Crying
Nikolai’s POV
I took one last glance in the mirror as I checked the time. I still had about ten minutes left before I had to leave. I sucked in a sharp breath, clutching the mini box in my pocket as I tried to steady my breathing. Uncontrollably nervous, I smoothed down the front of my black suit. That done, I checked my hair one last time in the mirror before moving away and heading upstairs to the rooftop.
I had solicited Anna’s help to organise a small but lavish romantic dinner for Liyah on the rooftop. It was spacious and airy, and there were no chances of us being interrupted or disturbed. Grabbing the bouquet of roses I had gotten for her, I made my way up the stairs and to the roof.
She was already seated awaiting my presence when I walked through the doors. She grinned widely when she saw me, getting up to return my hug when I came closer. The sight of her when she stood nearly had me sprawling. The emerald green, sequenced dress she wore matched her eyes to perfection. But what got me was how it was knotted behind-right above her waist-and then fell gracefully behind her. Her ebony hair was pulled into a half bun, and then the rest cascaded down her back like a pool of black waves.
Her beauty was simply effortless. She was perfect, in every way.
“You look amazing,” I kissed her hand, leaning forward to plant a kiss on her right cheek. She immediately blushed under my touch making me smile in pleasure. I loved having that effect on her.
“So do you,” She smiled. “Are you sure I’m not overdressed?” She asked, looking down at her dress unsure.
I silenced her with a kiss. “You’re perfect.”
As I helped her into her chair, the two waiters Anna had selected to serve us today quickly appeared, pouring out our drinks and then serving up the appetizers. They disappeared as soon as they were done.
The soft music playing in the background was perfect. Anna had really outdone herself, I thought, looking around at the space. It had completely transformed; lamps hanging over the ceilings, flowers decorating the corners, and the candlelight theme of the whole place was truly perfect. Not to mention the view of the stars overhead.This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .
“It’s beautiful right? I can’t stop staring either,” Liyah’s voice broke into my thoughts. I turned to see her looking up at the stars, a satisfied look on her face. “Thank you. This dinner was a good idea. And there’s no one else I’d rather share this memory with,” She whispered, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand.
My heart transformed into jelly at her words. Did she have any idea how those words affected me? I kissed her hand as she finished up her appetizer. My heart was pounding furiously now as I held her hand up, pulling her up gently from the chair and placing my hand around her waist.
I dipped my free hand cautiously into my pocket, the sound of my heartbeat filling my ears when I touched the box that was still intact.
I swallowed, rubbing my sweaty palm up and down my pants.
Liyah’s POV
I giggled as I stared at Nikolai, letting myself get lost in his eyes. Those eyes were still my favorite thing about him. I was still giddy with excitement from the romantic dinner he had planned for us. He was so full of surprises, this man. He was sweet and spontaneous and I loved it.
I smiled again watching him curiously when he swallowed. I noted he had begun to act weird all of a sudden. But I didn’t want to ruin the mood by mentioning it when it might just be nothing.
My cheeks warmed when he brought my fingers to his lips, kissing it a little. “Liyah…” He breathed, making me look up at him.
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Sometimes I try to imagine what my life would be like without you, and I can’t. You came and you brightened up every corner of my life that I thought was dampened forever. You make me feel… like a person. You make me feel like I matter, and I wake up each day ready to face a new day, fight back any obstacles, as long as you’re right here by my side. I love you, Liyah…”
My breath caught in my throat as my hand flew to my mouth in shock. As I continue to stare at him, my heart squeezed in my chest.
He loves me.
Nikolai loves me.
Someone loves me…
I stood at the point of breaking down in tears, gasping when he started to get down on one knee, taking out a small jewelry box and taking out the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever set my eyes on.
This was happening. This was really happening.
“Marry me, Liyah. Let me carry you in my heart, my soul, and my arms, forever. Let me wipe away your tears, face your fears with you, wipe all your scars clean. Let me live with you, laugh with you, make memories with you. Let me love you, Liyah. Be my girl… my Luna…”
My hands shook as I nodded fervently, unable to see clearly through the tears that stood in my eyes.
“Yes, yes…” I sobbed, not bothering to wipe away the tears that spilled down my cheeks as he pushed the ring gently down my finger. It fit perfectly.
“I love you too,” I whimpered as he stood, pulling me to him and kissing my lips softly. I realized I had fallen in love with him during the time we spent at the cabin together. But I was too scared to admit it to myself because I was scared. Scared of rejection. No one had ever loved me. So what right did I have to think someone would ever love me back because I had fallen for him.
“I love you too,” I repeated, my tears blinding me as I returned his hug. I smiled through the tears when he nibbled on my ear, and I wondered if now was the right time to tell him. He had just proposed… we were getting married! What other sign was I waiting for?
Pulling away from him, I held both his hands in mine. “There’s something I have to tell you,” I announced, wondering how he would take it.
“Anything, my love.”
I blushed at the nickname, unable to stop myself from smiling like an idiot.
Taking a deep breath I looked up. “I’m pregnant.”
“W-what?” He staggered back in shock, looking from my face to my stomach.
I nodded. “I found out some weeks ago. I’d been feeling sick for a while but I didn’t want to alarm you so I went for a checkup. And… Nova felt another presence within us.”
I hadn’t believed it at first, but when it began to sink in, I felt like the happiest person in world. I would have a child of my own… my own person. Someone to take care of, someone to nurture… to love. And with an amazing father like Nikolai what more could a child and mother ask for?
The back of my eyes began to sting again at the sight of tears in Nikolai’s eyes. Shakily, he approached me, getting down on both knees and placing both hands on my stomach. “M-my baby is in h-here?”
I sniffed back my tears, nodding. “Mm hm.”
As Nikolai placed both hands around my stomach in a hug and began to sob bitterly, I placed mine around his neck, stroking his hair and whispering in his ear as I struggled to be strong for the both of us.