Damian remained maddeningly mysterious about their destination, simply driving in silence for nearly two hours.

Remi finally couldn’t take the suspense. "Damian, are you driving me into the middle of nowhere to sell me off?"

"Heh, maybe. Are you scared, Remi?"

"Only if you find me a good buyer."

"Fine. Once you sign the contract, you're staying put."

"Ugh, you’re insufferable!"

Remi knew better than to pry; she leaned back and enjoyed the view. The scenery was refreshing, far from the stifling hum of the city, with rolling hills and wide-open skies that made her pulse slow to a calm, steady rhythm.

A moment later, the sharp click of the parking brake signaled their arrival. The car idled on a vast expanse of lush, rolling grass.

"We're here."

The air was crisp and scented with pine and damp earth. Remi climbed out, the breeze catching her hair, and she couldn't help but stretch her arms toward the horizon.

"Wow. This is… peaceful."

"Do you like it, Remi?"

"I love it. My head finally feels quiet."

She hopped over a low fence, settling onto a gentle slope, her hands propped behind her as she took in the clean, untainted air.

"Hey," Damian said, holding out a sheaf of papers. "Sign this, and you’re officially stuck here."

Remi squinted at the documents, her brows knitting together in confusion. "What is this? I can’t make heads or tails of this."

She stared at the architectural blueprints. "Are you planning a development project out here?"

Damian just smiled, keeping his secrets.

Remi tried again. "A resort? A research facility? A clinic?"

With every guess, he simply shook his head.

"Remi, this is our home."

"Our home?"

"I wanted to wait until it was built to bring you here, but I couldn't wait another second." He cupped her face, his thumb grazing her skin with agonizing tenderness. "Do you have any idea how much courage that ring you gave me provided?"

"So, you’ve had this ready the whole time, just waiting for me to take the first step?"

"You don't need to do anything. Just stand there and give me that look—the one with the wink—and I’ll know your heart. Remi, will you marry me?"

His voice hitched, his eyes locked onto hers with a raw, terrifying honesty. Remi’s vision blurred; a single tear slid down her cheek, then another. Her throat felt tight, constricted by the sheer weight of the moment. If her eyes could speak, they were screaming *yes.*

She gave a small, shaky nod.

Damian pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair, kissing her again and again. "I promise I won't let you down. Thank you. Thank you."

Remi felt her heart swell, a golden, molten warmth flooding her chest. She had always been a sucker for his over-the-top, unabashed devotion.

Damian took her hand, pointing out the layout of their future life. "That spot there? That’s for the main house. We’ll drop a pool right in front."

"And that flat stretch? That’s where the gardens go. I’ll hang a swing for you. We can host weekend barbecues during the summer."

"I know you love to ride, so we’ll carve out a full equestrian arena right over there."

"There’s no natural lake, but we’ll build one—one that’ll put the pond at Elysian Estate to shame."

Remi watched him as he paced, gesturing wildly, his face alight with a radiance that made him look like he was glowing.

"You remembered I liked the view at Elysian Estate?"

"Of course. I’m building your dream home, Remi. I want you to spend the rest of your life in it, with me."

"Damian, what do I have to do to be worthy of this much love?"

He smirked, scooping her up into his arms. "I’d say you can start by putting in at least two hours of hard work every night."

"..."

"Damian Spencer, are you a walking romance-killer?"

"Ha! Come on, it’s a simple, worldly request. Can’t you satisfy me, Remi?"

Remi turned her face away, huffing. "Hmph. I’m not talking to you!"

He just laughed. The sound drifted away into the breeze, leaving them in a world that contained nothing but the two of them.