“Ronan…” I whispered, confusion clouding my voice.
He smirked, flicking on the light. My heart dropped, and tears immediately welled in my eyes as I took in the sight.
“What the fuck?”I gasped, overwhelmed. The boutique was a dream come to life. Peonies adorned the entrance, creating an elegant arch. Inside, fabric rolls of every color and texturelined the walls, while luxurious seating areas were scattered throughout. The space was immaculate, from the polished floors to the mannequins dressed in my designs.
“You didn’t…” I barely managed, my voice trembling with disbelief.
He squeezed my hand gently. “I did.”
He showed me around, each section of the boutique perfectly arranged. Workstations with sewing machines, cutting tables, and shelves of tools. The lighting was soft, casting a warm glow over everything. I hugged him tightly, tears flowing freely as I felt a wave of safety and warmth. The walls I’d built around my heart began to crumble in his embrace.
“How did you do all this?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
“You mentioned it at the gala,” he said softly, his hand stroking my back. “I know how tough it’s been for you, especially with the market here. I knew you needed this space for your deal with Eminence.”
I couldn’t find the words, so I kissed him instead—a slow, tender kiss full of gratitude. His lips were warm, perfectly in sync with mine, and everything else faded away.
He pulled back slightly, forehead resting against mine, a smile tugging at his lips. “Come on, let me show you more.”
He led me around the boutique, pointing out thoughtful details—embroidered pillows, handpicked fabrics, and vintage furniture. It was as if he had reached into my mind and brought my dreams to life.
Finally, we reached a door at the back. “This is your office,” he said, opening the door and gesturing for me to enter first.
Inside, I froze. The office was a perfect blend of elegance and functionality. A beautifully crafted desk sat in the center, with shelves of fashion books and sketches. On the walls, framed pictures from my fashion show, photos of me with Inaya, andcherished images of my mother hung proudly. And there, in a frame, was the Vogue article—my proudest moment.
A soft pink rug covered the floor, adding warmth to the room. A vase of fresh peonies sat on a small table by the window, their sweet fragrance filling the air. A bulletin board with pinned sketches, ideas, and notes stood nearby.
Tears welled up again as I turned to him. “It’s perfect,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
He pulled me into his arms. “I’m glad you think so.”
In that moment, I realized that with him, happiness wasn’t a fleeting feeling—it was something real and lasting.
Ronan reached into the top drawer of the desk and handed me a heavy, neatly bound folder. “Here.”
I glanced at it, confused. “What’s this?”
“It’s a portfolio with the best seamstresses, cashiers, and other staff you’ll need to run your business here. They’re top-notch and a call away. Say the word, and I’ll handle it.”
My heart swelled as I took the folder, my hands trembling. I was overwhelmed, my mind racing with the enormity of his gesture. He had thought of everything, and it felt like a lifetime of dreams unfolding before me.
He drew close, his breath warm against my ear, and whispered with raw intensity, “I love you. My heart has always been irrevocably yours. Even if the stars fell and reality unraveled, my love for you would remain unshaken. I don’t ask for a promise or expect you to mirror my feelings, but I need you to know how deep I feel for you.”
Internally, I was consumed by a storm of emotions. The idea of hating Ronan seemed impossible. I could try to be indifferent, but it would be futile. Ronan was like a fever, burning steadily inside me, a passion so consuming it defied reason. His presence was unshakable, embedded deeply in my heart and soul. Our connection was like a vast, uncharted ocean—its depthsimmeasurable, its currents inescapable.
No matter how hard I tried, words could never capture the extent of my feelings. This was a love woven into the very essence of my being, shaping and defining me in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend.
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came. Instead, I whispered his name. Before I could say anything more, he gently kissed my lips.
“It’s okay,” he said softly. “ Just know I mean every word.”
We stood there in the heart of the boutique, surrounded by everything that symbolized my dreams and Ronan’s belief in me. My heart was brimming with gratitude and love, a peaceful fullness that made it hard to believe it was all real. Ronan made this happen for me, and everything felt perfectly aligned.
As we left the office, he handed me the keys, a soft smile on his face. “Don’t worry about rent or any expenses. Everything’s taken care of. The floral team will refresh the flowers every five days. Cleaners will come daily. Coffee, water, and snacks will be stocked weekly. And—”
He paused, his eyes locking onto mine. The look of pure admiration in my gaze seemed to take him by surprise.
“What?” His voice was gentle, almost vulnerable, like he was afraid of what he might find in me.
