Chapter 62 The Words I've Waited For
Henry took Emilia's hand, guiding her through the grand, unfinished halls of the glass castle. Sunlight streamed through the enormous panels of glass, casting a golden glow over the pristine marble floors. The structure was breathtaking, modern yet ethereal, with its panoramic views of the sea and sky blending seamlessly into the space.
"Originally," Henry explained, his voice smooth and warm, "this place was meant to be a high-end venue—exclusive, extravagant, somewhere people could rent out for celebrations, parties, even weddings. But then a storm hit the island, and construction halted. They never finished it."
Emilia trailed her fingers along the cool glass, enchanted by the story. "It's still beautiful. Even unfinished, it has this... raw magic to it."
"Kind of like us?" Henry smirked, pulling her close. "Still a work in progress, but undeniably perfect."
She laughed softly as he led her to the one incomplete section of the castle. A wide, open wall faced the sea, framed by towering palm trees that danced in the breeze, partially obscuring the water below.
"This was supposed to be closed off," Henry murmured, looking at the space thoughtfully. "But I think it's better this way. There's something poetic about it—an open-ended view, like a promise of endless possibilities."
Emilia sighed, soaking in the tranquil beauty. "I think it's perfect."
Henry turned to her, his expression shifting into something deeper, more intense. "Perfect for us to get married?"
Her breath caught, heart racing as she met his gaze. "Yes."
A slow, satisfied smile curved his lips. "I'm glad. Because from now on, this place is ours. And I'm naming it after you—Lumina Emilia."
Emotion swelled in Emilia's chest, her throat tightening. "Henry... that's—"
"A way to immortalize you. A way to make sure the world knows that my heart, my future, everything—belongs to you."
Her hands found his chest, fingers tracing over the steady thrum of his heartbeat. "You say the most dangerous things, Mr. Kingsley."
He leaned in, his lips hovering just over hers. "And you love it."
She did. Every damn bit of it.
Their mouths met in a slow, intoxicating kiss, the warmth of his body seeping into hers as he wrapped his arms around her. The salty breeze curled around them, carrying the scent of the ocean as he deepened the kiss, drawing her impossibly closer. His hands skimmed down her waist, possessive yet reverent, as if he were memorizing every curve, every inch of her.
"Do you have any idea how much I love you?" Henry whispered against her lips; his voice raw.
Emilia smiled, breathless.
His forehead pressed against hers, their bodies entwined in the quiet, sacred moment.
And then--
A loud, unmistakable growl erupted from Emilia's stomach.
Henry pulled back, laughter spilling from his lips. "Oh, wow. So much for romance."
Emilia groaned, hiding her face in his chest. "That was not the mood I was going for."
Henry chuckled, dropping a playful kiss on top of her head. "It's okay, sweetheart. I like a woman with a healthy appetite. Let's get you fed before you start nibbling on me."
She swatted his arm, giggling. "You're impossible."
"And yet, you're still hopelessly in love with me," he teased, lacing their fingers together as he led her toward the exit. "Come on, let's go celebrate our future over dinner."
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As they walked toward their car, Emilia glanced back at the glass castle—their glass castle—her heart swelling with certainty. This was it. This was their forever. And she couldn't wait for what was to come.
The restaurant was a cozy yet elegant seaside escape, with candlelit tables overlooking the rolling waves. The scent of grilled seafood and fresh herbs filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of romantic jazz drifting through the speakers.
Henry pulled out Emilia's chair for her, flashing that devastatingly charming grin as she sat. "I know I said I like a woman with an appetite, but if you order the entire menu, I might need to start rethinking my finances."
Emilia smirked, unfolding the menu. "You're the one who promised me a life of luxury. That includes unlimited seafood."
Henry leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "Fine. But just know that if you order too much, I'll have to find a way to make you work it off."
She raised a brow, playing along. "Oh? And what exactly would that entail?"
His smirk deepened. "Dancing, of course. Long walks on the beach. And other... cardio-intensive activities."
Emilia bit her lip, pretending to ponder. "Hmm. I suppose I could be persuaded."
Henry chuckled, reaching for her hand across the table, his fingers playing with hers. "You're dangerous, you know that?"
"You love it," she whispered, mirroring his words from earlier.
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Later that night, back at Henry's villa, the air was thick with anticipation as they stepped inside. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a silver glow over the room. Emilia barely had a moment to take a breath before Henry pulled her into him, his lips claiming hers with a hunger that sent warmth spiraling through her.
There was no rush, only the slow, deliberate exploration of each other. Clothing fell away, leaving nothing but soft whispers and heated touches. Henry's breath was hot against her neck, the press of his lips igniting a fire beneath her skin. [This story is exclusively available for free on Wattpad. If you see it anywhere else, it has been stolen.] His fingers traced down her spine, sending shivers in their wake as he held her closer. Their bodies moved in sync, a language spoken without words, a promise exchanged in every touch.
She propped herself up slightly, watching him as he gazed at her with a quiet intensity. Her heart pounded against her ribs, her mind racing. The words were there, right on the edge of her lips, but fear flickered for just a second—what if she lost this? What if speaking it aloud made it more fragile? But as she looked at Henry, at the man who had given her a love so consuming, so unwavering, she knew.
"Henry..."
"Hmm?" he murmured, fingertips running along her spine.
She swallowed; her voice soft but sure. "I love you. I truly love you."
Henry's breath hitched, his eyes darkening with emotion before a slow, almost disbelieving smile spread across his face. "Say it again."
She leaned in, pressing a kiss to his lips. "I love you, Henry."
A deep, satisfied sound rumbled in his chest as he flipped them, pinning her beneath him. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear that wide awake."
She grinned up at him, breathless. "Then I guess I'll just have to keep saying it."
And as the night stretched on, she did—over and over again, until sleep finally claimed them, wrapped in the warmth of their love and the promise of forever.