A flashback.

Olivia’s POV

“Stop acting like a drama queen,” I patted Saphia’s back. She had been hugging me for fifteen minutes.

Dylan wanted to take me to Boston immediately, but I insisted on one last day at Betty’s. I couldn't leave without a proper goodbye. Betty had been so understanding when I resigned, but Saphia was taking it hard.

“Who will make me yummy desserts now?” she whined.

“I’m not dying, Saphia, I’m just going to Boston.”

“It’s so far!” she rubbed her red nose. “I wish I could go with you, but I have to take care of my mother.”

After a teary farewell, I left the cafe. Dylan took me shopping, buying branded dresses I couldn't afford. He said a "King's wife" needed to look the part. Soon, we were on Ethan's private jet, flying toward my new life.

The night before had been hard. Questions plagued me—was I making a mistake? Would I ruin his life? I had to take sleeping pills just to quiet my mind.

“Dylan,” I said, looking across the aisle. “Tell me about his life now. The last seven years.”

He opened his eyes. “He’s different. He’s a perfectionist now. Everything has to be orderly and on time.”

“You’re kidding,” I said, shocked. The Ethan I knew could never find his own shoes.

“I’m serious. You’ll see.”

I leaned against the window, watching the clouds. How would he react? Would he hug me, or would he be angry? A blush crept onto my face as I remembered how we used to be.

Flashback - High School

“Oli,” a husky whisper tickled my ear. Strong arms wrapped around me, and lips pressed against my neck.

“Ethan, stop!” I giggled, pushing him back. “We’re at school! People are watching.”

“Let them,” he mumbled, his eyes full of love. “Everyone knows you’re my girl.”

“That’s because you kissed me in the middle of the campus last week!” I poked him with my book.

He chuckled. “I had to. I saw the way those guys were ogling you. I had to mark my territory.”

He pulled me closer, his lips meeting mine in a fiery kiss. I dropped my book and wrapped my arms around his neck, lost in the moment. He broke away just enough to pepper small kisses around my mouth.

“So romantic today,” I giggled. “What’s the occasion?”

He gave me that sexy smile that made me melt every time. “We’re going to a movie. I thought a little romance would help me get a 'yes' from you.”

“I have exams next week, Ethan!”

“Don’t be a nerd, sweetie,” he pulled my nose playfully. “I booked the back row so I can have you all to myself.”

I shook my head. “My mom thinks we’re already... you know. Doing things behind her back. She actually asked me about it.”

Ethan laughed as he opened the car door for me. “Your mom is cool, Oli. She likes her future son-in-law.”

“So much confidence! You really think we’ll marry?”

Ethan slammed on the brakes, unbuckled his seatbelt, and pulled me onto his lap. He kissed me so hard it left me breathless. When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine.

“How can you even ask that? I love you so much. You will be my wife.”

“Are you sure it’s not just a teenage crush?”

He took my hand and placed it over his heart. It was beating fast. “This heart belongs to you. It always will.”

I hid my face in his chest, listening to the rhythm of his love.

“I already talked to your parents,” he boasted. “They’re ready to give you away.”

I blushed deeper, realizing that even then, he was planning our forever.