Chapter 297 Will You Marry Me?

Chapter 297 Will You Marry Me?
Vera's POV

When I woke up, it was already dark outside. I shifted my body, and that familiar soreness hit me all over again. I couldn't help but let out a soft groan.

Atlas appeared at the bedside, leaning down to gently stroke the back of my head. His voice was so tender it could melt ice. "You're awake?"

I propped myself up against the headboard, lazy and a bit petulant as I hummed in response, looking at him with pleading eyes. "I'm hungry."

Atlas chuckled softly. "I've got something good ready for you." With that, he pulled back the covers to lift me up.

Atlas draped a silk robe over my shoulders before carrying me to the dining table.

All kinds of seafood, fruits and vegetables, plus delicate desserts were spread out before me. I tried a bit of everything, but couldn't eat much more. There were just too many varieties.

Seeing that I'd had enough, Atlas didn't push me to eat more. He was worried I'd feel sick if I got too full. He picked up my chopsticks and started eating. "Want to take a walk after dinner? The night view here is beautiful."

Now that I'd eaten something and recovered my energy, I nodded. "Sure."

Over the next few days, we took the yacht out to sea for fishing and enjoyed the fruits of our labor right on board.

We dove underwater to see colorful coral, tropical fish, and shipwrecks from hundreds of years ago.

We watched the sunrise over the ocean and chased after magnificent pods of dolphins.

In our downtime, we sought out local cuisine, strolled along the beach, and admired the island's stunning night scenery. I'd never been this happy in my entire life.

On the evening before we were set to return to LA, I lay exhausted on the bed, still savoring every moment.

Atlas had stepped out with his phone to take a call.

I'd noticed that over the past few days, he'd been sneaking off to take mysterious phone calls, deliberately hiding them from me.

I crawled out of bed and tiptoed up behind Atlas.

He'd just finished his call when he turned around to find me staring at him with investigating eyes. He smiled. "What's up?"

I locked my gaze on his handsome face, not blinking. "Something's off with you."

Atlas touched his own face. "What's off?"

I moved even closer to him, my upturned face practically pressing against his chin.

"Why have you been so secretive lately? Don't tell me after coming here, some temptress has stolen your heart?"

Atlas's lips curved into a smile. He smoothly pulled me into his arms with both hands, leaning down to brush against my lips, his voice magnetic and alluring. "The only temptress who's stolen my heart is you."

The corners of my mouth lifted as I pushed him away. "Stop with the smooth talk."

Atlas didn't keep pestering me. After teasing me for a bit, he released me and said softly, "I've got a surprise for you tonight."

---

Night fell.

The island at night was like a brilliant pearl in the southern waters, radiating dazzling light.

Atlas gently held my hand as we slowly made our way down to the large beach below the villa.

I gazed at the vast, deep expanse of ocean and asked in confusion, "Where's this surprise of yours?"

Atlas glanced up at the ink-black sky and smiled. "Close your eyes first. When I count to three, you can open them."

I figured it must be fireworks, right? That's pretty cliché. I'd better act really surprised when the time comes—after all, he'd put so much effort into planning this.

With that thought, I obediently closed my eyes.

"One, two, three..." Atlas's voice was soft yet firm, carrying a hint of joy.

As his words fell, I slowly opened my eyes.

The sight before me made me instantly hold my breath.

Thousands of drones rose slowly from the pitch-black sea surface, like a swarm of glowing fireflies illuminating the night sky.

The drone formation shifted orderly through the air, creating various images. Scenes of us living together—cooking, eating, kissing, falling asleep in each other's arms.

One scene after another, all sweet and warm memories of our past. And with music accompanying the images, the entire drone show became especially moving.

My expression could no longer be described as just surprised. I covered my mouth, moved to tears, my eyes shimmering.

Then, the drones transformed into a jewelry box and roses. The box slowly opened, revealing a sparkling diamond ring inside.

Two words appeared in the sky: "Marry me."

Atlas gently wrapped his arm around my shoulder, gazing at me with infinite tenderness. "Will you?"

Though we'd been legally married for quite some time, before holding the wedding ceremony, he still wanted to give me a grand proposal.

I turned my head to look at him. The light in Atlas's eyes shone even brighter than the drones' glow.

I nodded through tears of joy. "I will."

As soon as the words left my lips, the drones in the sky suddenly transformed into a delicate hand. The diamond ring flew out from the box, slowly sliding onto that hand's ring finger.

With my "I will," Atlas dropped to one knee on the sand. He produced a diamond ring the size of a pigeon's egg and held it up before me, his gaze deep and passionate.

"From the first moment I saw you, you captured my heart. You're the most beautiful surprise of my life. Please let me spend the rest of my days protecting you and loving you, okay?"

With tears streaming down my face, I nodded and extended my hand.

Atlas solemnly slipped the ring onto my ring finger.

The drones in the sky transformed once more, erupting into a magnificent fireworks display.

The two of us on the beach embraced tightly, as if the entire world had stopped for this moment.

THE END