When she finally inhaled, it felt like thunder to my ears.
“I love you, Chrys,” she said, and I felt hope move through me. She took another deep breath, and then added, her voice clear enough for all to hear, “Yes, I will marry you.”
Relief and joy exploded within me, and I stood to my feet, embracing her in my arms. I captured her lips, pouring every ounce of promise I had into that kiss.
“You mean it?” I whispered against her mouth when we finally broke apart, needing one final confirmation. “You’re sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure,” she replied, throwing my own words back at me with that smile that always undid me completely. “I want forever with you, Chrysanthos Christakis.”
19
I stared at the ring on my finger, a stunning sapphire surrounded by diamonds, unable to believe what had happened. The images of what had passed between us in Belgium were never far from my mind, wafting around and through me in every spare minute, even after we’d returned to Greece.
I was lost in the memory of the moment. It was giving fairytale. I kept tilting my hand to stare at the gemstones like I didn’t totally believe it was real.
After the proposal, Chrys surprised me by planning a week-long trip to a few Greek islands. The ancient ruins of Delphi, whichI’d dreamed of seeing before Katalina cut my plans short, became our first destination. We spent peaceful days exploring the ancient ruins and walking hand in hand where the Oracle once delivered prophecies.
From there, we journeyed to Meteora, where the monasteries perched impossibly on towering rock formations took my breath away. We watched sunrises paint the stone pillars golden and hiked the winding paths together. Something about those structures, defying gravity yet standing for centuries, felt symbolic of our own unlikely love.
That week had erased any lingering doubts. Standing between heaven and earth at Meteora, I knew with absolute certainty he was the man I was meant to be with.
Now that we were back at the villa, things were different. There was something between us that seemed so much more comfortable, an ease that hadn’t been there before.
What surprised me most was his family’s reaction. I’d braced myself for opposition, for accusations I wasn’t good enough for their son and heir.
Instead, their concerns had been primarily for my wellbeing. Yiayia had taken my hands in hers, asking if I was prepared for the scrutiny that would come with marrying into their family.
Aristides had inquired about my parents and I’d carefully sidestepped it. Even Irida had smiled as though she’d seen this coming all along.
Chrys and I continued to sleep in separate rooms—Domna’s rules—but spent every free moment together. I accompanied Chrys everywhere, my driving improving with each lesson he gave me on the winding coastal roads.
After several more visits to Thalassía with each family member and numerous family meetings, I’d finally completed the conceptual design.
Each trip had deepened my connection to the island, helping me understand the family’s vision and their ancestral ties to the land. Now I waited for their approval, hopeful they would appreciate the design I’d poured myself into creating.
When I presented the final concept to the family, I felt confident and at ease. The presentation flowed naturally as I explained the choices I’d made to honor both tradition and innovation.
Aristides nodded thoughtfully as he examined my 3D renderings. “Approved,” he said. “You may proceed to schematic development.”
As the others filtered out, Aristides lingered. “Miss Massey,” he began, his tone formal yet not unkind. “My son may not have told you this, but you will need a lawyer.”
“Why would I need a lawyer?”
“To discuss your prenuptial agreement,” he replied, as casually as if we were discussing the weather.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. “A prenup? You think I’m after your money?”
Aristides’ expression remained calm. “It’s not a reflection of you or your character. It’s simply a way to protect both your interests. My family’s wealth requires certain safeguards, but more importantly, you need protection too.”
“I don’t need to be protected from Chrys,” I said.
“Of course not,” he agreed with surprising gentleness. “But there are many considerations. Property rights, inheritance, children.” He paused. “You’re entering a world quite different from the one you know. This isn’t about trust, but practicality.”
I stared at him, wanting to argue but finding his logic frustratingly sound. I thought about Chrys’s racing, his impulsivity, his family’s complex business holdings. What did I know about navigating any of this?
After a moment, I nodded slowly. “You may be right.”
Aristides’ face relaxed. “You are good for my son,” he said quietly. “I hope he is equally good for you.”
