Chapter 48
Chapter Forty-Eight
Solenn
I had survived public proposals, corporate scandals, and Maverick Spencer in full dramatic, possessive, over-the-top mode.
But somehow, walking into a room filled with both of our families and all our closest friends felt like a real battle.
This wasn’t a boardroom or a press conference.
This was my family. His family. A lethal mix of people who knew too much and had zero filters.
The moment we stepped into the venue, I almost lost my footing.
Because of this? This was a fairy tale.
Golden fairy lights draped across the ceiling, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the entire ballroom.
Round tables were covered in deep emerald green tablecloths, trimmed with gold accents—classic, elegant, luxurious.
Exactly like him. Candles flickered inside delicate glass lanterns, their soft glow reflecting off polished marble floors.
White roses and eucalyptus leaves filled the air with the kind of scent that made people believe in romance.
A live jazz band played in the background, their soft, melodic tunes blending seamlessly with the hum of conversation.
I turned to Maverick, suspicious. "This looks ridiculously expensive."
His lips twitched. "It wasn’t cheap."
I sighed dramatically. "Of course, it wasn’t. God forbid we have a normal engagement party at a restaurant like peasants."
He smirked. "You’re marrying me. Get used to it."
Before I could respond with something brilliantly sarcastic, a loud, piercing shriek echoed through the ballroom.
"Oh my GOD!"
And then, Nina tackled me.
I barely had time to brace myself before she wrapped her arms around me, nearly cutting off my oxygen supply.
"You’re marrying the devil," she gasped, pulling back just enough to grab my left hand and shove it directly into her face.
Her eyes widened as she inspected the ring like it held the secrets of the universe.
"Holy shit. This thing is huge. I feel like I should be paying admission just to look at it. "
I choked on a laugh. "It’s just a ring, Nina."
"It’s a statement," she corrected, shaking her head in awe. "A declaration. An actual threat. This ring says, ‘I have a rich, controlling, insanely hot fiancé, and you are all beneath me.’ I love that for you."
Maverick chuckled beside me, slipping an arm around my waist and pulling me against his side. "I like her," he murmured, amused.
Nina beamed. "I know. I grow on people."
Before I could respond, another figure appeared, looking entirely too smug.
"Asher," I greeted, already bracing for chaos.
Maverick’s younger brother flashed me a charming, knowing grin. "Solenn," he drawled. "Congratulations on successfully taming the beast."
Maverick sighed. "Leave, Asher."
Asher ignored him. "I gotta admit, I never thought I’d see the day. My big bro, the king of emotional repression, finally surrendering to the powers of love." He grinned wider. "I almost feel bad for you, Solenn. Almost."
I smirked. "Yeah, well. I like a challenge."
Lucas appeared beside me, crossing his arms over his chest, watching Maverick like he was analyzing whether or not to break his jaw again. "You hurt her again," he said casually, "and I actually will break your face next time."
Maverick’s lips curled upward. "Noted."
Bea, sipping on what was not her first glass of champagne, snorted. "God, this is fun."
I groaned. "We are here to celebrate, and you people are treating this like an interrogation."
Nina grinned. "Well, we have to. You, of all people, getting engaged? We need to make sure this isn’t some hostage situation. Blink twice if you need help."
Maverick sighed deeply beside me. "You have very dramatic friends."
I patted his arm. "I know. Isn’t it fun?"
The night carried on, filled with laughter, teasing, and moments that felt too perfect to be real.
We danced. We drank. At some point, I’m pretty sure Nina and Asher started plotting world domination, and Lucas had a long, serious conversation with Maverick that I was too afraid to interrupt.
My mother, who had once doubted everything about this relationship, hugged me tightly and told me she had never seen me this happy.
And through it all, Maverick never strayed too far from me.
Every time I glanced up, his eyes were already on me. Every time I moved, his hand found mine, like he needed the reassurance that I was still there. And every time someone teased us about the insanity of our relationship, he just smiled, completely unfazed.
Because he knew.
Knew that, no matter how **chaotic, ridiculous, and unpredictable this entire thing had been—**I was his.
And he was mine.
By the time the party was winding down, I was exhausted, tipsy, and very aware of the way Maverick’s fingers were slowly tracing circles on my back as he murmured something to Lucas. The warm, steady pressure of his touch sent tiny sparks racing down my spine.
I turned, blinking up at him. "You’re quiet."
He lifted an eyebrow. "Am I?"
I smirked. "That’s dangerous."
He hummed, tilting his head slightly. "You look too good in that dress."
My pulse jumped. "Oh?"
He leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear, his voice dropping to something lower, smoother. More dangerous. "Let’s get out of here."
A thrill shot through me.
I turned to Nina, who was deep in conversation with Asher about something incredibly concerning. "I’m leaving."
She waved a dismissive hand. "Go. Have filthy, engaged-person sex. Make terrible decisions."
I choked on laughter as Maverick took my hand and pulled me toward the exit.
Asher called after us. "Use protection!"
Lucas groaned. "Jesus Christ."
Bea cheered. "Go get him, sis!"
Maverick sighed. "Your family is insane."
I grinned, squeezing his hand. "I know. Isn’t it fun?"
He laughed, shaking his head as he led me into the waiting car.
And just like that, the night wasn’t over.
It was just beginning.