Chapter 23 Morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains into the bedroom. Sophia stretched lazily, the aroma of toast lin- gering around her nose. She padded barefoot to the kitchen, wrapping her arms around Gerald from behind as he cooked. "Morning." She nuzzled against his back. "Why up so early today?" Gerald turned and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "We booked that photographer, remember? Promo shots for your dessert shop." Sophia finally recalled the day's agenda. The pastry shop she'd bought three months ago was fully renovated, opening tomorrow. She and Gerald had been together three months too. Her phone buzzed suddenly-a message from Mr. Michael Davis, added as a contact long ago. She tapped it open, her smile freezing mid-curve. [Alexander somehow found your address. But you know the Lee family can't leave the country for... reasons. He forged documents to board a flight today to reach you.] [He underestimated the Davis family. His kamikaze move enraged our patriarch. Allied families Alexander oppressed pooled evidence-seven charges including unlawful confinement and assault. Life sentence likely.] [He begged police to let him see you overseas. Impossible. Already in custody.] [Rest easy now, Ms Lee.] Attached news photos showed Alexander handcuffed, eyes frenziedly fixed on the departure gates, metal restraints glinting cold. "What's wrong?" Gerald noticed her stillness, leaning close to murmur. Sophia handed him the phone. Surprisingly, beyond relief, she felt nothing. 0.0 % 10:56 Gerald scanned the messages, gently squeezing her hand. "Cancel today's shoot?" "Why cancel?" Sophia shook her head with a soft laugh. "Our new life's just beginning." Rising on tiptoes, she kissed his jawline. "Wait while I change. Weren't we doing beach photos?" Daisies bloomed vibrantly at the shorefront florist. Sophia stood barefoot in the surf, sundress the color of duckling down. Gerald framed each smile through his lens from a distance. "Sophia." After the final shot, he lowered the camera, tension flickering in his eyes. "Come with me somewhere?" He led her to a rocky outcrop at the beach's end. Sophia gasped a white floral arch draped in fresh daisies stood where none had been. Her heart drummed against her ribs, a tiny timpani acknowledging the swell within. "Gerald, you... what is this-" Before she finished, Gerald knelt on one knee, pulling a diamond ring from his pocket. "Sophia." His voice trembled slightly, but his gaze held steady. "Will you-" "I will!" Sophia flung herself into his arms, tears soaking his shirt before he could finish. Gerald fumbled with the ring, nearly slipping it onto the wrong finger in his nervousness. "Sophia, I haven't finished..." "I'll say yes no matter what." 40.6 % 10:56 Chapter 23 Sophia buried her face in his neck, warm tears rolling down her cheeks. "I've always been grateful for you staying by my side, from our time back home till now." "I'm certain-maybe I've known for a long time-that I want to be with you forever." "So I've been looking forward to this moment for ages." Sea breeze carried distant church bells across the shore. Gerald cupped her face and gently kissed her lips. That evening, Sophia updated the dessert shop's social media: [Grand opening tomorrow: "Marry Me"] Accompanied by a silhouette of their embrace against the sunset and a close-up of the glimmering ring. The comments flooded with blessings, one standing out: [Congratulations! This will be Australia's sweetest spot. I'll visit soon. -Mr. Davis] Sophia set her phone down, smiling at Gerald experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Moonlight through the window cast a silver lining around his profile. The past had finally faded, and her future was now within reach. 73.7 % 10:56 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!