The countryside was serene, with the chirping of birds and the soft rustle of leaves in the morning breeze. Zane Mitchell stood nervously outside Ella Scott's grandparents' home, clutching a small velvet box. Today was the day he would ask her to be his forever.
Ella stepped outside, her golden hair catching the sunlight, a warm smile on her face. "You've been acting strange all morning. What's going on?"
Zane took a deep breath, stepping closer to her. "Ella, I've been thinking a lot lately. Life's too short, and I don't want to waste another moment."
He knelt on one knee, opening the box to reveal a delicate diamond ring. "Ella Scott, will you marry me?"
Ella gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded vigorously. "Yes, Zane! Yes!"
He slipped the ring onto her finger, standing to pull her into a tight embrace. "You've made me the happiest man alive."
Later that evening, the newly engaged couple boarded a flight back to Melbourne, their hearts full of hope and excitement for the future.
In Melbourne, the group of best friends gathered at Sophie's apartment. Zara sat on the couch, her eyes red and puffy from crying, while Kai Roberts tried to cheer her up with his usual humor.
"You know, Zara," Kai said, grinning, "Finn was always a bit of a loser. You're way out of his league."
Zara managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Kai. But it still hurts, you know?"
Ella and Zane walked in hand-in-hand, their faces glowing with happiness. Sophie noticed the ring on Ella's finger and gasped.
"Wait a second!" Sophie exclaimed, rushing over. "Are you two engaged?"
Ella beamed, showing off her ring. "We are!"
The group erupted in cheers and congratulations, momentarily lifting the mood. Zara hugged Ella tightly, her voice soft. "I'm so happy for you, Ella. You deserve all the love in the world."
Sophie glanced at Zane, her smile warm. "You've got yourself a good one, Zane. Take care of her."
"I will," he promised, his voice sincere.
Elsewhere in the city, Mason Wilson strolled through the park, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. He was meeting someone important today—someone who had been a secret part of his life for years.
A young woman approached, her dark hair cascading down her back, her eyes strikingly similar to Sophie's. This was Celeste Rivers, Sophie Davis's twin sister.
"Mason," Celeste greeted, her tone cool and composed.
"Celeste," Mason replied, a faint smile on his lips. "How are you feeling?"
She shrugged, her expression indifferent. "Ready for whatever comes next. You've trained me well."
Mason's gaze softened for a moment. "You've come a long way since I found you. You're strong, capable, and exactly what I need."
Celeste tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "And Sophie? What's her role in all this?"
Mason's smile turned cold. "She's the key. But don't worry. When the time comes, you'll know exactly what to do."
The next morning, Sophie woke up feeling a strange mix of emotions. There was a sense of nostalgia tugging at her heart, a longing she couldn't quite place. Deciding to clear her mind, she headed to the hospital for a routine check-up.
As she sat in the waiting room, her thoughts drifted to Aiden. She smiled, imagining his reaction to the news she was about to confirm.
The doctor entered the room, holding a clipboard. "Congratulations, Miss Davis. You're pregnant."
Sophie's eyes widened, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. "Pregnant?"
The doctor nodded, smiling. "Yes. About six weeks along. You and the baby seem healthy."
Sophie thanked the doctor and left the hospital, her mind racing with excitement and nerves. She decided to keep the news a secret for now, planning a special way to surprise Aiden.
Unbeknownst to her, a man watched her from the shadows, his phone in hand. "She's confirmed it," he murmured into the device. "She's pregnant."
On the other end of the line, Mason Wilson's voice was calm but commanding. "Good. Keep an eye on her. Don't let her out of your sight."
That evening, Sophie returned home, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She spent hours brainstorming how to tell Aiden, envisioning his reaction.
Meanwhile, the friends gathered once more, laughter and conversation filling the room. Sophie glanced around, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the people in her life.
Kai nudged her playfully. "You've been awfully quiet, Sophie. What's on your mind?"
She smiled, shaking her head. "Nothing. Just… happy to have all of you here."
Zara raised her glass, her voice firm. "To new beginnings. And to never settling for less than we deserve."
The group cheered, clinking their glasses together. But as Sophie sipped her drink, a nagging feeling lingered in the back of her mind—an unease she couldn't shake.
Outside, the man Mason had sent continued his surveillance, blending into the night. The game was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever.
...