Chapter 91: The Proposal Chapter 91: The Proposal Clairessa's POV I swallowed hard, knowing Raquel was right. "Why would Gabriel bring you on vacation with his most trusted friend unless he liked you? And don't even try to deny it! You're sleeping with your boss." I covered my face with my hands. "Raquel, you are so-" "Honest? Raw? Blunt?" She grinned. "I know." I exhaled. "Hmm..." I hesitated before adding, "What if, hypothetically, we were doing what you're accusing us of?" She smiled triumphantly. "If you and Gabriel are, then I fully support it." She squeezed my shoulder gently. "I've been where you are-falling for a complicated man, scared about what's next. But if I can give you one piece of advice, it's this: follow your heart. Even if it sounds cliché. At least then, you won't live with regrets.” I sighed, my eyes scanning a set of round silver balls that caught my attention. I picked them up, examining them curiously. Raquel's voice squeaked from behind me. "Oh, I've tried those! What an experience." I dropped them instantly, spinning around like I'd been caught committing a crime. She chuckled. "No shin exploring our bodies and finding pleasure as women." Her tone turned thoughtful. "I'm no expert, but confidence is everything. And how can you be confident when you don't even know your body?" I lifted a brow. "Oh? And how do you suggest I... spice things up? Raquel smirked. "Be open-minded. Willing to try new things. Love your body. Own it. Men love a woman who knows what she wants. And don't forget-” she leaned in with a mischievous glint, "foreplay. Always." "Gotcha," I muttered as she grabbed a few more items and ledto the checkout. As I handed the cashier Gabriel's black card, Raquel leaned in and whispered, "Oh, and one more thing-pay attention to what he likes. Every man has a weakness. Find it. Use it." I burst into laughter, shaking my head. Just as we grabbed our bags, my phone buzzed. Gabriel: There's an update to our plans. A guide by the nJavier is waiting outside the boutique to take you both for hair and makeup. Please ensure Raquel wears one of the dresses you both bought- Sergio's request. Letknow when you're done. I was still reading when Raquel cooed, from behind, "Gabriel again... hmm." Quickly, I put my phone aside and looked up, trying to act indifferent. "He just informedthat a hair and makeup session has been scheduled for us." Her eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds amazing!" But then, her smile faded, and a crease formed between her brows. "Wait... what? I don't get She glanced at me, suspicion creeping into her expression. "Something is off." Raquel crossed her arms, lips pursed. "Why is Gabriel so interested in us having a good time?" She reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. "What the hell is Serup to? Doesn't he know that it's supposed to be our anniversary vacation? her Before she could dial, I placed my hand over hers, stopping her. "There's no need to call him,” I reassured her. "I'm sure they're together, and this was their idea." She exhaled sharply, tapping her nails against her phone. "Ugh... you're probably right. They just want to keep us distracted while they talk about their boring contracts and business deals.” Her frustration melted into a smirk. “But whatever. We're going to make the best of this." I smiled to myself, watching as she excitedly sifted through the shopping bags. She had no idea Serwas preparing the best proposal. dragging her feet. "Claire, why are you insisting we cto the beach for pictures when we're dressed in dinner As we arrived at the private beachfront, Raquel huffed in frustration, gowns?" she complained, her brows furrowing. "We can do beach shots tomorrow in our bikinis. Besides, we just got our hair and makeup done-the wind is going to ruin everything." I tightened my grip on her wrist and pulled her forward, ignoring her protests. "Just trust me. You won't regret this." "I'm sure I will," she argued, rolling her eyes. "We should've gone to show off our looks to Gabriel and Serfirst, then cdown here.” But as we stepped closer to the beach, she suddenly cto an abrupt stop. Her breath hitched. A long runway of white roses and lit candles stretched before us, leading to a gazebo draped in twinkling fairy lights. At the very end, a massive backdrop read “Will You Marry Me?" in bold beautiful writing. Soft music played in the backpack, giving the setting the perfect romance feel. And standing at the end of the path, dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, was Sergio-his expression filled with love and anticipation. Raquel's hand flew to her mouth, and her wide eyes darted betweenand Gabriel. Realization dawned, and a tremor ran through her body. "Oh my God..." she whispered, voice shaky with emotion. "You all planned this?" Gabriel and I exchanged knowing
smiles before nodding. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned back to Sergio, who had dropped to one knee, a velvet box in his hands. “Mi amor,” he began, his voice was filled with raw emotion, "from the moment I kissed you that night, I knew I was doomed. I never thought I'd fall in love, but you changed everything. You softened me, madea better man. I can't imagine a life without you. So, will you marry this old bull?" Raquel let out a choked laugh, her hand clutching her chest as tears streamed down her cheeks. For a moment, she seemed too overwhelmed to speak. Then, with a trembling breath, she nodded fervently. "Yes! Yes, Sergio!" A deep, relieved chuckle rumbled from Sergio's chest as he stood, sliding the ring onto her finger before pulling her into his arms. Their lips met in a passionate kiss. Suddenly, fireworks exploded in the sky above, adding vibrant color to their beautiful love story. I stood beside Gabriel, watching the breathtaking moment unfold. His warmth pressed against my side, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. This was the first real-life proposal I had ever witnessed, and it felt straight out of my favorite fairytale movie. There was no doubt-Serand Raquel had fallen deeply, irrevocably in love. The care and adoration in their eyes spoke louder than words. Yet, as I watched them, my heart twisted. I couldn't help but think of Adrian-the countless nights we talked about marriage, the proposals I had dreamed about over and over again. But that future was gone. I was with Gabriel now-a man who didn't believe in commitment. And still, a deep part oflonged for love, for devotion, for a family of my own. But Gabriel could never givethat. And if he ever found out the truth about Adrian... I'd lose everything. As if sensing I was troubled, Gabriel reached for my hand, interlocking our fingers. His silent touch grounded me, pullingback to the present. I leaned into him, our bodies in sync as we watched Raquel and Serlose themselves in their moment. Gabriel lowered his head, his breath warm against my ear. "Thank you for helping to make this happen," he murmured. My heart skipped a beat as I turned slightly, expecting to meet his gaze, but his eyes remained fixed on the newly engaged couple "They look so happy," I whispered. "They are." His thumb brushed absently against my knuckles. "I never thought I'd see the day Serwould settle down, but... here we are." I exhaled, my lips curving into a soft smile. "I guess it's true what they say-love breaks all boundaries." Gabriel hummed in response. "Maybe." Then, with my hand still in his, he ledtoward the happy couple. Raquel turned the moment she saw me, pullinginto a tight hug. "Claire, thank you for keepingdistracted! I had no idea!” Her eyes shone with gratitude as she glanced at Gabriel. "And thank you for being part of this.” Gabriel gave her a small nod, his usual stoicism softening just a fraction. Raquel turned back to take in the entire setup, her hands flying to her cheeks. "This is perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything better." Her gaze shifted to Sergio, eyes shining with admiration. "You even made sure my hair and makeup were done..." Sergio's lips twitched into a smirk. "Of course I did." He wrapped an arm around her waist, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead before murmuring, "And the celebration isn't over. The real party starts at the club." Read the latest