Chapter 174: Custom-Made Promises

Chapter 174: Custom-Made Promises
Luna's POV

I closed my eyes, letting the smooth hum of Gabriel's luxury car rock me into a hazy half-sleep. After the chaos of The Story Studio's opening—the flashing cameras, that nosy reporter grilling me about my dad—I was totally wiped out. The car's high-end sound system was playing some soft tunes when it switched to a news bulletin.

"...Vale is bracing for its first big snowfall of the season tonight. Forecasters are calling for up to six inches downtown, with temps dipping below freezing. Folks, bundle up and..."

My eyes fluttered open as the car slowed to a stop. Outside, evening had draped Vale in a deep blue twilight, streetlights flickering to life against the darkening sky. When I focused, I realized we were parked in front of a familiar spot—the bridal boutique I'd visited weeks ago.

But something was off. In the display window was a wedding dress I'd never seen before—not the one I'd picked out. This gown was stunning, glowing in the night with delicate crystal beads and a flowing silhouette that seemed to pull light from thin air.

I sat there, frozen, trying to wrap my head around it.

Gabriel came around to my side, opening the door and offering his hand. "Luna, we're here."

I took it, feeling almost numb as he helped me out. My gaze stayed glued to that ethereal dress in the window. We headed toward the entrance, my legs moving on autopilot while my brain played catch-up.

Inside, the place was empty except for one elegant woman who approached with a warm smile.

"Good evening, sir, madam. Right this way," she said in a soft, respectful tone.

I turned to Gabriel, panic bubbling up. "What are we doing here?" My voice came out higher than I'd meant.

He rubbed my hand between his, that simple touch instantly settling my nerves. "Don't stress, babe. We're just trying on a wedding dress."

The woman gestured around the boutique. "The twenty designs on display were all created by Mr. Ashford himself—each one custom-tailored to your measurements and style."

I stared at Gabriel in disbelief. He designed these? All of them?

"Which one catches your eye first?" she asked.

I stood there, totally overwhelmed. Gabriel reached out, gently stroking my hair. "Go on, baby. I want to see you in a wedding dress."

The attendant led me deeper into the shop, where I was surrounded by the most gorgeous gowns I'd ever laid eyes on. Each one was one-of-a-kind yet somehow perfectly me—like Gabriel had peeked into my wildest dreams and brought them to life. Standing there, I could feel the emotion poured into every stitch and seam. This wasn't just fashion; it was love you could touch.

Two assistants whisked me to a private dressing room. As they helped me into the first gown—the one from the window—I watched myself transform in the mirror. It hugged my body like it was made for me alone, which, yeah, it basically was.

"He started sketching these weeks ago," one assistant said casually while adjusting the back. "Super specific about every little detail."

When they were done, I hardly recognized the woman staring back—ethereal, strong, and feminine all rolled into one. I took a deep breath and stepped out.

Gabriel was waiting, fiddling with his tie like he was actually nervous. When he saw me, his hands stopped dead. His eyes went wide, then glistened with tears that caught the soft lights. His throat worked as he swallowed hard.

"Luna," he said, voice cracking just a bit. "You know what? You're not just beautiful. You're one of a kind."

The raw emotion in his words made my own eyes well up. Before I could say anything, he took my hand and led me toward some glass doors at the back.

"There's a terrace I want to show you," he murmured.

The air had gotten noticeably chillier. Gabriel draped a plush white fur stole over my shoulders before opening the door. When we stepped out, I gasped. Tiny white flakes were floating down from the night sky, twirling in the breeze.

I stuck out my hand, catching a snowflake on my palm. "Whoa, it's really snowing!" I said, feeling like a kid seeing it for the first time. I spun around to share the magic. "Gabriel, look at—"

The words stuck in my throat. He was down on one knee, a small velvet box open in his hand. Inside sparkled a ring like nothing I'd ever seen—a dazzling mix of sapphires and diamonds that looked like a starry night sky.

"Luna Gray," he started, his voice steady despite the shine in his eyes, "you already proposed to me. Now let me do this right. This ring? It's my promise to you—just like every dress I designed, my love's made just for you." He held my gaze. "Will you take it and spend your life with me?"

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I glanced from the ring to his earnest face. Snowflakes dusted his dark hair and shoulders, making the moment feel straight out of a fairy tale.

"I will, Gabriel," I whispered, then said it louder, "I will!"

He slipped the ring on my finger, then stood and pulled me into his arms. As snow swirled around us, we kissed deeply, his warmth cutting through the cold.

"Luna, I love you," he whispered against my lips. "From now till forever."

---

One month later, I sat next to Gabriel in the grand ballroom of Vale's swankiest hotel, my heart racing as the host of the National Screenwriting Awards geared up to announce the Best Original Screenplay winner.

I smoothed my crimson velvet gown—Gabriel's pick, of course—and tried to play it cool.

"And the award for Best Original Screenplay goes to..." The host dragged it out, opening the envelope like it was a big reveal. "Luna Gray!"

The room exploded in applause. I sat there, stunned, until Gabriel leaned in with a proud grin. "Congrats, Mrs. Ashford," he murmured.

Before I got up, he adjusted the drape of my dress, his fingers lingering a second too long. His eyes said it all: pride, love, heat. Then he stepped back gracefully, giving me the spotlight.

I walked to the stage on shaky legs, clutching my purse. After taking the award—heavier than I'd imagined—I faced the crowd.

"I want to thank the academy, my team at The Story Studio, and everyone who believed in this project," I said, my voice steadying as I went on. "But most of all, my husband, Gabriel Ashford. Without your support and faith in me, I wouldn't be here."

I spotted him in the audience, his face lit with pure adoration.

"Gabriel Ashford, thanks for showing me how to love and be loved. I love you."

The cameras swung to him, catching that glowing look as he watched me.

After the ceremony, he was waiting backstage with a bouquet of exotic flowers that had no business blooming in winter.

"From the greenhouse," he explained, handing them over. "Specially grown for tonight, just like those wedding dresses I designed for you."

I buried my nose in the blooms, spotting a small envelope tucked inside. It was a detailed honeymoon itinerary—a five-continent adventure starting next month.

"Maybe we could get a head start on honeymoon practice tonight?" Gabriel suggested, his voice dropping low in that way that always made my pulse spike.

I pretended not to hear, but I laced my fingers with his as we headed out.

Back at The Ashford Estate, I sat on our bed, admiring my ring in the bedside lamp's soft glow. The design had an opening at the bottom, not like your typical closed band.

"Why'd you make it like this?" I asked as Gabriel sat beside me, taking my hand.

He traced his thumb over the gap, looking thoughtful. "Because," he said simply, "I love you, but you're always free."