Rhyett's Pov
I climb up the stairs to the rooftop. I have to make sure everything’s perfect before she gets here. I can't mess this up. I've already done my fair share.
As expected, there was a major problem. The flower arrangements were placed from the end of stairs all the way up but they were supposed to only be on the rooftop. If she sees them, she'll turn around and leave.
She's only coming for a girl’s movie night. I hope she isn't too disappointed to get a proposal instead.
But just to be safe, I have also arranged for a movie in case she wants to watch one rather than use the set tent for some other purpose.
The tent and table where we’ll have our dinner are both off-white and rustic gold themed. It's too basic but that's all I know. It's my first ever proposal, I didn't want to ruin it by pulling some extraordinary shit that she won't like.
And my angel is a simple girl, I'm damn sure she'll love this.
I decided to go back down and tell the staff to rearrange the flower. But right when I'm about to turn around, I see movement in the tent.
I did what any man would’ve done in such a situation, I pulled out my gun.
I took the lightest steps towards the tent and put off the safety. When I'm in front of it, I lift up my gun with my index finger on the trigger and point at the intruders.
My face drops into a scowl when I see Altas, Adam and Josh looking back at me with widened eyes. I had to remind myself they're just kids because I felt like putting a bullet in each one's head.
“What the fuck are you three doing here?” I ask, frustratingly tucking back the weapon.
“We came to see if the preparations are going well.” Altas said defensively.
“With popcorn?” I gestured to the buckets in their hands.
“Actually, let me explain,” Josh took charge. “We were playing UNO with Addy but then she randomly fell asleep. Since dad’s picking me up in another hour and Valerie won't be here till then either, we thought…”
“To borrow your tent.” Adam completed.
I exhaled a deep breath. “Ten seconds. I want each one of you out.” They didn't have to be told twice and instantly got up. “Leave it how you found it. Arrange the pillows and tuck the sheet back in.”
They did as told without any complaint and even cleaned the popcorn they'd dropped. When they were done Adam asked, “I hope you're satisfied, your Majesty. Do you need us for anything else?”
“Probably to stop tigress from disturbing their bed wrestling session again.” Altas chuckled.
I glared at him. “Do you want me to take out the gun again?” Josh tugged him to the door and they were about to leave when I called after them. “Wait,”
They turned to me. “Tell someone to come up here to rearrange the decor.” They nod obediently and I cleared my throat then added. “I'm gonna lock the door but still… make sure she doesn't come up here.”
Addy knows I'm going to propose today. She won't disturb us but I want to make sure that I don't show her something she isn't supposed to. I’ve already been having a hard time meeting her eyes since that day. I don't wanna imagine what she thinks of me now.
Altas gives me a cheeky smile. “She's out like an alcoholic. She won't get up before dinner.”
I nod to him with the most irritated expressions on my face. They get the cue to leave and make their way to the exit as Josh suggests, “We should take some ugly pictures of her sleeping, she hates those.”
Once they're gone, I start practicing my speech again. It's nerve-wracking to do this and it's even worse when you know what's at stake. If she rejects me, I’ll probably have to go on a life endangering killing spree.
The staff comes up shortly and I instruct them on what needs to be changed. They didn't take long to do as told and then I'm left all alone again. With my anxiety.
Dealing with fellow Mafia bosses is easier than preparing to charm a woman into spending her whole life with me.
Ewan said I suck at romance and if Valerie hadn’t given me a chance, I'd still be single or in a contractual marriage. He also gave me incredible advice —rather sarcasm— this morning that I have to manipulate her or any woman with a brain wouldn't wanna be with me.
If it wasn't for Addy and Cyrus’ words of encouragement and dad’s hour-long motivation and tips, I would've lost all hope in myself and our relationship.
I would then have one last option to make her mine. But I’m being optimistic. She's gonna say ‘yes’.
She's very territorial, she likes to make her claim and I'm sure she won't lose an opportunity to put a ring on me and show me off as hers.
After checking everything for the tenth time, I went down to the living room where Addy's peacefully sleeping on the floor. Again. She just doesn't listen to me.
Not only is she sleeping in the worst position and the worst surface with her mouth wide open, she's also completely forgotten about the task I gave her. She's supposed to get Valerie up to the rooftop.
I smiled, shaking my head. She looks so cute, I can't even be mad at her.
I grab her phone from beside her and unlock it with her finger before finding Valerie's contact. According to their last chat she's gonna be here in another twenty minutes and she doesn't want to see a particular person who happens to be me. And my sister’s openly telling her she doesn't like him either because he's boring and controlling.
I text Val, ‘I’m gonna put my phone to charge, don't text, come directly to the rooftop, I've set up a projector there.’
She texts back instantly with, ‘Okay, on my way’.
My relief was short lived because I realized she's texting while driving which I've told her a thousand times not to. None of the women in my life listen to me. I hope my niece isn't like them.
———
“I’ve never been in love before and I never will be again. Because you're enough for my entirety. You complete me, I couldn't have asked for anyone more perfect. Thanks for choosing me to love, angel. Please do me another favor and accept this ring.”
After an excruciatingly long twenty three minutes of walking the length of the roof overthinking my whole existence and memorizing the speech I wrote, Valerie finally gets here.
I hide behind the pillar next to the door so she doesn't see me when she enters. I watch as she steps in wearing light brown trousers and a loose white shirt that's tucked in. Her beautiful red hair is up in a ponytail and a brown leather bag is by her side to complete the look.
She defines perfection.
Everything about her is enchanting. And every minute away from her reminds me how close I am from losing her. I have to make it right this time.
“Addy,” She calls when she finds the tent empty.
I finally stepped out and her eyes narrowed at me for a split second before she realized that it was all my plan. Instead of arguing, she prioritized her mental peace and moved towards the door to leave.
I immediately closed the door, locked it and put the key in my inner pocket. I'm finally alone with her, I won't let her leave without a conversation.
“Give me the key, Rhyett.” She orders, extending her hand towards me.
“Just hear me out-” She cuts me off.
“I don't want to. I want to leave so you better let me.” Each of her words was laced with anger.
I wet my lips and tried to get to the point. “Val, I'm really sorry for how I behaved with you-”
“I don't want your apology. Open the door.”
“Look, I know I'm the worst person ever but I'm sorry I lost control and-”
“In front of all your family, Rhyett!” She shouts and hits me hard with her bag. “Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is for me to see them now? They all saw you shouting at me and saying I wasn't a part of your family.”
Her bag slides down her arm and she doesn't make an effort to grab it. She's finally taking out her anger on me and I can understand how hard it must be for her.
I stepped forward and tried to hold her hand but she didn't let me. “I fucked up, Valerie. Again.” I exhaled as the guilt tried seizing up my chest. “I'm not a perfect man but I… I realize that I made a huge huge mistake and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to have you back.”
“Relationships don't work like this.” She shook her head speaking ever so quietly. “You refused to listen to me. How were we supposed to sort it out then?”
“I was out of my mind. I couldn't think. My sister was crying and all I could think of was… that it could’ve been avoided if you didn't… I lost my control.”
I had sent guards with them but Valerie asked if they could stay out of the store so they could shop comfortably. I was completely against the idea but only agreed on the condition that Valerie won't leave her alone no matter what.
She's an adult and more importantly she's been in the Mafia for years now. She was more capable than Adeline of informing the team outside incase of emergency.
My sister isn't her responsibility —neither would I ever force her into it— but she promised to take care of her for the day.
I trusted her to prioritize Adeline over everything else like I do. But when I found out what happened, it felt like a betrayal. And I reacted the worst way possible.
“I'm not justifying my actions but you know how much she means to me. I just got her, I can't imagine anything happening to her. She's already gone through a lot.”
I've neither confirmed nor denied any of Valerie’s assumptions of what happened with Addy. She respects that the topic is sensitive for me and never asked me or her about the father.
But she did mention Addy telling her she wants the kids to not look like the father and accidentally slipping the words ‘whoever he is’ in the conversation. I know she's already figured it out but she doesn't say it out loud for my sanity.
The day we told the rest of my brothers about Addy's pregnancy, we decided to not tell anyone else including our spouses how her babies were conceived. It's her truth and she decides who she wants to open up with.
“I know I shouldn't have left her alone there and I do realize my mistake. That's why I was trying to apologize but you just weren't listening. And what's worse is that you were fighting with me in front of everyone.”
“I won't ever do it again, I promise. I will always hear your side before drawing any conclusions, I just want you to give me another chance. Please.” I nearly begged.
She gulped and looked away. “You know I wasn't gonna leave you for a stupid fight.”
I smiled and placed my hand on her cheek to tilt her face towards me. “How can you leave the great Rhyett Storm. There's no one like me.”
“Right, because everyone else loves their girlfriend.” She scoffs, making me chuckle.
“I love you so much, angel.” I whisper.
Her features soften and she sighs. “I love you too.”
She tiptoes to kiss me but I instantly move back. Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked at me confused by my reaction. Among the two of us, I'm the one who never leaves a chance to steal a kiss so this is definitely weird for her.
“Actually I have something to tell- ask you.”
“What happened?” She asks worriedly. “Is it something bad?”
“No, no, it's not bad- You’ll love it.” I said confidently then muttered. “I hope so.”
“Basically,” I cleared my throat. “I’ve been wanting to do this for so long but I needed time to prepare the speech.”
I took out the ring from my pocket, keeping my eyes on her adorable face. She was utterly shocked as I got on my knee. Tears shined in her eyes and she placed a hand over her mouth, getting overwhelmed by the what's happening.
I smiled at the adorable reaction and opened the box to reveal the beautiful diamond. But the moment I opened my mouth the whole speech vanished from my mind. I was completely blank, I didn't know what to say.
“Valerie… I swear I prepared a whole ass speech, it's still in my pocket but I can't remember it…” I was hating myself at the moment. “It must be the nervousness, I’ve never felt like this.” She giggles as a tear slips down her cheek.
I wet my lips and tried to wing it. “I know I'm ruining this for you, I’m so sorry but I… All I remember is that I need you to say yes. This means the world to me, I can't live without you. Just the thought of you leaving me shatters every corner of my heart. I want you by my side every day. I need you, angel. I can't bear to be away from you anymore. I want you to claim me as yours so I don't have to fear losing you.” She wipes a few more tears as she looks at me in adoration. “For a second time..." I took a deep breath. "Valerie Peterson, will you give me the honor of being your husband? Will you marry me?” When she didn't answer for a split second I quickly added, “Please.”
“Yes.” She nodded desperately and leaned down to kiss me.
I immediately got up to my feet and gently molded my lips with hers. When we pulled back, I took the ring out of the box and she forwarded her left hand towards me.
I slipped the ring on her finger and my heart did a flip. It was such a huge commitment and I was so happy I chose the right person. The one I want to spend the rest of my life with.
“This is so pretty.” She whispers looking at her hand in aw.
“It looks even prettier when it's on you.”
She couldn't stop smiling as she looked back at me. “You know what, I got so scared. I felt like this is gonna be something worse than the time you told me you were stalking me for months and you had all those files on my background and things that I liked. It was creepy, gave me chills. I don't even know why I fell for you after knowing all that.”
“Because you appreciated the effort.” I winked at her.
Her eyebrows knitted together like something's crossing her mind. “Now that I think about it, Reign's quite similar to you. He’s all high and mighty, extremely arrogant and a complete narcissist. But he's good with people he likes.”
“Don't compare me with that kid.” I grumbled.
“No seriously don't you think that…” She suppresses a smile like she knows she's gonna say something I'm gonna hate. “Rhyett and Addy's story is quite like ours.”
“Shut up!” I say instantly. “There's nothing happening between them and she doesn't even like him.”
“I think Addy’s starting to like him a tiny bit. He does some really admirable stuff sometimes.”
“What admirable stuff is he doing in front of her?” I ask, trying to act unbothered.
“Don't get into your protective mode.” She rolls her eyes at me. “She's gonna have a boyfriend one day and Reign's not that bad.”
“He’s a stalker.”
“So were you. Look at us now.”
“This is different. I was an adult and I knew you were the one for me. But he's just a teenager, their crush changes every few months. I won't believe he's serious unless he sticks around for long enough.”
“I think he will. That kid has this thing about him, when he wants something he does everything to have it. Just like you.” She smiles and pecks my lips.
“Let's not talk about this and go watch whatever movie you pick.” I suggested not quite enjoying the topic.
She agreed and intertwined our hands tugging me along to the tent. Neither of us paid attention to the movie as we were busy exploring each other's bodies.
When she fell asleep, I couldn't help but stare at what I just won at life. As I went to sleep I felt at peace looking at the ring in her finger and knowing she's all mine now as I am hers.
———
Well well well, it's finally time for a leap.
I hope everyone's just as excited as I am. I wanted to write the upcoming chapters for sooo long.
But I'd hate to make you guys wait for the transition so how about a bonus update on 425 votes. Fair enough?