She turned to Antonio, who was still smiling softly, watching her with Junior in his arms. "Did you... did you know?" she asked, her voice still shaky. Antonio stepped forward, gently taking her hand. "Found out only weeks ago. It was Leonardo," he explained, nodding toward his best man. "He planned the fake death. Took care of him. Kept Jace safe and hidden, when he was under Damon's control. We all thought it was best to surprise you today. All Leonardo." Angela's wet eyes gazed towards Leonardo. She ran and hugged him. "Thank you," she cried. "Thank you for saving him. You don't know what you did for us....thank you. How will I ever pay you back!" Leonardo was unsure if it's okay to hug her back, but the look in Antonio's eyes warned him. Antonio gently pulled her away from Leonard's to his chest. "You can cry on my chest instead". He whispered, then turned to his best man. "Thank you, Leonardo". Leonardo, still flushed from Courtney's earlier kiss, simply nodded. "It was the least I could do, young Master." The twins, who had been watching everything with wide, curious eyes, approached their uncle Jace cautiously like he was a ghost. They were hesitant at first, unsure of what to say. Jace knelt, saw them and opened his arms wide with a warm smile. "Come here, you big girls" he said to them. The twins exchanged glances for a brief second before rushing into his embrace. They hugged him tightly, their arms wrapping around his neck. "Uncle Jace! I know you will come back. I missed you". Lia exclaimed in tears. "Me too! You're really here!" Liya added. Jace laughed through his tears, holding them close. "I missed you two, so much. It was the hardest thing ever," he said softly. "And I'm so happy to finally meet you both again." Then his eyes landed on Junior, who had been standing quietly by Antonio's side, wide-eyed and holding on to his father's leg. Jace smiled, he released the twins and crouched down, opened his arms. "And you must be Antonio Junior," he said softly. Junior hesitated for a second before looking up at his parents, they nodded reassuringly for him to go ahead. Junior took a small step forward, then another, before running straight into his uncle's arms. Overjoyed, Jace lifted him easily, twirling him around in the air, causing the boy to giggle in delight. "It's so good to meet you, buddy, we will be the best uncle-nephew pair," Jace said, holding him close. Angela broke into tears of joy again, and Antonio never ceased to console and kiss her at any given chance. It was a picture of perfect happiness. From afar Hinata was smiling at them even with tears in her eyes. Hinata accepted the fact that Antonio was no longer hers and will move on. "Antonio, that fool," a voice muttered with anger beside her. At first, she ignored it, assuming it was another one of Antonio's admirers. But when she turned slightly, she noticed it wasn't a woman but a man. He stood casually with a cigarette dangling from his lips and a glass of wine in his hand. He seems a bit tipsy. Hinata recognized him instantly as an American popular actor. The blonde Ken, Prince Nicholas! Her heart skipped, how handsome. Noticing her glance, he smirked and offered her the cigarette. "Care for one?" he asked. Hinata shook her head politely, her face flushed. "No, thank you." He took a slow drag from his cigarette, then exhaled, watching her with curious eyes. "Let me guess," he said, "you're one of the women Antonio broke their hearts? You are not blonde, are you a model or actress?" Hinata raised an eyebrow. "None of them, but yes, I got my heart broken..." she admitted. Nicholas scoffed, flicking ash from his cigarette. "You're not the only one. The brat broke my heart too." Hinata turned to him fully now, her curiosity piqued. "So, Antonio's...bisexual?" she asked, trying to understand his meaning. Prince Nicholas laughed deeply, a carefree sound. "No, not quite," he said, amusement in his eyes.
He’s just good at seducing and getting off with every good-looking, male or female, as long as you are blonde, but I think blonde doesn't matter anymore. “OOO...okay, that's bisexual.” Hinata got a bit uncomfortable. She was about to take her leave when Nick suddenly stepped forward. “Why don’t we get out of here?” he suggested, his eyes gleaming mischievously. “Somewhere quiet. Just the two of us.” Hinata paused, surprised by the offer. “Aren’t you...?” she trailed off, raising an eyebrow. Nicholas smirked, the cigarette hanging loosely between his lips. “What? Gay?” He tilted his head slightly, a playful gleam in his eyes. “You could change that. No harm in trying, right?” Hinata stared at him for a moment, caught off guard by his boldness. Could he be bisexual, or is he saying this because he was a little drunk? However, she needs someone to hold on to, especially this night. She considered it for a moment before finally saying, “Just one night?” “Just one night,” he agreed with a mischievous smile. From a distance, Antonio caught sight of the two walking towards a car. He shook his head slightly, recognizing Nicholas. “That brat, he wants to try women now?” He wasn’t concerned about Nicholas’s choices, but a protective instinct kicked in concerning Hinata. He turned to one of his men, giving a subtle nod. “Keep an eye on Hinata,” he said quietly, “I still care about her...like a sister.” His man nodded and discreetly followed the car, ensuring Hinata’s safety. Antonio watched them disappear into the distance before turning back to the celebration. His life had taken so many turns, but through it all, he remained grateful for the people he cared about even the ones who had moved on. “Hey you, handsome.” A seductive voice called. Antonio turned to see Angela in her fifth outfit for the day. A sexy one, for the night party. His jaw dropped. “Can we leave for our honeymoon now?” He pleaded. ****** Hinata woke up the next morning to the sound of a knock on the door, her body still heavy with fatigue and her vision blurry. As she stirred on the bed, she heard a voice from the other side of the door. “Miss Hinata. I was asked to ensure your safety. Are you okay?” the guard asked. An answer came quickly. “Tell the Montero brat to stay away from my woman. He just got married.” *His woman?* Hinata blinked and looked toward the door, where the voice came. Nick was casually leaning against the wall naked, flaunting his abs and balls, sipping tea with an amused smile on his face. His posture was relaxed and shameless as his eyes were watching Hinata’s shocked face. “Nice ring,” he commented with a smirk. “Thank you,” Hinata replied automatically, her mind still foggy. But then, her thoughts caught up to his words. A ring? She didn’t remember wearing any ring to the ceremony. She glanced down at her hand and saw a ring gleaming on her finger. Her heart raced. “How did this get here?” she asked in horror, sitting up straight. “I engaged you in advance.” Hinata stared at him, wide-eyed, her mind racing. “I’m sorry, what?!” “You see, Antonio and I are alike,” Nick started. “He started this way with a proposal, and now he is truly happy and fulfilled. Maybe you can help me out, like Angela did for him.” *Is he insane? Can he at least put something on! It’s distracting me. We just had a one-night stand, and he was supposed to be gay or at least, that’s what I had thought* Hinata battled in her head. Nick put the coffee down on a nearby table and approached her slowly, then knelt in front of her with a grin that made her blood run cold. “Marry me, please” he said, making a puppy face. Hinata was absolutely stunned, unable to comprehend what was happening. Her hands shook as she clutched the sheets tighter, her eyes widened in disbelief. “Nani ga okotte iru no!” She exclaimed in her native language. “Em mm...is that a Yes in Japanese?” Nicholas asked, still kneeling. (what is happening!) THE END
THANK YOU, DEAR READERS, Thanks to those that sent me gifts. I appreciate so much. It means alot Thank you.