EPILOGUE
Mia’s POV
*One year later
“Miss Stewart, the textile company in
India already confirmed. They can send
the material next week.” My executive
assistant said over the phone.
“That’s great, Addison. By the way, call
the advertising agency for an appointment
this Friday here in the office. Make it in
the afternoon.”
“Yes, maam.”
I closed my eyes and leaned my head on
my chair, breathing deeply. It was a very
hectic day, but I loved every minute of it.
I was happy and fulfilled. I got to apply
what I learned in school and made
decisions everyday.
I have my own swimwear company. It was very hard at first, but in the long run, I made it big. After six months the business was recognized in international market. I heard the door opened then snapped
shut. I knew it was him.
He’d been very patient with me. Allowing me to be me and do what I wanted in life. He never questioned my decisions. He never demanded. He never dictated. He was there, always supporting me.
I slowly opened my eyes. I saw a big
bouquet of red roses in front of me. His
face was hidden by the beautiful flowers.
“Do you like it?” Xander asked.
“I love it.” I heaved a sigh.
He put the bouquet on my desk and moved towards me, giving me a deep, drugging kiss. “Are you ready to go?” “Yeah, I am.” I stood up, took my bag and bouquet with me. “Where are we going?” “I told you, it’s a surprise.” He pulled me
in his arms and kissed me again.
“But I’m not dressed for dinner.”
“You always look beautiful, Mia.”
Xander and I continued our relationship
but we took everything slower this time.
We decided to start all over again and get
to know each other well. He discovered a
lot of things about me now – the real me,
and I discovered new things about him
too.
I lived in an apartment near the place
where my business was. Alone. Xander
disagreed, but it was for the better. I
needed to be on my own. To learn to
become independent.
Xander drove inside a secluded park –
above a hill. It was closed but the guard
let us in.
“What are we doing in here?” I looked
around the place, it was dark and creepy.
The lights gleaming were only the city
lights below.
“Just wait.” He continued driving until he
parked the car.
We walked in a narrow pathway until we
arrived in a secluded theme park. There
were rollercoaster, ferris wheel, carousel
and other rides. Lights shone brightly
everywhere. The carousel was moving
slowly with the music box sound.
“This is so beautiful.” I was in awe looking around the theme park. Xander knew how I loved it. It reminded me of the times when my mom and dad were still together, and they brought me to the theme park.
“I know you’ll love it,” he said and took
my hand, guided me to a candlelight dinner table at the other end, surrounded with beautiful flowers and lanterns. There was a romantic violin and orchestra playing.
“Wow, are you trying to impress me, Mr.
Valiente?”
“Am I succeeding?” He winked at me
flirtatiously.
“You know you are.” I smiled and sat on a chair he pulled for me.
I enjoyed our dinner. It was so romantic.
Made me fall in love with Xander more
and more. He was all I’ve ever wanted. I
didn’t know how life would be without
him in my life. Since we got back
together, he never stopped courting me.
Impressing me. Making me happy and at
the same time, being so patient.
“Why are you doing this, Xander?”
“You know why, Mia. I love you so much.” “I love you too, Xander. But… what’s the occasion? Why are we here? Are you going to propose to me again?”
“No.” He answered briefly, eating his
steak.
“No?” I felt a twinge of disappointment.
“Why not?”
“What’s the use? You’ll turn me down
again.”
I put my fork on my plate and sighed heavily. I felt disappointed. “You mean you’re not going to propose to me again?” “No.”
“What if I’ll say Yes this time?” I almost
shouted.
“Why? Are you going to say Yes tonight?”
He asked.
“Yes! Of course!”
He smiled with satisfaction. “Look behind you.”
I was shocked. Speechless.
At the city lights, I saw a big billboard, the red lights glittering ‘Will You Marry Me Mia.”
Xander stood up and went towards where
I was sitting. With one bended knee, he
asked me. “You know how much I love
you, Mia. Since we’ve been together, I’ve
never stopped loving you. You’re my life,
my everything. I promise to make you
happy always and not to make you cry. I
will be loyal, sincere and honest to you.
Please make me the happiest man on
earth. Will you marry me?”
I couldn’t help but cry. With trembling
lips, I said. “Yes.”
***
One month later, we got married. We
went to Phuket, Thailand for a one-week
honeymoon. We enjoyed the crystal clear
water and white sand beach. Strolling in
the morning hand in hand and barefoot,
having romantic dinners and making love
in the beautiful villa. Made us so happy
and more in love with each other.
One year later, our first child was born. A handsome baby boy, we named Noah. Then after one and a half years, we had another baby boy, Christian. Our two boys completed me and Xander – as a family. I stopped running away and pretending
amnesia again. It was a very immature
thing to do. I was just thankful that
Xander had a lot of patience and loved me wholeheartedly. I wouldn’t dare hurt him again. I loved him so much, as well as my two boys, Noah and Christian. I wouldn’t run again because I preferred to stay with them forever and always.
Thanks to Neilani for this short story.
God bless us all