Chapter 223
Chapter 223:
The sky shimmered with stars, scattered so thickly it looked as though someone had spilled diamonds across a midnight canvas.
Austin followed Brinley’s gaze, the warmth of her weight sinking against his side. Brinley nestled closer, her head tipped onto his shoulder, the faint scent of wine on her breath.
“Austin…” Her murmur was soft, almost swallowed by the night. “You know, I used to believe my life would stay like this forever—that I’d never trust any man again p>
He tightened his arm around her, drawing her securely against him.
“But after meeting you, I realized maybe it isn’t so impossible.” She stifled a yawn, her words growing quieter. “You treat me so well it scares me sometimes… like all of this might vanish if I blink p>
“This isn’t a dream,” he murmured, lowering his head to press a gentle kiss to her hair. “I’m not going anywhere p>
Brinley fell silent, her breathing evening out as sleep claimed her.
She looked utterly at peace in his arms, her brow smooth—like a child who had finally found safety.
Austin didn’t move. He held her close as they sat there, surrounded by an endless sea of roses. He listened to her soft, rhythmic breaths, then lifted his gaze to the sky.
The warm glow of the nearby lamp painted her face in gentle light, softening every line and making her look almost ethereal. Austin reached into his pocket and drew out a small velvet box. When he opened it, the moonlight caught the ring inside—a simple band crowned with a delicate, star-shaped diamond that glittered faintly like a fallen star.
𝘓𝗮𝗍𝗲st chaрt𝘦r𝘀 оո 𝘨a𝗹ո𝗼𝘃е𝗅𝘀.c𝘰𝗺
He had carried this gift for weeks, meaning to give it to her the night she confessed her love, yet each time it had felt too casual for something so important.
Now, with her asleep in his arms, the moment felt right.
He carefully took her left hand and slid the ring onto her finger. It slipped into place effortlessly, fitting her as though it had always belonged there.
“Brinley.” His voice dropped to a near whisper. “From the moment I first saw you, I never once thought about letting go. When the time’s right, I’ll tell you everything. For now, just drift into a peaceful sleep p>
He bent down and brushed a gentle kiss across her brow.
As the night air grew heavier with dew, a cool breeze rippled through the endless roses, and Austin drew her closer, his arm firm around her waist.
The woman in his arms slumbered deeply, her soft breath skimming his neck, carrying the sweet blend of wine and her familiar scent. A glance at his watch told him it was already past one in the morning.
He let his fingers graze the cool skin at the nape of her neck, reluctant to wake her.
It was time to go.
Austin cradled Brinley carefully, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Even in sleep, she murmured faintly and curled against him, seeking his warmth like a drowsy kitten.
He moved with deliberate quiet, his steps slow and steady so as not to disturb her peaceful dreams.
The path through the roses seemed endless, but he finally reached the Maybach and eased her into the back seat. The supple leather dipped under her slight weight, and he tucked a cashmere blanket around her shoulders before brushing a fingertip down her cheek. Her face looked soft and serene in the dim light, and for a moment, he simply watched her in silence.
A selfish urge tugged at him—he wanted to drive straight to Hillcrest Villa and keep her close through the night.