chapter 47

The house was buzzing with life, a soft glow of lights spilling from the windows onto the garden, where our guests were mingling. Laughter echoed in the air, the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation surrounding us in a bubble of joy. It was the perfect evening to announce our engagement, and from the way Lyra looked tonight, radiant and glowing, I knew this was going to be a moment neither of us would forget.

As I stood by the bar, watching her float from one group of guests to another, I couldn’t help but smile. She was in her element, talking and laughing with everyone, her excitement palpable. Her joy was infectious, and I felt it settle deep in my chest, warming me in ways I hadn’t realized I needed.

“Hey, babe,” Lyra said, sidling up next to me. Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she wrapped her arms around my waist, resting her chin on my shoulder. “Everything is perfect, isn’t it?”

I leaned down to kiss her forehead, inhaling the familiar scent of her perfume that a