Chapter 88

Lisa's POV

“Lissy, I think it’s time we head back,” Mark’s voice broke through the serene silence of the clearing.

I stood by the shimmering lake, reluctant to leave the tranquil beauty of this hidden paradise. The cool breeze played with my hair, and the faint sound of the waterfall behind us seemed to echo the rhythm of my heart. “I feel so much better… like a new person,” I said, turning to him with a smile.

Mark grinned knowingly. “I know, right? Now imagine being in your wolf form in this water. It’s… indescribable.” His tone shifted, as though he was recalling the feeling himself.

I let out a contented sigh and tore my gaze from the rippling water. “We should go,” I said reluctantly. “The guests must already be arriving.”

As we drove back, I could see the packhouse glowing in the distance. It was beautifully lit, a warm invitation to the many guests that were gathering. The sight made my stomach flutter with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

When we arrived, I stepped out of the car, doing my best to slip through the crowd unnoticed. The air buzzed with chatter and laughter, and I avoided the curious eyes of the guests as I hurried toward the house.

The moment I stepped inside, Kate was there, arms crossed, her foot tapping against the wooden floor. “Where have you been, Lisa? I’ve been calling nonstop!” She scolded, her voice sharp but full of concern.

I gave her a sheepish grin, holding my ears in mock apology. “I’m sorry, Kate. I’m back now. Please, can you help me get ready? Please?”

She sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. “You’re impossible,” she muttered, but she turned and followed me to my room.

Once inside, I quickly showered while Kate waited. When I came out wrapped in a towel, she raised an eyebrow. “Where’s your dress?”

“In the closet,” I said, walking over and pulling out the emerald gown we’d picked up on our last shopping trip.

Kate’s eyes lit up. “Good choice.” She helped me into the dress, adjusting it until it hugged my figure perfectly. As I smoothed the fabric, I remembered something. “Oh, and Hunter’s mother gave me a set of jewellery.” I brought it out from the box and held up the jewellery she’d gifted me—a delicate necklace with shimmering emerald stones that matched the dress.

Kate’s eyes widened. “Really? She apologised?”

“She did,” I said, fastening the necklace around my neck. “She said she was sorry for how she treated my relationship with Hunter.”

Kate smiled, her expression softening. “I’m glad that’s over. And the necklace looks perfect on you.”

“Thanks,” I said, smiling at my reflection.

Kate wasn’t finished. “Sit down. I’ll do your hair.”

I obeyed, sitting still as she worked her magic. She styled my hair into an elegant updo, leaving a few loose curls to frame my face. Then she applied makeup—a touch of mascara, a swipe of matte red lipstick, and a light blush to enhance my features.

When she was done, she stepped back and handed me a mirror. “Now, look at yourself.”

I stared at my reflection, momentarily speechless. The dress, the hair, the jewellery—it all came together perfectly. “Wow,” I whispered. “I look like… like a bride.”

Kate grinned. “You’re all set. Now let’s head down.”

By the time we descended the stairs, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the packhouse had come alive. Fairy lights twinkled along the walls, and the tables were set with gold and silverware that gleamed under the soft glow. Hunter had truly outdone himself.

As I stepped into the grand hall, the room fell silent. Conversations stopped, and all eyes turned toward me. For a moment, I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. Then, slowly, the applause began, rippling through the crowd like a wave.

At the far end of the room, Hunter stood, his back to me. He was deep in conversation, but as the applause grew, he turned—and his eyes found mine.

My breath caught.

Hunter was breathtaking. He wore a tailored brown three-piece suit that seemed made for him. The rich espresso-colored fabric emphasized the broadness of his shoulders and the elegance of his form. His tie, woven with warm earth tones, added a touch of subtle sophistication. He looked like a man who belonged to another era—graceful, powerful, and utterly captivating.

He moved toward me, his steps unhurried, his gaze steady and intense. Every detail of him seemed deliberate, from the smooth structure of his blazer to the quiet confidence in his posture.

When he reached me, he stopped, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. “You’re breathtaking,” he said, his voice low, almost reverent.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “You did all this?” I asked, gesturing to the decorated hall.

“I’d do anything for you, pumpkin,” he said simply. “Happy birthday.”

Tears welled in my eyes as he took my hand, spinning me gently to admire the dress. “You look beautiful,” he said. “Like you were made for this moment.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I whispered.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he said, his voice soft. “Just know that you’re worth all of this. And more.”

The night felt like a dream. Hunter stayed by my side, introducing me to guests and ensuring I was comfortable. But just when I thought the evening couldn’t get more perfect, he led me to the center of the room.

The crowd fell silent again, and I felt every pair of eyes on us. My heart raced as Hunter took my hands, his thumbs brushing over my knuckles.

“Lisa,” he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “I know this day hasn’t always been easy for you. But I wanted to change that. I wanted to give you a reason to look forward to your birthdays again.”

Tears pricked my eyes as he continued.

“You’ve brought so much light into my life,” he said. “You’ve made me better in ways I didn’t think were possible. And I can’t imagine a future without you.”

Then, to my astonishment, he dropped to one knee.

The room erupted in gasps, but all I could do was stare as he pulled out a small velvet box.

“Lisa,” he said, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. “Will you marry me?”

The air seemed to leave the room. I blinked, my vision blurry with tears. “Yes,” I whispered, barely able to speak. Then, louder: “Yes!”

The room burst into cheers and applause as Hunter slipped the glittery ring onto my finger. He rose to his feet and pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly as the crowd celebrated around us.

For the first time in my life my birthday was perfect. I felt truly happy—like I’d found my place in the world. And as Hunter kissed me, his lips warm and full of promise, I knew I’d made the right choice.

But just as I was beginning to relax, my eyes caught a figure lingering at the edge of the room.

My breath hitched.

It was Mike. My brother.

He was here.