Chapter 149 - 148

Five months had passed since Sophia met Aiden and launched her beauty products overseas. Her relationship was getting stronger as the day goes by, and her company's venture had been thriving as well.

Aiden had gotten more considerate and patient than he was during their initial days of dating, and Sophia appreciated how he treated her like his most precious treasure. He hardly got mad at her even when she had unreasonable outbursts, he would coax her out of her bad mood, and everything turned out better. She felt so blissful and lucky to have Aiden as her boyfriend. 

Her spare time was spent spending time between her mother-in-law and new girlfriends, the spouses of the Aristocratic heirs, Ava, Sara, and Aurora. She now looked forward to spending weekends away from work, and for the first time in her life, both her personal and professional life was going well.

-=-

Aiden was going on a business trip, and Sophia was afraid that just like last time, it would take a long time for him to get back, so she decided to go with him. 

She had gotten so accustomed to having him around her 24/7 that spending time without him, even for a few hours, made her miss him. 

Their trip brought them to Venice, Italy. Aiden went to work while she stayed in their room during the day. He promised to have dinner with her, but when he didn't return, she ordered room service and decided to catch up on her reading until he came back. She fell asleep on the sofa halfway through her book, and that's where Aiden found her.

He came back around 5 am, "Sunshine…," he kissed her forehead. Sophia slowly opened her eyes and leaned on his chest. 

"What time is it? You've been gone a long time. Is everything okay?" she asked.

"I'm sorry I couldn't come back for dinner, and you got stuck in the room the whole day. Would you like to take a walk now that I'm here?" Aiden suggested.

"It's still dark outside, you want to go right now?" she asked, perplexed.

"Yeah, it's okay, we'll be safe," he reassured.

They almost had the place to themselves, save for a few people who were on their way home or going to work for the day. Venice was a bustling city during the day, with all the architectural buildings, old cobblestone paths, authentic Italian food, and patisseries, it made anyone want to stay and live in this majestic city.

"This is the first time I'm going sightseeing, and I'm excited to spend it with you," Sophia smiled up at Aiden. She had never found time to be a tourist whenever she traveled because she always concentrated on her work when she visited new places. It also scared her to travel anywhere alone, not knowing the language or culture of the place she was in.

Aiden squeezed her hand and said, "Don't worry, this won't be the last time. We can go on a vacation whenever and wherever you want to.

They walked around Venice, down to the Grand Canal, so they could see one of the oldest bridges in Italy, the Ponte di Rialto. Aiden stopped by one of the gondolas. "Let's take a ride," Aiden took her hand and ushered her into her seat. The canal was not as busy as it would have been, but when a few gondolas came towards them, Sophia got concerned, she did not want to take a swim so early in the morning if they capsized. 

Several gondolas had flowers in them, and at least two others had people with musical instruments. She was surprised when they surrounded their gondola and started playing a very romantic classical song.

The early morning sun rose on the horizon when Aiden stood up, "What is happening?" Sophia asked.

Aiden knelt in front of her, and the people holding flowers had spelled Marry Me behind him.

"Sophia, just like the first rays of the sun, you are the light of my life. My sunshine. The moment I saw you, I realized that you are the one I will marry and live with for the rest of my life. I did everything to have you fall in love with me, and now we are here. I want to show how much I love you until the day I die. Sunshine, please marry me and fulfill my biggest wish," Aiden opened a box he had taken from his breast pocket, and there lay a beautiful customized diamond ring from Belgium.

It had a square cut diamond in the middle and was surrounded by tiny yellow diamonds on the border. It was the most stunning piece of jewelry she's seen in her entire life, and Aiden was giving it to her. 

It felt like a beautiful dream. The sunrise coloring the bridge with its orange and yellow rays, the gondola with flowers spelled out, the romantic music, and Aiden baring his soul, asking her to marry him, it felt unreal. It had really touched her heart and wished that if this was a dream, that she would never wake up.

"Aiden I…," She stammered to get the right words out.

"Sunshine, I was always yours, and you were always mine. Let's make it official. I cannot wait to make you Mrs. Cooper anymore," Aiden said excitedly.

Sophia smiled as tears of joy flowed down her face. "Yes, yes." She gave out her hand so Aiden could put on her ring. 

He hugged her tight, "You make me so happy, I cannot wait to start this new chapter of our lives together," Aiden said, looking into her eyes.

"You are the reason for my happiness, Aiden. Thank you!" Sophia giggled and pecked his lips.

"Let's make each other happy for a lifetime," Aiden kissed her, not caring who was watching. Taking his lead, she kissed him passionately. They were in one of the most romantic cities in the world, so why not be romantic?

When they looked at each other, there was only love in their eyes. Aiden waved to something in the air, it was a drone, he paid someone to document the most magical moment in their life. Something they could watch over later when the excitement has gone down.

He had planned this proposal for a long time, he pretended to have a business trip that would take him away from her for a long time, hoping that she would ask to come, and she fell for it. He knew their bond was stronger, and there was no way she would agree to part from him for more than a few days. So he gambled, and he won.

-=-

A week after their exciting trip, Aiden took Sophia to travel out of town, but as always, he kept the destination a secret. She was used to his impromptu secret trips by now, so she just slept on the car ride.

"Sophia, wake up. We're here," he nudged her softly.

Sophia rubbed her eyes awake and yawned, "Where are we?"

"Look around," he said as he opened her door so she could step out. 

She felt frozen for a second. Sophia knew this place and longed to come here ever since they sent her to the city. They were in the cemetery where they buried her parents. She never expected in her wildest dreams for Aiden to bring her here. 

Tears were already flowing down her face. "This man is truly exceptional. I'm so glad I'm marrying him."

"Come on, we have to meet the two most important people in your life," Aiden held her hand as they walked towards her parents. He placed flowers on both their graves.

"Auntie, Uncle, I am Aiden Cooper, your daughter's fiancé. She is a very good person, and you have taught her well. I really love Sophia and intend to take care of her all the days of our lives. Please bless our marriage, so you can cast all your worries aside and rest in peace."

Tears kept on falling down her cheek, and Aiden wiped them with his handkerchief, 'Mom, Dad, your little girl has finally grown up. I'm getting married to this wonderful man who brought me here today. I always wish you were here with me. I always miss you. I love Aiden, and he cherishes me a lot. For the first time after you passed away, I can say that am truly happy, so please shower us with your blessings."

Aiden squeezed her hand, and after they cleaned their tombs a bit, they both returned to the car. 

"Aiden thanks, for bringing me to see my parents," Sophia said.

"Silly, you no need to thank me. We will visit your parents as often as you want," Aiden hugged her tight, and she snuggled into his chest and, "You are so good to me."

"That's why you should hold on tightly," Aiden said smugly.

"Of course I will. I will never let go," she murmured.