautiful,” I whisper.

She relaxes against me, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “I’ll take falling asleep in your arms right now,” she murmurs.

“Deal,” I reply, releasing her gently. She grabs one of my band t-shirts and a small box from her suitcase, disappearing into the bathroom for a moment. When she emerges, she’s wearing the oversized shirt, her hair tumbling loosely around her shoulders. Her appearance is effortlessly stunning, even as she yawns.

My gaze falls to her feet, and I can’t help but laugh. Perched on her feet are adorable bunny slippers, with ears that nearly touch the floor and a pompom on the back that mimics a tail.

“When did you get those?” I ask, eyeing her fluffy footwear.

“When I knew we were coming on holiday,” she replies, smiling down at her feet. “They’re cute and comfy.”

She sits on the edge of the bed, removes the slippers, and then slides under the covers. Her eyes flutter shut the moment her head hits the pillow. “Now get in bed and cuddle me,” she commands, already drifting off.

With a chuckle, I shed my clothes until I’m only in my boxers and make my way around the bed. I slide under the covers, and she immediately latches onto me, her arm draping over my stomach, her head nestled in the crook of my neck.

Turning to face her, I see that she hasn’t moved; her arm remains securely around me. I wrap my own arm around her, and she snuggles even closer, her head burrowing into my chest, her warm breath tickling my skin.

I press a tender kiss to the top of her head, and her soft hum in her sleep brings a smile to my face. “I love you,” I whisper, though she remains deep in slumber, unaware of my words.

I pull the duvet up a little higher, ensuring she’s snug and warm. Closing my eyes, I let myself drift off, dreaming that tonight my heart’s deepest wish will come true and that she’ll say yes to everything I hope for.

Once we were up and about, we dedicated our day to exploring and indulging in every quaint food spot we could find. For breakfast, I savoured a stack of fluffy pancakes layered with crispy bacon and drenched in rich maple syrup. For lunch, a juicy, satisfying burger was the perfect choice. By the time tea rolled around, I decided to be adventurous and tried reindeer steak. To my surprise, it wasn't as off-putting as I'd anticipated, but it's not something I plan on having again, especially with Laelia's running commentary about how I'd dined on one of Santa's reindeer.

Now, it's ten thirty at night, and we're perched at the summit of one of the small mountains, surrounded by other eager tourists, all waiting for the Northern Lights to make their grand appearance. The hotel staff had assured us that if we stayed until around midnight, the celestial display should begin. Thanks to my extensive pre-trip research, I know that the prime viewing season spans from September to April, and with it being March, we're perfectly timed to witness the breathtaking hues that transform the night sky.

Fortunately, we're bundled up in our winter gear—coats, hats, scarves, and gloves—ensuring we're snug and warm as the temperature drops further. My plan is to wait until the Northern Lights make their appearance, allowing Laelia to fully enjoy the view before I get down on one knee. However, the longer I wait, the more my nerves start to fray. I can't shake the feeling that she might sense something is amiss, given how often she glances in my direction. Fortunately, she hasn’t asked outright, and I’m relieved because I know that if she did, I’d probably say something that would jeopardise everything I’ve meticulously planned.

As I sit there, I feel her leaning into me, her head resting gently on my arm. I find myself lost in admiration as I watch her, her gaze fixed on the sky, blissfully unaware of my adoring stare. Occasionally, she wrinkles her nose or her cheeks flush with a rosy hue from the cold air, and my heart swells with affection. I’m eager to ask her to be mine, yet I know patience is key.

Suddenly, her eyes light up with excitement, and her mouth falls open in awe. I follow her gaze, and there it is—an awe-inspiring display of green and blue hues swirling gracefully across the dark, velvety sky. The Northern Lights are finally here, and as I take in their ethereal beauty, I realise that this moment is the perfect backdrop for what I’ve been planning.

As I watch her gently pull away, a flutter of anticipation dances in my chest. She stands, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and reaches into her pocket to pull out her phone. With a joyful smile, she begins capturing the beauty of the Northern Lights, her camera clicking incessantly as she tries to preserve every magical moment of our shared experience.

The moment feels right. I take a steadying breath and reach into my left pocket, retrieving a small, elegant blue velvet box. The soft glow of the auroras seems to bathe the box in a warm, otherworldly light as I carefully lower myself onto one knee, holding the box out in front of me.

I extend the box towards her, my heart racing with a mix of nervousness and hope. But she’s so engrossed in her photography that she remains blissfully unaware of my gesture. As I hold my position, I start to notice curious glances from passers-by, their eyes wide with curiosity and recognition. The realisation dawns on me that they’re all witnessing this moment, their whispers and smiles adding to the growing anticipation.

Her attention is finally drawn away from her camera when she senses the collective gaze of the crowd. She turns, her eyes scanning the faces around us, clearly puzzled by the unexpected attention.

“Why are they staring—” Her voice trails off as she finally turns her gaze towards me. The words catch in her throat, and her eyes widen in disbelief. Her expression shifts from one of utter confusion to a mixture of astonishment and joy. She blinks rapidly, as if trying to wake herself from a dream, and then, in a gesture both endearing and surreal, she pinches her arm gently to confirm the reality of this breathtaking moment.

Her eyes meet mine, shimmering with tears of happiness as she takes in the sight of the ring and the depth of my feelings. In that suspended moment, surrounded by the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights and the approving murmurs of onlookers, I hold my breath, waiting for her answer, hoping that she can see how much she means to me.

“I promise, this is real,” I say, my voice trembling with emotion as I see the surprise and disbelief mingling with tears in her eyes. Laelia’s hand instinctively covers her mouth, and I can’t help but marvel at how profoundly this moment is affecting us both. “Laelia, when we were children, my heart was yours in a way that I can’t fully describe. But meeting you again a few years ago, I realised that my love for you had never faded—not even for a heartbeat. Everyone who came after you was merely a shadow compared to the brilliance you brought into my life. They could never measure up to the joy and love that you have given me, and continue to give me every day. You are my everything, and the thought of losing you is unbearable. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife? Will you make me the happiest man alive by saying yes? Because, Laelia, I can’t imagine a world where you’re not by my side.”

By the time my words have settled into the air, Laelia is kneeling in front of me, tears streaming down her cheeks as she kisses me with a passion that takes my breath away. “Yes, Killian. A thousand times yes,” she cries, her smile widening and illuminating her entire face.

I glance at her hand, and she swiftly removes her glove, her eyes never leaving mine. I reach for the ring box, but in my excitement, I realise that I haven't even opened it yet. “Oh no,” I laugh, and she joins in with a joyful chuckle.

She gently cradles my face in her hands, her eyes soft and full of love. “I don’t need to see the ring to know that my answer is yes,” she whispers. “You are my everything too, Killian. Without you, I’d be lost.”

With a swift kiss that feels like it seals our fate, I open the box, revealing a sparkling ring that catches the light with a brilliance that seems to echo the very stars above, causing her own eyes to gleam with wonder as she takes in the ring. “It’s beautiful,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

As I carefully lift the one-point-two-five-carat, nine-k white gold ring with its natural heart-shaped diamond, she eagerly extends her hand towards me. My heart swells with love and pride as I slip the ring onto her finger, feeling the weight of all my savings in this single, perfect symbol of our future. Every penny spent has been worth it to see her radiant smile.

My own eyes begin to sting with tears of joy. I look up at her, our foreheads touching as I kiss her tenderly, feeling her melt into my embrace. A round of applause erupts around us, and we both pull away to glance at the crowd, sharing a light laugh at the unexpected celebration we’ve stirred.

Tears of happiness stream down my face as I gaze at her, my heart full. Laelia’s eyes are fixed on the lights and the sea of faces surrounding us, but I only have eyes for her. In this moment, amid the clamour and the joy, everything feels right, and I know that no matter what comes next, we are exactly where we are meant to be.