FIFTY-FOUR
Wedding planning is surprisingly easy, mainly because I have two incredible people dealing with it while my father oversees it all. It gives him something to do, and I trust his taste anyway. In the meantime, I open the lifestyle quarter. It’s both a happy and sad day, since Faiz should be here, but it’s dedicated to him, and every time I think of how he would react, I know he would be happy.
Nikko also graduated from Pine Valley College with honors. I gave him a bouquet of flowers so big, it had to be driven out in a truck. He was embarrassed, even though he loved it. I’m so proud of how far he has come, and he’s even thinking of continuing to study since he enjoyed it and he wants to prepare for a future after boxing—not that he needs one. I can be his sugar daddy, but he doesn’t like that idea.
He wants us to be partners, and I love that.
We spend every waking moment together. He gave his apartment to Charlie, who needed it, and moved in with me a while ago, so that makes things easier. Life is settling down and quiet—well, as quiet as my life will ever be. I won’t change who I am. I’m a Xander, after all, but Nikko doesn’t mind. He loves me for me, and now I have a family worth fightingfor.
I let Nikko’s old bullies go. I didn’t want to, but he asked so sweetly, I couldn’t refuse. I did, however, leave them with some permanent reminders just in case.
My life is definitely not where I expected it to be. I spend my days between offices and a gym and my weekends between mansions and run-down family restaurants, eating the best food of my life. No, it’s not where I imagined it would go, but it’s so much better.
I wish I could go back in time and tell my old self it’s worth it to take a leap of faith and change everything, and that it isn’t as scary as one would think.
I’ve lost a lot along the way, but I’ve also gained a lot, and for that, I’m thankful.
I’m not proud of everything I’ve done, but loving Nikko is the one thing in my life I’m proud of.
“Well?” Julies calls as he and Chen show off their suits. “We look hot, right?”
“Very. They are perfect.” I nod at my wedding planners, who hurry off to make changes. Yuki is at my side, checking his emails, so I pluck his phone out of his hand and pocket it. “Go on.”
“Sir?” he asks with a frown.
I sigh. “Try your suit on.”
“Oh, I have a suit, sir,” he protests, but I turn to face him.
“Yuki, you’re my friend, one of my best friends, actually, so did you really think you weren’t going to be a groomsman? Get your ass in there and try that suit on,” I demand. “That is an order from your boss and a request from your friend.”
“Yes, sir.” He smiles broadly and heads back to the dressing room as I wait. When I pull my phone out, I see a text from Nikko.
Nikko: Two weeks, then you will legally be all mine.
Smirking, I text back.
Zia: And tonight, you’re all mine anyway, but get back to work before our dad calls me again to make you.
Nikko: Spoilsport. Love you.
Zia: Love you too. See you tonight.
Nikko: Tonight.
NIKKO
Two weeks later . . .
Our wedding has become somewhat of a global sensation—the old-money tycoon and the champion boxer. The public has been counting down the days. Magazines and news outlets cover every inch of it. It made me nervous, but as we stand under the large flower arch outside of Zia’s father’s house and I meet his eyes for the first time today, all those nerves disappear.
My boy looks incredible. His white suit matches mine, but he has a cape that attaches at his shoulder and flares out behind him, the floral fabric inlaid with more diamonds than this world has ever seen. More jewels drip from his neck and fingers until he outshines everyone. His heeled boots put him at my height, and I love that he peers into my eyes as we say our vows. Despite his wealth and our differences, none of it matters as we swear our love before friends, family, and the world.
Hundreds of people are gathered to watch us wed, and their cheers ring out as we kiss and I dip him back.
When we pull away, he’s smiling widely. Keeping our hands linked, we turn and thrust them into the air as cameras flash.
White flowers shine behind and around us, every inch of the area transformed into a sleek, luxury wedding rivalling that of kings and queens, yet despite it all, we both still wear our cheap, handmade bracelets. Neither of us were willing to take them off despite everyone’s objections.
