Belong (GxG)

Chapter 19 A Question

Her pulse raced.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

This was it.

This was the moment.

She was about to ask Alcina Dimitrescu—the love of her life, the woman who had wrapped her in warmth, who had ruined her for anything less, who had devoted herself to Ally in ways no one else could—

She was about to ask her to be hers forever.

And nothing in the world had ever felt so right.

Then—

She heard it.

The soft, measured sound of footsteps.

The slow, deliberate click of heels against stone.

Alcina.

Ally's breath hitched.

She turned toward as the door just as it swung open—

And there she was.

Alcina stood in the doorway, framed by the soft glow of candlelight, her imposing form draped in her signature dress, golden eyes flickering with something sharp as she took in the scene before her.

She was breathtaking.

Every inch of her, from the proud set of her shoulders to the elegant tilt of her chin, exuded power, grace, and undeniable beauty.

Her gaze locked onto Ally, and for a moment—

There was silence.

Then—

"Alexandra."

Ally swallowed. "Alcina."

A pause.

A shift in the air.

Then—

"What is this?" Alcina murmured, stepping forward, her eyes flickering over the candlelight, the wine, the deep red roses curling along the trellis.

Her voice was controlled, smooth—but Ally could see the slight widening of her eyes, the way her fingers twitched, as if resisting the urge to reach for her.

She was surprised.

And that—

That made Ally smile.

"It's for you," she said softly, taking a step closer. "For us."

Alcina's gaze snapped back to her, her expression unreadable. "For us?"

Ally took a deep breath.

Then—

She dropped to one knee.

Alcina froze.

The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows across her stunned expression, her lips parting ever so slightly as she stared, completely motionless.

For the first time since Ally had known her—

Alcina Dimitrescu was speechless.

Ally's heart swelled, warmth spreading through her chest as she reached into her pocket, fingers brushing against the small, perfect ring.

She looked up, meeting Alcina's golden gaze with nothing but love.

"Alcina Dimitrescu," she whispered, her voice steady, certain. "You are the love of my life. My home. My forever."

Alcina let out a shaky breath, her hands clenching at her sides.

Ally smiled. "I don't ever want to be apart from you again."