Chapter 2
Mia
The setting sun casts a golden glow over the snow-covered mountains as we step off the slopes. My legs feel like jelly, but my heart is light, still soaring from the rush of the day. Sebastian takes my skis, setting them aside as I lean against the wooden railing of the lodge, catching my breath.
"You've got that look again," he says, coming to stand beside me.
"What look?" I ask, trying to play coy.
"The one that says you're already planning our next ski trip." His lips quirk into a knowing smile.
I laugh, leaning into him. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just marveling at how I survived my first day without any broken bones."
His arm wraps around my shoulders, pulling me close. "You did more than survive, Mia. You killed it out there."
His praise sends a warm flush to my cheeks, and I smile, tilting my head to look up at him. "Thank you for today. It was... perfect."
"Not over yet," he says, a teasing edge to his voice. Before I can ask what he means, a low hum catches my attention. I turn, and my jaw drops as a sleek black helicopter descends onto the private landing pad nearby, its blades kicking up a flurry of snow.
"Sebastian," I say, my voice filled with a mix of awe and suspicion. "What is this?"
He grins, and it’s that same infuriatingly smug grin he wears when he knows he’s about to blow my mind. "You'll see."
"That’s what you said earlier," I protest, even as he takes my hand and leads me toward the helicopter. "You’re being suspiciously mysterious today."
"Trust me," he says, his tone low and smooth. And because it’s him—because it’s always him—I do.
The helicopter ride is breathtaking. The world below us turns into a snow-dappled wonderland, the peaks and valleys painted in shades of white and blue under the fading daylight. I press my face to the window, unable to tear my gaze away from the beauty outside.
"It’s incredible," I whisper, mostly to myself.
Sebastian’s hand finds mine, his fingers warm and steady. "Not as incredible as you."
I glance at him, my chest tightening. Sometimes it feels like he looks at me too deeply, like he sees every hidden piece of me. It’s overwhelming and grounding all at once.
The helicopter begins to descend onto a pristine, untouched patch of snow atop a secluded mountain. As we land, I spot a glowing tent not far from where we touch down. It’s illuminated by strings of soft golden lights, their warmth casting an inviting glow against the cold landscape.
Sebastian helps me out of the helicopter, his grip firm as we step onto the snow. "Careful," he murmurs, guiding me toward the tent. The air is crisp, biting at my cheeks, but I barely notice. The view is breathtaking—the endless stretch of mountains and valleys lit by the fading twilight, the stars beginning to wink into existence above us.
As we approach the tent, I see what’s waiting inside. A long, elegant table is set with fine china, crystal glasses, and a centerpiece of winter greenery and candles. A small team of servers stands by, their uniforms crisp and polished. The tent itself is warmed by discreet heaters, making it cozy despite the icy surroundings.
"Sebastian..." My voice trails off as I take it all in. "This is—"
"Just for you," he finishes, pulling me close. "For us."
I don’t even know what to say. He always does this—always goes above and beyond in ways I never expect. I blink back the emotion welling in my eyes, refusing to let the tears fall.
He leads me to the table, pulling out my chair with a flourish. "Sit. Let me spoil you."
"You already have," I say softly, but I take the seat anyway, my heart pounding in my chest.
The meal is exquisite, a multi-course feast that’s as much a visual masterpiece as it is a culinary one. Each dish is paired with a perfect wine, and every bite feels like a revelation. Sebastian watches me the entire time, his gaze unwavering, as if he’s committing every moment to memory.
"You’re staring," I tease, setting my glass down.
"Can you blame me?" he counters, his voice low and velvety. "You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen."
I laugh softly, shaking my head. "You always know exactly what to say."
"I mean it," he says, and there’s something in his tone—something deeper, heavier—that makes me pause.
Before I can respond, he rises from his chair and steps around the table. My heart skips a beat as he kneels in front of me, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. My breath catches, and suddenly, the world narrows to just the two of us.
"Mia," he begins, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "You came into my life when I wasn’t sure I deserved someone like you. You’ve brought light to places I didn’t even know were dark. You’ve made me want to be better—to be more—for you. I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone."
Tears prick my eyes, and I press a hand to my mouth, overwhelmed by his words.
"I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you how much you mean to me," he continues, opening the box to reveal a stunning diamond ring. The stone catches the light, sparkling like the stars above us. "Will you marry me?"
For a moment, I can’t speak. My mind races, flashes of my father crossing my thoughts. He won’t be there to walk me down the aisle, won’t be there to see this new chapter of my life. The bittersweet ache tugs at my heart, but it doesn’t overshadow the love I feel for Sebastian in this moment. Even if my father did betray us, I’d do it all over again.
"Yes," I whisper, my voice breaking. Then louder, firmer: "Yes, Sebastian. I’ll marry you."
His smile is blinding as he slides the ring onto my finger. It’s a perfect fit, just like us. He stands, pulling me into his arms, and I bury my face in his chest, clinging to him as the tears spill over.
"You’ve made me the happiest man alive," he murmurs into my hair.
I pull back just enough to look at him, my hand resting on his chest where I can feel his heartbeat, strong and steady. "I love you," I say, my voice trembling but certain. "I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you."
He kisses me then, slow and deep, and the world fades away. It’s just us, wrapped in each other, the cold outside forgotten.
***
The helicopter ride back to the resort is quieter, but it’s a comfortable silence. I can’t stop staring at the ring on my finger, the way it catches the light with every little movement. It feels surreal, like a dream I’m afraid to wake up from.
Sebastian’s hand rests on my knee, his thumb brushing lazy circles against my skin. I glance over at him, and the way he’s looking at me—like I’m his whole world—makes my chest ache in the best way.
When we land, he carries me into the lodge despite my protests, his strength making it look effortless. By the time we reach the penthouse suite, I’m laughing, my cheeks aching from smiling so much.
"Put me down," I say, swatting at his shoulder.
"Not a chance," he says, grinning. "This is my fiancée I’m holding. I’ll carry you wherever I want."
My heart skips at the word—fiancée—and I don’t bother fighting him anymore. He sets me down gently on the plush sofa, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
"Happy?" he asks, his voice soft.
"Ecstatic," I say, reaching up to pull him down for a kiss. "I can’t wait to spend forever with you."
The kiss deepens, and together we remove each other’s jackets and all the layers. So many layers. We’re frantically grabbing at each other, trying to get as close as possible with all the clothing between us.
After a minute or two longer, we’re both finally relieved once we’ve removed every bit of clothing between us. Sebastian pulls back, his eyes roaming over my body.
“You’re so goddamn beautiful. I’ll never tire of looking at you.” He moves in and captures my mouth with his. The kiss deepens as we pull each other closer, our bodies so in tune with one another.
He lays me onto the couch and settles himself between my legs. “I’ve never done this before,” he whispers, his face close to my inner thigh.
I glance down at him. “Done what?”
“Eaten my fiancée’s pussy before.”