“Are you ready,tesoro?”
I turned at the sound of his voice, my breath catching. Ronan stood there, his grayish-blue eyes locking onto mine, and devastatingly handsome, dressed in a tailored black suit that fit him like a second skin. My biggest supporter. The love of my life.
“You’re here.” I moved into him, my lips pressing against his in a kiss that steadied me,anchored me.
He cupped my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek. “Where else would I be,amore mio?”
A flicker of warmth spread through my chest, momentarily dulling the nerves clenching my stomach. Before I could respond, a coordinator rushed by, headset in place. “Ten minutes!”
Showtime.
We stepped onto the main floor, where the front row was already occupied by the biggest names in fashion. Editors fromVogue, Essence,andHarper’s Bazaarperched elegantly, pens poised. Buyers from luxury retailers leaned in, whispering amongst themselves. Industry legends—designers whose work I had worshiped for years—sat watching, waiting.
The first model stepped onto the runway. Applause swelled like an incoming tide.
Look after look, my collection unfolded before the world. Flowing fabrics caught the light, structured silhouettes glided down the catwalk with effortless grace. The audience barely blinked, mesmerized. My designs were everything I had envisioned—feminine yet powerful, timeless yet fresh.
I felt Ronan’s presence beside me, his fingers brushing against mine in quiet reassurance.
Then, the finale. A gown in rich ivory, embroidered by hand with silver thread and scattered pearls. The model walked with slow, deliberate steps, letting the masterpiece speak foritself. When she reached the end of the runway, a breathless silence lingered before the entire venue erupted into applause. I exhaled.
I did it.
As the models walked their final lap, I stepped onto the runway, the sound of my own heels drowned out by the deafening ovation. I felt the burn of tears but blinked them back, lifting my chin. Cameras flashed.
Then came the photo op. My people—my family—surrounded me.
My mother, her eyes glistening with pride. Inaya, my best friend, squeezed my hand so tight it hurt. Francesca, glowing with happiness, stood beside Alejandro—her boyfriendnow, which still shocked me.
Dillon, my cousin, grinning like he had been the one to design the collection himself. Mara, effortlessly chic, her phone already out to capture everything. And Azzaria—radiant, a hand resting on her growing belly—beaming at me.The fact that I was designing her wedding dress as a collaboration with Vivienne Westwood still didn’t feel real.
And Ronan. Always Ronan. His arm looped around my waist, his lips pressing against my temple, whispering words only meant for me.
I had dreamed of this moment.But the reality?
The reality was so much sweeter.
The night was winding down, and as I said my goodbyes, Ronan’s fingers laced through mine, his grip warm and steady. “Let’s get out of here,” he murmured, his breath tickling my ear.
We stepped outside, the cool New York air wrapping around us. A car waited at the curb, and he helped me inside before sliding in beside me. The drive was quiet, filled with the hum of the city and the comfortable silence between us. I didn’t know where we were going, but I trusted Ronan implicitly.
When we finally pulled up to an unfamiliar place, he stepped out first and rounded the car to open my door. I tilted my head up at him, exhaustion laced with amusement. “Are you going to carry me? My feet hurt.”
He smirked. “Of course.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Wow, you really are obsessed with me.”
His expression softened. “My sole purpose for breathing is to love you, Nina.”
My heart clenched at his words. I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against his lips. “My feet don’t hurt. I’ll walk.”
He kissed me again, slow and deliberate, before letting me go. We stepped inside, and immediately, the world around me turned dark. I blinked, adjusting to the lack of light. “Ronan?”
Before he could answer, the lights flickered on.
I gasped.
Peonies. Everywhere. Hundreds—no, thousands—in every shade imaginable. Petals covered every surface, their fragrance filling the air, a delicate, lovely scene. It was breathtaking.
