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My heart crashes against my ribcage, all wild and unstoppable.

Carlo licks his lips. He takes a deep breath. “And I want everyone to know it.”

My breath hitches. I’d squeal except my lungs seem to be frozen.

From his pocket, he produces a small velvet box that makes my heart stop beating entirely. Carlo opens it with a flourish, and inside is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. Not huge or ostentatious, but perfect in its elegance. A band of gold set with diamonds that catch the light like captured starlight. And it flawlessly matches my anklet and bracelet in a way that is beyond satisfying.

He takes my left hand in his, and slides the ring onto my finger with reverent care. It fits like it was made for me, like it was always meant to be there.

“Perfect,” I breathe, admiring the way it looks against my skin. “It’s absolutely perfect.”

“Just like you,” Carlo says softly.

The simple words, the love in his voice, the solid weight of the ring on my finger, all combine to create a moment so beautiful it feels almost sacred. This is real. We’re really married. Really committed to building a life together despite everything we’ve been through.

I have everything I ever dreamed of. I have Carlo.

I push him backward onto the bed with playful force, climbing on top of him to capture his mouth in a kiss that tastes like wine and promises and absolute happiness. Our future is stretching before us, bright and glorious. A stream of perfect days and perfect love.

Abducting Carlo was definitely the best thing I ever did.