Chapter Twenty Two
Twenty-Two
As Priya and Ethan wrapped up their meal, the yacht cruised toward the city harbor, leaving the darkness of the lake behind. The skyline slowly took shape, gleaming skyscrapers coming into view. Yara and Not-Ethan whisked away the last of the dishes.
“Dessert on the upper deck, or would you prefer it served here?” Yara asked.
“Upper deck sounds great,” Ethan said, standing and offering his hand to Priya.
They stepped into the elevator, and when the doors opened on the next deck, Priya stopped in her tracks.
The city stretched before them like a titan rising from the water—the CN Tower standing tall against the night, high-rises glittering on either side, and the steady stream of traffic painting light trails along the highway.
As the yacht glided into the harbor, the buildings shimmered like pillars of light. Hazy outlines of other boats appeared around them, and waves lapped at the shore, blending with the distant hum of the city.
“Wow,” Priya whispered, leaning over the railing. Her night out with Ethan was far from the frenzied spectacle she had feared.
“See?” Ethan teased, wrapping his arms around her from behind. “Hanging out with me isn’t so bad.”
They stood quietly admiring the view, soft music streaming through the speakers. Ethan gave Priya a spin, drawing her arms around his shoulders as they slipped into a slow dance.
“Sorry to interrupt,” someone said behind them. They turned to see a man approach. “I’m Chef Marco. I trust the meal was to your liking?”
“Dinner was amazing,” Ethan replied. “We enjoyed every dish.”
“Thank you! It’s truly an honor to have you here, Mr. Knight,” Chef Marco replied. “I’ve prepared something special for dessert. May I present it to you both?”
“Of course,” Ethan agreed.
Chef Marco guided them to a glass-enclosed area with a stunning view of the city.
The space was warm and inviting, the table draped in dark linens with a sparkling star motif.
A telescope stood aimed at the skies, ready for stargazing.
With a practiced hand, he lifted the silver dome on the table, revealing an array of beautifully crafted desserts.
Priya let out a soft gasp, which made him beam with pride.
“First, we have a dark chocolate mousse, topped with edible gold leaf and a delicate spun-sugar star,” he explained, pouring warm raspberry coulis over it for a dramatic finish.
“Next, a white chocolate sphere filled with caramel gelato and passion fruit sorbet, designed to mimic the beauty of a starlit pearl,” he said, cracking it open gently with a silver mallet.
“And finally, a raspberry and rosewater panna cotta, handcrafted to resemble the star of my garden this time of the year—a tea rose in full bloom—on a bed of edible flowers.” He sprinkled candied violets on top and stepped back, enjoying their expressions.
“I’m sensing a bit of a star theme,” Ethan said.
“Your presence inspired me,” Chef Marco replied.
“Well, you’ve truly outdone yourself. These desserts are works of art.”
“Almost too beautiful to eat,” Priya added.
The chef smiled and gave a small bow. “Would it be too much to ask for an autograph?” He handed over a napkin and pen.
“Who should I make it out to?” Ethan asked, taking the pen.
“To me, please,” the man replied. “I’m a huge fan.”
“Thank you, Chef Marco, for an unforgettable night.” Ethan penned the message and signed his name with bold strokes.
“I appreciate it.” Chef Marco beamed. “Would you like some tea or coffee to go with dessert?”
“We’ll help ourselves,” Ethan replied. “Please thank the rest of the crew for their exceptional service. We’d appreciate having the rest of the night to ourselves.”
“Of course. I’ll let the crew know you’re not to be disturbed. If you need anything, just use the intercom. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He gave a final nod and left.
With the dessert platter and a couple of spoons in hand, Ethan led Priya over to the couch.
Setting the platter on a stool, he pulled Priya onto his lap.
She curled into him, spreading a soft throw over their legs.
As they sank into the cushions, the yacht began its return journey, away from the dazzling lights of the waterfront.
Ethan’s hand settled on Priya’s knee and trailed down her leg to her foot. He slipped off her shoe and let it fall to the floor, then did the same with her other one. Priya let out a contented sigh. As enchanting as the entire evening had been, being alone with Ethan was the most perfect part.
“Hang on a minute…” Ethan moved her off his lap and stood.
Priya’s heart went into overdrive when he dropped to one knee, something small and shiny glinting between his fingers. She gawked, her mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air.
Oh my god! Is Ethan about to propose?!
Her brain spun in circles—part exhilaration, part panic.
“It’s not yours?” Ethan asked.
“Huh?” Priya croaked.
“The earring.” He placed it gently in her hand. “It must have slipped off when I pulled you onto my lap.”
Priya’s hand flew to her ear, and she let out an awkward laugh. “Oh. Right. Thanks.” She slipped it back on.
“You okay?” Ethan asked, settling back beside her.
Priya’s face burned as she nodded. Yeah, sure, just embarrassed as hell for thinking you were about to propose.
Ethan tilted his head, eyes narrowing as he studied her face. Slowly, a knowing grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“I think I just pulled off the impossible—I made Priya Solanki swoon. You looked like you were about to pass out.”
“Please. Don’t flatter yourself.” Priya scrambled to explain herself. “You plan this super romantic evening. Fancy yacht, fancy dinner, then you get down on one knee with something sparkling in your hands. What’s a girl supposed to think?”
“You realize we’re having our first fight because I didn’t propose on our first date?”
“We’re not arguing because you didn’t propose. We’re arguing because—” Priya broke off and threw him an accusing glare. “You’re enjoying this.”
“Damn right I am.” Ethan grinned. “I love seeing you all fired up. You get that spark in your eyes, like lightning in a bottle. Do you know what happens when lightning meets chocolate?”
Before she could continue, Ethan slipped a spoonful of mousse into her mouth. It melted on her tongue, and she let out a soft, satisfied hum.
“Apparently, lightning purrs with delight,” Ethan concluded.
“You think you’re so smooth, huh?” Priya snatched the spoon. “Okay, smart guy. My turn.” She dipped a piece of chocolate into the sorbet and slowly guided it to his lips.
Ethan’s eyes stayed on hers as he took a bite, his mouth grazing the spoon. His tongue flicked briefly over the corner of his mouth, and Priya felt heat rush to her cheeks.
“Good?” she asked.
“Delicious. I think you should feed me everything from now on.”
“Oh, really?” Priya teased. “Should I hand-feed you these berries next?”
“Go for it. You make everything taste better.”
Priya rolled her eyes. “Flattery will get you…one more bite.” She scooped up another spoonful and offered it to him.
They took turns feeding each other until the platter was empty. Ethan gathered Priya in his arms, and they stretched out on the couch, watching the city lights recede from view. Overhead, the stars began to reveal themselves, one by one, in the dark expanse of the sky.
Ethan laced his fingers with Priya’s, tracing his thumb along her knuckles. “Our hands fit like they were made for each other,” he said.
As her gaze dropped to their hands, Priya’s heart stilled, a wave of clarity breaking over her.
She was holding back for so many reasons.
Ethan’s fame terrified her. She hated the idea of being judged and scrutinized.
And even if she got past that, there was practical stuff to consider.
He lived thousands of miles away. Dating him didn’t come with a trial run.
Everything was out in the open, on the world stage.
If things fell apart, she wouldn’t just be heartbroken: She’d be humiliated, forever branded as the girl who got left behind by Ethan Knight.
Yet somehow, at that moment, all her fears faded into the background. The warmth of Ethan’s hand in hers and the way he looked at her, made her feel like she had finally come home. Something clicked into place, like a lost star finding its path in the cosmos.
The idea of walking away from him seemed impossible. She had to at least try. Ethan didn’t just see her. He made her feel valued and understood in ways she had never experienced before. For the first time, Priya felt powerful enough to claim the life and the love she wanted.
“Let’s do it!” she declared.
“Here?” Ethan raised a playful brow. “I’m totally game if you are.”
Priya giggled. “No, not that! I’m saying…let’s go to the premiere together.”
Ethan paused, his grin softening as he studied her. “Really? You sure?”
Priya swallowed and nodded. “Yes…I mean, it’s still months away. I have lots of time to prepare for it.”
Ethan tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. “Okay, but which Priya am I bringing along—Priya 1.0 or 2.0?”
“What difference does that make?” Priya laughed.
“Well, Priya 1.0 will probably panic and vanish the second the cameras come out. Priya 2.0, on the other hand? She told me straight up she wanted a fling. Hell, she was practically ready to throw me overboard tonight because I didn’t propose.”
“Do you want to go to the premiere with me or not, Heathen Knight?”
“You bet I do! And I’ll take both Priyas,” Ethan replied with a grin. “I probably should’ve asked while I was down on one knee…but what do you say to officially being my girlfriend?”
Priya’s heart flipped nervously. Ethan wasn’t leaving any wiggle room. If she said yes to the premiere, she’d be going as his date, on full display for the world to see. There would be no hiding, no pretending it was casual. This was Ethan asking her to be his.
“That terrifies me.” Her laugh barely covered the tremble in her voice. “And yet saying yes to you feels like the safest thing I’ve ever done,” she declared, her heart pounding harder. “Yes, Ethan Knight. Yes!”
Ethan grinned, that signature smile lighting up his whole face.
“Wow. Full name and all. That felt official.” He pulled her into him, forehead to forehead, voice rough at the edges.
“I know how hard that was for you, and I’ll make damn sure you never regret it.
” And then his lips were on hers, fierce and breath-stealing.
Priya melted into his kiss, her fingertips curling into the fabric of his shirt. When they finally broke apart, her hands lingered on his chest. “You realize this means we’ll have to talk to my parents, right?”
“I think it’s the right call.” Ethan gave her hand a squeeze. “We’ll keep things low-key after that. It’ll give us time to adjust and figure things out. By the time the premiere rolls around, you’ll be ready to own it. And I’ll be right there, showing you off on my arm.”
Priya’s breath shuddered out of her, anxiety tightening in her stomach.
“Nervous?” Ethan pulled her gently into his arms.
“Uh, just a tiny bit. Like on every level imaginable.”
Ethan brushed a strand of hair from her face and smiled. “Lucky for you, I’m an expert at dealing with nerves. Let’s see…maybe one’s hiding right here.” His lips grazed the curve of her neck, soft and teasing.
“Hmm…” Priya’s eyes slipped shut. “It’s hard to tell…You might need to check again.”
Ethan kissed her again, slower this time, until Priya was lost in the warmth of his touch. Time seemed to stall as they gave in to the moment, the yacht gliding quietly across the lake, leaving a silver trail in its wake.