Sophie lay in her hospital bed, the faint beeping of monitors filling the room. Her eyelids fluttered open, and the sight of Aiden sitting by her side brought a weak smile to her lips.
"You stayed," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"Of course I did," Aiden replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "I almost lost you, Sophie. I can't let that happen again."
Sophie reached out, her fingers brushing his. "I'm still here, thanks to you."
Aiden hesitated for a moment, then leaned closer. "There's something I need to tell you. I've known for a while now... that you're the girl who sent me the confession letter seven years ago."
Sophie's eyes widened in surprise. "You knew?"
He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't at first. But when I saw the message buzz on your phone, it all made sense. You've been in my life all along, Sophie. And I've been too blind to see it."
Her cheeks flushed as tears welled in her eyes. "I was scared you'd laugh at me or reject me."
"I could never laugh at you," Aiden said, taking her hand in his. "You gave me hope when I didn't even realize I needed it. You've always been my light, Sophie."
A week later, Sophie was discharged from the hospital. Aiden insisted on driving her home, but instead of heading to her apartment, he took her to his house.
"What are we doing here?" Sophie asked as they stepped inside.
"You'll see," Aiden replied, leading her up to the rooftop.
The city lights sparkled below, and the night sky was clear, the stars shining brightly. In the center of the rooftop was a small table adorned with candles and a bouquet of her favorite flowers.
Sophie gasped. "Aiden, this is beautiful."
He took her hands in his, his eyes locking onto hers. "Sophie Davis, you've been the one constant in my chaotic life. You've loved me unconditionally, even when I didn't deserve it. I've made mistakes, but through it all, you've stood by me."
Aiden dropped to one knee, pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it to reveal a dazzling diamond ring. "Sophie, will you marry me?"
Tears streamed down her face as she nodded. "Yes, Aiden. A thousand times yes!"
He slid the ring onto her finger before standing and pulling her into a tight embrace.
As they swayed under the stars, Sophie whispered, "I've loved you since the first time I saw you at the market festival. You were everything I dreamed of and more."
Aiden kissed her forehead. "And now, you're everything I'll ever need."
The next morning, news of their engagement spread like wildfire. Aiden's fans were abuzz with excitement, while the media swarmed for details about the famous idol's fiancée.
Sophie, nervous about the sudden attention, looked to Aiden for reassurance.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked as they prepared to step out of the house.
Aiden took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Let them see how happy we are."
As they faced the cameras together, Aiden introduced Sophie as his fiancée, his voice filled with pride. The public reaction was mixed, but Aiden's unwavering support made Sophie feel secure.
"I love you," she whispered as they walked away from the flashing cameras.
"I love you too," he replied, kissing her hand.
Meanwhile, Kai was preparing for a big moment of his own. He had been planning to propose to Zara for weeks but hadn't found the right time. With Sophie and Aiden's engagement giving him courage, he decided there was no time like the present.
He invited Zara to their favorite café, where they had shared countless memories.
"What's with the serious look?" Zara asked, raising an eyebrow as they sipped their drinks.
Kai chuckled nervously. "Zara, we've been through so much together. You've been my rock, my best friend, and the person who makes everything better."
She tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Kai, what are you getting at?"
He stood, pulling a small box from his pocket and kneeling in front of her. The café fell silent as patrons turned to watch.
"Zara Bennett, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Zara's eyes widened in shock. She covered her mouth with her hands before nodding. "Yes, Kai. Of course, yes!"
The café erupted in applause as Kai slid the ring onto her finger.
That evening, the group gathered at Aiden's house to celebrate the engagements. Zara showed off her ring, and Sophie teased her about finally settling down.
As the night wore on, Sophie leaned against Aiden, feeling content and at peace.
"Are you happy?" Aiden asked, wrapping an arm around her.
"More than I ever thought possible," Sophie replied, gazing up at him.
He kissed her gently, whispering, "This is just the beginning, Sophie. Our story is only getting started."
.....