Chapter 139: Chapter 139

“Ryder, are you here?” she called. “Ryder?”

If he were there, he would sense her even without her calling out to him, but the garden remained silent. Elena’s confusion grew. She stopped when she heard a sudden noise. The sound of a piano—in the middle of her flower garden? How could this be? The melody captivated her since it was tied to countless beautiful memories she shared with her soulmate. Ryder had played this song for her many times when they had sat in front of his piano together, since he knew she enjoyed this one the most.

Listening to the cheerful musical notes gave life to a smile that conquered her entire face. She soon discovered the origin of the music. In the very back of her flower garden, where the cobblestone path ended and formed a circle, she found her soulmate. He was ethereal, a picture of grace. Silky black hair framed his face, lips forming a confident smile as he noticed her eyes on him. The dark fabric of his satin shirt shimmered with every motion, catching the light of the lamps nearby. Elena’s steps slowed and came to a halt as she watched his charming performance, engrossed in the upbeat melody he created. When the song reached its end, Ryder’s fingers rested motionlessly on the keys. He closed his eyes and listened to the fading sounds.

Spellbound by the atmosphere surrounding him, Elena couldn’t take her eyes off him. It didn’t even cross her mind how and why he had moved his piano into her flower garden—a rather unusual choice. Her thoughts revolved solely around him. She simply forgot about everything else. The flowers, the moon, the stars—they moved into the background as her soulmate took their spotlight. An enamored smile decorated her lips when she raised her hands in front of her chest and clapped.

“What a wonderful surprise,” she said, prompting him to open his eyes and look at her. He held out his hand, wordlessly beckoning her to come closer, and she took his invitation. Elena sat next to him on the small bench and grasped his hand, gently guiding it to her lips and kissing his knuckles. “You’re so talented, Ryder, I could listen to you play all the time.”

He cocked his head and grinned at her, his teeth playing with his lip piercing. “Then, should I play another song for you, petal? Do you want to join me?”

“Oh, but I’m not as experienced as you,” she replied sheepishly.

“You’ve improved a lot since we first practiced together. Don’t be shy,” he coaxed, eyes twinkling with devotion—her throat became dry at the sight. He was stunning. “I know you can do it. Why don’t we play Clair de Lune from Debussy?”

“I remember this piece well.” She skimmed her fingertips over the keys, inhaling softly to calm her heartbeat. Ryder’s presence still had that kind of effect on her. She was hyperaware of his thigh pressing up against hers, and of his gaze searching for eye contact with her. Would she be able to concentrate on the song when her soulmate’s presence demanded all of her attention?

“Will you play the right hand?” he asked. “Then I will play the left.”

“Yes.” Elena focused her thoughts on the keys and put her right hand on them, ready to begin. He gave her a cue, and they played the first musical notes together. Her fingers flowed over the keys and kept up with him, recreating the familiar melody of Clair de Lune. Their hands elegantly danced back and forth until the song crescendoed and reached its end.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, eyes softening when they met hers. He leaned in, diminishing what little distance separated them, and locked their lips. They tenderly melded together, her soft skin cushioning his lip ring. Ryder’s hand came to rest on her waist, drawing her closer. She enjoyed his affectionate kiss, enveloped by the natural magic of their soulmate bond. It veiled them in warmth. This pure feeling of security and love was unique and reserved only for her soulmate. Ryder’s hand gently took her hand and held it as their lips parted. Silver moonlight was reflected in his eyes. Her breath hitched at his beauty.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day, sweet pea,” he whispered, “And I wanted to surprise you when you get home.”

“You did surprise me,” she smiled, her fingertips tracing his jawline. “It’s always a joy to hear you play.”

“I got one more surprise for you, though,” he said, a smirk growing on his lips when he saw the hopeful spark in her eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little box. Elena’s mouth became dry—was this the moment she had been anticipating? Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, its crescendo audible to him.

“You’re invaluable to me, my flower. I love you so much, and I want to spend the rest of my life at your side. That’s why I’m asking you now—do you want to marry me?” He opened the small box in his hand, revealing a silver engagement ring with a delicate musical note engraved on it. This design had to be custom-made as she had never seen anything like it. In fact, it closely resembled her soulmate mark—and it was beautiful.

Elena’s eyes welled up with tears. She placed her shaking hand on her chest, right over her heart. “I do,” she answered and beamed at him. “I love you, Ryder, and I’m so happy about this. I can’t wait to get married.”

He chuckled at her enthusiastic response, his lips twitching. She put her hand in his upturned palm and allowed him to slip the ring on her finger. His gaze shifted from her hand to her face, and he wiped her tears away with his thumb.

“Thank you,” she whispered and opened her arms, embracing him and leaning her head against his shoulder. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

His chest vibrated when he laughed and reciprocated her embrace, tugging her into his chest. He inhaled her rosy scent as he buried his face in her neck, listening to the vivacious melody of her heartbeat. “And I can’t get enough of you, buttercup.”