Aria's POV
"Damian," I said softly.
He didn't respond, but I saw his jaw flex.
"Let's do it." My voice came out steadier than I felt. "Let's get married today."
His head snapped toward me, just for a second, and I caught the flash of surprise in those dark eyes. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, and for just a moment, I saw something raw and unguarded in his expression.
Hope. Disbelief. Joy.
It made my heart squeeze.
"But," I added, trying to lighten the suddenly heavy atmosphere, "you owe me a proper proposal later. A real one."
The corner of his mouth lifted—not his usual confident smirk, but something softer, more genuine. "Deal."
He raised our joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles without taking his eyes off the road. The gesture wa
