A private path stretched ahead, lined with soft lights, leading down to the sand. At the end of it stood a beautifully arranged canopy, decorated with flowers and candles, with a table set for two facing the ocean.
The sound of the waves filled the air, steady and calm.
It was perfect intimate, intentional… like something more than just a celebration.
Adrian stood still for a moment. "Matteo... you did all this?"
"I told you I had a plan," Matteo replied.
Adrian looked at the lanterns, his heart swelling. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble."
Matteo stepped closer, the warmth of his presence closing the space between them. "I'm not doing this just to make you stay," he said quietly. "I'm doing it because I don't want to live another day without you knowing exactly how important you are to me."
