Chapter 29: Under the Starry Promise

As they stood wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in the magic of their engagement. The stars twinkled above, a celestial showcase of diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse, and the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore created a soothing serenade. Malek pulled back, his eyes still shining with happiness, and took Ashlyn's hand, leading her to the small boat bobbing gently on the waves. "Let's take a ride," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "I want to show you something special." Ashlyn's curiosity was piqued as she stepped into the boat, feeling the wooden slats beneath her feet. Malek pushed off from the pier, and they glided across the calm water, the stars reflected in the ripples of the sea. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and Ashlyn felt as though she was floating on a cloud. As they reached the middle of the cove, Malek stopped rowing, and they drifted, surrounded by the silence of the night. He pulled out a small speaker from beneath the seat and pressed play, and the sound of soft music filled the air. Ashlyn recognized the melody as a lullaby her mother used to sing to her, and she felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. Malek smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I wanted to recreate the magic of our first meeting," he said, his voice low and husky. "I wanted to show you that our love is a fairytale, one that I'm grateful to be living with you." Ashlyn's heart swelled with emotion as she gazed up at him, the stars shining down on them like a blessing. She felt as though she was living in a dream, one that she never wanted to wake up from. As the music faded away, Malek began to row again, and they glided back to the pier, the silence between them filled with the promise of their future together. As they stepped back onto dry land, Ashlyn felt a sense of excitement building within her. She knew that their engagement was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one that would be filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Malek took her hand, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I have a surprise for you," he said, his voice low and husky. "One that I think you'll love." Ashlyn's curiosity was piqued, and she followed him, her heart racing with anticipation, as he led her back to their beachside villa, the stars shining down on them like a celestial blessing.