Chapter 165 Of Rings and Roses

Chapter 165 Of Rings and Roses
Two weeks had passed since Ethan had come to apologize. Lena had seen his speech online and, for the first time in days, felt some relief settle in her chest. But she still needed time to herself, time to think, to breathe, to reclaim the little corners of her life that had felt lost.
During this time, she had thrown herself into refurbishing the studio. It became a way to process her emotions, to anchor herself. She had to finish this project before she could consider going back to him, before she could let herself face the intensity of their emotions again.
Ethan had tried to see her from time to time, arriving quietly, leaving notes, sending messages. But she had always dodged him, retreating to the sanctuary of her work. His messages were long, full of longing and honesty: how much he missed her, how he couldn't wait to see her again. Reading them brought a pang to her chest, a reminder of the love she hadn't stopped feeling, but she stayed firm. This project had to come first.
Now, after two weeks of relentless focus, she was finally done. The studio gleamed under the soft light, every detail completed exactly as she had envisioned. She knew Ethan had played his part, too. He had sent personal contractors, sourced materials, and provided everything needed to ensure the project finished on time. She had barely noticed their presence, but the thought behind it made her heart swell. He had cared enough to let her work, to give her space, yet ensured she had everything she needed.
For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to pause, stepping back to admire her work. And for the first time, she wondered if she was ready to face him, ready to let the next chapter begin.
Margaret and Sophie had invited Lena over for dinner to celebrate the completion of her studio, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. The thought of being around them, sharing her accomplishment, brought a warmth she hadn't felt in weeks.
Sophie, as usual, had been relentless in her teasing, begging Lena not to leave her brother alone for too long. Each time, Lena just laughed, shaking her head with amusement. She had always found Sophie's persistence endearing, even when it bordered on exasperating.
Margaret had been gentler, keeping in touch with small, thoughtful messages over the past two weeks. They had checked in, encouraged her, and quietly reminded her that she didn't have to carry everything on her own. Lena had appreciated it more than she could express, especially now, standing on the brink of finishing a project she had poured her heart into.
As she prepared to leave for the dinner, a lightness settled over her chest. Happiness bubbled up unexpectedly, a sense of normalcy returning, fragile but genuine. For the first time in weeks, she felt more like herself, hopeful, excited, and quietly proud of what she had accomplished.
With a smile tugging at her lips, she gathered her things, feeling anticipation for the evening ahead.

Margerate had sent a driver to pick Lena up, and as they arrived at her Margaret's home, Lena could barely contain her excitement. She stepped out of the car and walked briskly to the door, anticipation bubbling in her chest.
Before she could knock, the door swung open, and Sophie and Margerate were there, beaming. They enveloped her in a warm hug, exchanging pleasantries and laughter. Sophie's joy at seeing her was almost overwhelming, her energy infectious, and Lena couldn't help but laugh along with her.
"Come in, come in," Margerate said, guiding her toward the house. "We'll just step outside for a moment, we have somewhere to be."
Lena froze, momentarily shocked. She had come to see them, not expecting them to leave. But before she could question it further, they had stepped out, leaving her alone inside.
As she walked toward the living room, she noticed a decoration she hadn't expected, a sign reading Congratulations. Her curiosity peaked, she followed the path further, and her breath caught.
The room was transformed. A table for two sat at the center, elegantly arranged, dimly lit by flickering candles. Rose petals were scattered across the floor and draped along the table, creating an almost ethereal glow. Lena's heart fluttered as she tried to take it all in, overwhelmed by the beauty and the thought behind it.
Then, from a corner of the room, Ethan stepped forward, a banquet of roses in his hands. Her chest tightened at the sight of him; she had missed him more than she had realized, and seeing him now, in this perfect, intimate setting, made her emotions swell uncontrollably.
"Lena," he said softly, stepping closer, eyes warm and filled with the love she had longed for.
Ethan stepped closer, the bouquet of roses still in his hand, though neither of them was focused on it anymore. His gaze locked on hers, intense, unwavering. Lena held his eyes as though she were enchanted, caught in a current neither of them wanted to resist.
"You look... gorgeous," he murmured, his voice low, husky, each word laced with longing.
"Thank you," Lena replied softly, her own voice trembling slightly, betraying the storm of desire and relief swirling inside her.
For a heartbeat, they simply stared at each other. Ethan's chest rose and fell rapidly, the air between them thick with tension. "I've missed you... so much," he admitted, taking a step closer.
Lena didn't move; she held her ground, letting him draw near, letting herself be pulled into the gravity of him. He closed the final distance until there was barely any space between them. "I'm sorry," he whispered, the weight of it carrying everything he had felt in the past weeks.
"I forgive you," she breathed, and the words acted like a key, unlocking the longing he had kept restrained.
Without another word, he slid his hands around her back, pulling her close until their bodies pressed together. "You kept me waiting far too long," he murmured against her lips, a rough, urgent edge to his tone. "I almost came and kidnapped you."
Lena chuckled softly, breath hitching as the heat between them coiled tighter. Then he kissed her, deep, demanding, and all-consuming. His lips moved over hers with a need that had been building for weeks, and she responded with equal fire, letting him guide the rhythm, the intensity.
Every inch of him pressed against her, the world outside fading. She felt the raw, aching desire he had carried, the way he had longed for her, in every stroke of his lips, every brush of his tongue. Their hands roamed freely, exploring, igniting every nerve. The kiss was slow and searing, a collision of passion and love.
Ethan pulled back just slightly, forehead resting against hers, breathing heavy, lips still brushing hers. The warmth of the moment surrounded them, the faint candlelight and lingering scent of roses amplifying every beat of their hearts.
"I've waited long enough," he murmured, spinning her gently in his arms, making her laugh despite herself. "I don't need a contract, Lena. I don't need words on paper. I just need you... all of you, forever."
Her heart skipped, and she held his gaze, the room around them fading. Ethan knelt smoothly, the roses forgotten in his hand as he revealed a small box. Inside lay a ring, elegant and simple, made only for her.
"Will you marry me, officially this time?" he asked, his voice low, earnest, vibrating with the love he had carried for so long. "No contracts, no formalities. Just us."
Tears welled in her eyes, and her hands flew to her mouth in disbelief and joy. "Yes," she whispered, voice trembling.
Ethan rose, sliding the ring onto her finger and pulling her close. His forehead rested against hers, a victorious, tender smile on his lips.
"Welcome to my world," he murmured, his voice rich with love, desire, and promise, sealing the moment they had both longed for.