SEASONED HEARTS
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Prologue
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Braiden Sinclair stepped out onto the plush carpet of the Presidential Suite. He adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit as he strode toward the door, his mind still occupied with the day’s business dealings. However, as he pushed the door open, his keen instincts immediately alerted him that something was amiss. The lights were dimmed, and a faint scent of perfume lingered in the air—a scent that was not his. His sharp blue eyes scanned the suite, and then he saw her.
Gena Brown, the relentless socialite who had been trying to ensnare him for years, was sprawled on the chaise lounge, her long legs crossed, and a sultry smile playing on her lips. She was dressed in a provocative red dress that clung to every curve, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders.
“Braiden,” she purred, “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Braiden’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “How the hell did you get in here, Gena?”
She tilted her head, unfazed by his icy tone. “I have my ways. You know I’ve always wanted to see you in your private domain.”
“This is trespassing,” he stated flatly, his voice cold as steel. “You need to leave. Now.”
Gena stood, her stilettos clicking against the marble floor as she approached him. “Why so harsh, Braiden? We could be so good together. You just need to give us a chance.”
Braiden took a step back, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “There is no ‘us,’ Gena. There never will be. You need to stop this nonsense before it goes too far.”
Her eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and desperation.
“Why? Because you’re still hung up on that cheating ex of yours? Or is it because you’re afraid of being hurt again?”
Braiden’s gaze narrowed. “Leave, Gena. I won’t tell you again.”
She stared at him, her eyes searching his for any sign of weakness, but all she found was the impenetrable wall he had built around himself. Finally, she exhaled sharply and turned on her heel, heading for the door.
“This isn’t over, Braiden,” she warned, her voice dripping with venom. “Not by a long shot.”
As the door slammed shut behind her, Braiden let out a slow breath, his hands still trembling with anger. He walked to the bar and poured himself a glass of whiskey, downing it in one gulp.
Chapter One
Braiden needed to clear his head. Gena’s intrusion had rattled him more than he cared to admit. He loosened his tie and left the suite, taking the elevator down to the hotel’s exclusive bar. The low hum of conversation and soft jazz music greeted him as he stepped inside, but something else caught his attention.
At the far end of the bar, a woman sat alone, her head bowed over a nearly empty glass. Even from a distance, he could see the shimmer of tears on her cheeks, and the way her shoulders slumped in defeat. But what struck him most was how breathtakingly beautiful she was, even in her sorrow. Braiden walked over to the bar and took a seat beside her.
“Rough night?” he asked, his voice gentler than usual. The woman looked up at him, her eyes red from crying but still vibrant, the color of rich amber. She blinked in surprise, as if trying to focus on him through the haze of alcohol.
“You could say that,” she replied, her voice soft and tinged with a hint of bitterness. “I’m drowning my sorrows in this terrible excuse for a cocktail.”
Braiden gestured to the bartender, who nodded and began preparing something better. “Let me get you a proper drink.”
She sighed and shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ve had enough for one night.”
He studied her for a moment, taking in the delicate features of her face, the soft waves of her dark hair, and the way her dress hugged her curves. There was something familiar about her, but he couldn’t quite place it.
“You don’t look like you should be drinking alone,” he said, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.
She laughed, a sound that was more hollow than joyful. “I guess not, but here I am.”
Braiden’s gaze softened. “Why don’t you let me take you somewhere where you can get some rest? This isn’t the place for you right now.”
She looked at him, her eyes searching his for any sign of ulterior motives, but all she found was genuine concern. She nodded slowly, too weary to argue.
“Okay,” she whispered.
Braiden stood and offered her his hand. She took it, and together they made their way back to the elevator. As the doors closed, she leaned against him, her body warm and soft against his. When they reached his suite, he led her to the bedroom and pulled back the covers. “You can sleep here,” he said, his voice gentle. “I’ll stay out in the living room.”
She nodded, too exhausted to protest, and sank onto the bed. As she lay down, Braiden covered her with the blankets and watched as she quickly drifted off to sleep. For a long moment, he stood there, watching her breathe, feeling something stir deep inside him—something he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Finally, he turned and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Chapter Two
The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the spacious suite. Braiden awoke on the couch, the events of the previous night coming back to him in a rush. He sat up quickly, his heart pounding as he remembered the beautiful woman he had brought back to his suite. But when he walked into the bedroom, he found the bed empty, the covers neatly pulled back. She was gone.
His chest tightened with a mixture of frustration and something else—something he couldn’t quite define. He needed to find her, to know who she was and why she had affected him so deeply. Braiden pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number. After a few rings, a deep voice answered.
“Morgan Reed,” the voice said.
“Morgan, it’s Braiden. I need you to find someone for me.”
There was a brief pause on the other end. “You’ve never asked for something like this before. Who is she?”
“I don’t know her name,” Braiden admitted, running a hand through his hair. “All I know is that she was at my hotel bar last night, and she left this morning without a word.”
Morgan was silent for a moment, then said, “What can you tell me about her?”
Braiden closed his eyes, recalling every detail he could. “She’s young, maybe mid-twenties. Dark hair, amber eyes. She was upset about something—heartbroken, I think. And she’s... she’s beautiful, Morgan.”
The private investigator’s voice softened slightly. “I’ll see what I can do. Give me a few days. Meanwhile, have your security team send me the security footage of the bar, last night.”
“Sure, will do that,” Braiden replied and ended the call.
He stared out the window at the city skyline. He wasn’t sure why this woman had gotten under his skin, but he knew he couldn’t just let her disappear from his life.
A few days later, Morgan called back with the information Braiden had been waiting for.
“Braiden, I found her,” Morgan said, his tone serious. “Her name is Olivia Martins. She’s the younger sister of Alex Martins.”
The name hit Braiden like a punch to the gut. Olivia Martins. Alex’s sister. How had he not recognized her?
But even as the shock settled in, Braiden’s determination only grew stronger. He needed to see her again, to figure out what this meant.
“Send me everything you have on her,” Braiden ordered. “I want to know everything.”
Morgan hesitated. “Are you sure about this, Braiden? Considering the history between you and Alex…”Braiden’s voice was firm.
“I’m sure. Send me the information.”
After ending the call, Braiden sat back, his mind racing. Olivia Martins. The sister of the man who had betrayed him all those years ago. But she was different—he could feel it. And he wasn’t about to let her slip through his fingers.
Chapter Three
Two weeks had passed since that night, and Braiden couldn’t get Olivia out of his mind. He had gone back to the bar several times, hoping to see her again, but she hadn’t returned.
Then, one evening, as he was nursing a drink, he saw her.
Olivia walked into the bar, her posture a little more confident than before, though there was still a shadow of sadness in her eyes. Braiden’s heart leaped at the sight of her. He stood and approached her, his pulse quickening.
“Olivia,” he said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and anticipation. She turned to face him, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Braiden,” she responded
“I’ve been looking for you,” he admitted, not bothering to hide the truth.She frowned slightly.
“Looking for me? Why?”
Braiden hesitated, then decided to be honest. “Because I needed to see you again. After that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Olivia’s expression was a mix of confusion and wariness. “You’ve been investigating me, haven’t you?”
He nodded slowly, his gaze steady. “I had to know who you were, Olivia. And now that I do, I need to know more.”
Her eyes softened, but there was still a hint of caution in her voice. “You found out I’m Alex’s sister," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Braiden nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "Yes, I know who you are, Olivia. And I know what happened between your brother and me was a long time ago, and it has nothing to do with us."
She looked down, biting her lower lip, as if trying to process everything. "I’m sorry about what Alex did. I never really understood why it happened, but it was terrible."
Braiden reached out, gently lifting her chin so that she met his eyes again. "It’s in the past, Olivia. You had nothing to do with it. What matters now is you and me, right here, right now."
Olivia’s heart raced as she stared into his intense blue eyes. There was something magnetic about him, something that pulled her in despite the rational voice in her head telling her to be careful.
"I’ve been thinking about you a lot since that night," Braiden confessed, his voice low and sincere. "There’s something about you, Olivia. Something I can’t ignore."
She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. "Braiden, I’m not sure I’m in a place for anything right now. I’m still dealing with a recent breakup. I mean, I ended my relationship of five months, the same night we met here at the bar."
He nodded, understanding in his gaze. "I get that. But I strongly believe he wasn't worth your time. I’m not asking for anything complicated. I just want to spend time with you, see where this goes. No pressure, no expectations. Just… us."
Olivia felt a warmth spread through her at his words, but there was still a lingering hesitation. "And what if I can’t give you what you want?"
Braiden smiled slightly, his hand still gently holding her chin. "You don’t need to worry about that. All I want is to be with you, Olivia. Whatever that looks like, we can figure it out together."
She looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of deception, but all she found was sincerity. Braiden was different from anyone she had ever met, and despite everything, she felt a connection to him that she couldn’t explain.
"I don’t know, Braiden…" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
He leaned in closer, his voice a soft murmur. "I’m not asking for forever, Olivia. Just a chance."
Olivia’s resolve wavered as she felt the warmth of his breath on her skin. She knew she should be cautious, but there was something about Braiden that made her want to take a risk.
"I need to think about it," she finally said, stepping back slightly to regain her composure.
Braiden nodded, respect in his gaze. "Take all the time you need. But when you’re ready, I’ll be here."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, silver key. He held it out to her, his eyes never leaving hers. "This is the key to my penthouse in L.A. If you ever need a place to escape, a place to think… it’s yours."
Olivia stared at the key, her mind racing. This was a man who had everything, yet he was offering her something she had never had—security, stability, and a chance to explore whatever it was that was brewing between them. With a trembling hand, she took the key from him, her fingers brushing against his.
"Thank you, Braiden," she whispered, her voice barely audible. He smiled, a genuine warmth in his expression.
"You’re welcome, Olivia. I hope you use it."
As Olivia slipped the key into her purse, she felt a mixture of emotions—fear, excitement, and a deep curiosity about where this could lead. But for now, she needed time to sort through her feelings.
"I’ll let you know," she said softly, turning to leave the bar.Braiden watched her go, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and as she disappeared into the night, he knew he wouldn’t rest until she was his.
Chapter Four
Three weeks later, Olivia found herself standing in the middle of Braiden’s luxurious penthouse in L.A., the city skyline spread out before her like a glittering tapestry. She had decided to take him up on his offer, hoping that the change of scenery would help clear her mind. The penthouse was everything she had expected and more—spacious, modern, and impeccably decorated. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, and the soft, warm lighting created an atmosphere of tranquility. Olivia walked to the window, gazing out at the sprawling city below. The sight of it was both calming and overwhelming, and she found herself lost in thought, trying to make sense of everything that had happened in the past few weeks.
She was just about to call and check in with her Personal Assistant, about the progress of work at her Art studio, when her peaceful moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Olivia frowned, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and Braiden hadn’t mentioned any visitors.
Cautiously, she walked to the door and opened it, revealing a stunning woman standing on the other side. She was tall and slender, with long, dark hair and piercing green eyes. Her smile was both charming and predatory.
"Hello," the woman said smoothly. "I’m Gena Brown. I believe you’re staying in my friend, Braiden’s penthouse.
"Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise. This was the same Gena that Braiden had mentioned— the woman who had been relentlessly pursuing him. A knot of unease formed in her stomach.
"Yes, I’m Olivia," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "What can I do for you?"
Gena’s smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. "I just wanted to stop by and see who Braiden is entertaining these days. It’s not like him to offer his penthouse to just anyone."
Olivia bristled at the insinuation. "I’m not ‘just anyone,’ and I don’t think Braiden’s personal life is any of your business."
Gena’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she quickly masked it with another smile.
"You’re right, of course. I didn’t mean to intrude. I just wanted to meet the woman who’s captured Braiden’s attention. It’s not an easy feat, you know."
Olivia forced herself to remain calm. "Well, now you’ve met me. Is there anything else you wanted?"
Gena tilted her head, studying Olivia with a look that made her feel like she was being dissected. "Just one thing—be careful, Olivia. Braiden is a complicated man, and his world can be… challenging to navigate."
Olivia narrowed her eyes, sensing the veiled threat in Gena’s words. "I think I can handle it, but thanks for the warning."
Gena’s smile faltered for a moment, then she turned to leave. "Take care, Olivia. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again."
As the door closed behind her, Olivia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. There was something unsettling about Gena, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that the woman was more dangerous than she appeared.
Chapter Five
Later that evening, Braiden returned to the penthouse to find Olivia waiting for him, her expression troubled.
"Braiden, I need to talk to you," she said as soon as he walked through the door.He immediately noticed the tension in her voice and set his briefcase down, concern etched on his face. "What’s wrong?" Olivia hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Gena Brown was here earlier today."
Braiden’s eyes darkened at the mention of Gena’s name. "What did she want?"
"She said she wanted to meet me, but it felt more like she was trying to intimidate me," Olivia admitted, her brow furrowing. "She told me to be careful, that your world is ‘challenging’ to navigate."
Braiden’s expression hardened, and he crossed the room to stand in front of Olivia, taking her hands in his. "I’m sorry she showed up like that. Gena has been a problem for a while, but I’ll make sure she doesn’t bother you again."
Olivia looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "Braiden, who is she really? Why is she so obsessed with you?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Gena is someone who doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. She’s been trying to get close to me for years, but I’ve never been interested. I thought she’d eventually give up, but clearly, she hasn’t."
Olivia bit her lip, her mind racing.
"What if she tries something else? She seems determined."
Braiden’s grip on her hands tightened, his voice firm. "I won’t let her hurt you, Olivia. I’ll deal with her, and I’ll make it clear that she needs to stay away from both of us."
Olivia nodded, feeling reassured by his words, but there was still a lingering doubt in her mind. She knew Braiden was powerful and could handle almost anything, but Gena’s visit had shaken her more than she cared to admit.
"Okay," she said softly, leaning into him for comfort. "I trust you."
Braiden wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I’ll protect you, Olivia. You have my word."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, Olivia felt a sense of security she hadn’t felt in a long time. Suddenly, Braiden lifted her and carried her into the bedroom, adding, "Come help me undress, honey."
Olivia gave him a knowing smile, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Chapter Six
Two weeks later, Olivia was sitting in the penthouse, trying to focus on a book, when her phone rang. It was a call from her brother, Alex. She hesitated for a moment before answering. The last time they had spoken, their conversation had been strained, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to deal with him just yet.
"Hello?" she said, her voice tentative.
"Olivia," Alex’s voice was filled with desperation, something she wasn’t used to hearing from her usually confident brother. "I need your help."
Her heart sank. "What’s going on, Alex?"
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a heavy sigh. "I’m in some trouble, Liv. Financial trouble. I made some bad investments, and now… I owe a lot of money to the wrong people."
Olivia felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. She didn’t know much about her brother’s dealings, but she knew enough to understand that if he was this worried, the situation must be dire.
"How much money?" she asked, bracing herself for the answer."
More than I can pay back," Alex admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t know what to do, Liv. I’ve tried everything, but I’m out of options. I need… I need a lot of money, and I need it fast."
Olivia’s mind raced as she tried to process the gravity of the situation. She knew she didn’t have the resources to help him, and the only person she could think of who might be able to was Braiden. But asking Braiden for help with something like this felt wrong, especially considering their complicated history with Alex.
"I… I don’t know how I can help, Alex," she said, her voice trembling. "I don’t have that kind of money."
"I know," he replied, his tone laced with guilt. "I shouldn’t have called you. I just didn’t know where else to turn."
Olivia’s heart broke at the helplessness in her brother’s voice. She couldn’t just abandon him in his time of need.
"I’ll see what I can do," she finally said, though she had no idea how she was going to follow through on that promise.
"Thank you, Liv," Alex said, relief evident in his voice. "I’m sorry to drag you into this. I really am."
They exchanged a few more words before Olivia hung up, feeling more conflicted than ever. She knew she needed to talk to Braiden, but the thought of bringing up Alex’s name made her stomach churn. As if on cue, her phone rang again, and this time it was Morgan Reed, Braiden’s private investigator.
“Ms Martins, this is Morgan Reed, Braiden's friend. I have some information that I think you should know," Morgan said, his voice serious.
Olivia’s heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
"It’s about your brother, Alex. He’s in some deep financial trouble, and from what I’ve gathered, it’s not going to end well unless he gets some serious help."
Olivia closed her eyes, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "I know," she admitted. "He just called me, asking for help. But I don’t know what to do, Mr. Morgan."
There was a brief pause before Morgan spoke again. "I think you should tell Braiden about this. He’ll want to know, and I’m sure he’ll want to help.
"Olivia’s breath caught in her throat. "But after everything that happened between them… I don’t want to make things worse."
"Braiden is a reasonable man," Morgan replied. "And he cares about you. He’ll want to know what’s going on, even if it involves Alex."
Olivia knew Morgan was right, but it didn’t make the task any easier. She thanked him for the information and hung up, feeling more conflicted than ever.
When Braiden returned to the penthouse that evening, Olivia could barely focus on their usual conversation. Her mind was racing, and Braiden noticed immediately.
"What’s wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice as he took a seat beside her on the plush sofa. Olivia hesitated, then took a deep breath.
"It’s about Alex," she began, watching Braiden’s expression carefully. His face tightened slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.
"Go on," he said, his voice calm. "He’s in trouble," she continued, her voice trembling slightly. "Financial trouble. He made some bad investments, and now he owes a lot of money to some very dangerous people. He called me, asking for help, but… I don’t know what to do."
Braiden listened intently, his expression unreadable. When she finished, he leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing in thought."
You don’t need to worry, Olivia," he said after a moment. "I’ll take care of it." Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise.
"Braiden, you don’t have to do that. I know it’s not your responsibility—"Braiden raised a hand, cutting her off.
"You’re important to me, Olivia. If your brother is in trouble, then I’ll help him. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past."
Tears welled up in Olivia’s eyes as she looked at him, overwhelmed by his generosity. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. Braiden reached out, gently wiping away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. "You don’t have to thank me. Just let me handle it."
Later that night, Braiden contacted Morgan Reed and gave him the green light to start working on a solution for Alex.
A few days later, Alex showed up at the penthouse, looking more worn and anxious than Olivia had ever seen him.
“Thank you for seeing me," Alex said, his voice strained as he stood before Braiden. "I know I’m probably the last person you want to help after everything that happened, but I didn’t know where else to turn."
Braiden remained calm, his expression neutral. "What’s done is done, Alex. I’m not here to talk about the past. I’m here to figure out how to get you out of this mess."
Alex looked down, shame evident in his posture.
"I'm so sorry for messing around with your girlfriend. I don’t deserve your help, but I’m grateful. I just want to make things right."
Braiden nodded, leaning back in his chair. "We’ll figure it out. But know this, Alex—I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing this for Olivia. “
Alex’s eyes flicked to his sister, who was watching the exchange with a mixture of relief and apprehension. "I understand," he said quietly. "And I’ll do whatever it takes to make amends."
Braiden spent the next hour discussing the details of Alex’s situation with Morgan and Alex, working out a plan to clear his debts and protect him from any potential fallout. By the end of the meeting, it was clear that Alex was not out of the woods yet, but with Braiden’s help, he stood a chance.
As Alex left the penthouse, he turned to Braiden, his expression sincere. "I owe you more than I can ever repay, Braiden. I’m sorry for everything, and I hope one day I can make it right."
Braiden simply nodded, his gaze steady. "Focus on getting your life back together. That’s how you can make it right."
Once Alex was gone, Olivia turned to Braiden, her heart full of gratitude and admiration. "I don’t know how to thank you, Braiden."
"You don’t need to," he replied, pulling her into his arms. "I’m just glad I could help."
As they held each other, Braiden whispered into her ears, "I just wanna make love to you now, honey," his voice thick with passion.
"I'm all yours, love, she said as he leads her into the bedroom.
Chapter Seven
Two weeks later, Gena Brown made another unexpected visit to Braiden’s penthouse, her desperation now even more apparent. This time, she arrived unannounced and pushed past the concierge with a determination that sent warning signals throughout the building’s security. Braiden had just finished a business call when the intercom buzzed, alerting him to Gena’s presence. With a deep sigh, he strode to the door and opened it, finding her standing there with an air of false confidence.
"Gena," he said, his tone cold. "This is becoming a habit."
Gena’s smile was strained, her eyes flashing with something dark. "I needed to see you, Braiden. We need to talk."
Braiden crossed his arms over his chest, his expression hardening. "There’s nothing left to talk about. I’ve made my position clear."
Ignoring his words, Gena stepped closer, her voice taking on a pleading tone. "I don’t understand, Braiden. We were so close once, and now you’re pushing me away for her?"
Braiden’s patience was wearing thin. "Whatever you think we had, Gena, it was never what you imagined. And I’m not pushing you away for anyone. I’ve never been interested in you, and that hasn’t changed."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and for a moment, Braiden almost felt sorry for her. But he knew Gena too well to be fooled by her manipulations.
"I could be good for you, Braiden," she whispered, stepping even closer. "You know I could."
Braiden’s voice was firm as he stepped back, putting distance between them. "What I know is that this needs to stop. Whatever you’re hoping for isn’t going to happen."Gena’s expression twisted into one of anger, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.
“You’ll regret this, Braiden," she spat. "I won’t just go away. You can’t just dismiss me like this."
Braiden's eyes narrowed, his patience finally snapping. "You’re on thin ice, Gena. I’ve been more than patient, but this is the last time I’m going to tell you—leave, and don’t come back. If you try this again, I won’t hesitate to involve the authorities. Or better still,” he added with a dangerous glint in his eyes, “I 'll make you disappear for good.”
Gena’s face paled at his words. Something in Braiden’s icy gaze made her shiver. She drew herself up, her chin trembling with barely contained fury. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out, the sound of her heels clicking against the marble floor echoing through the penthouse.
As soon as she was gone, Braiden let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair. He had a feeling he won’t be seeing her again anytime soon., He was relieved to have her out of his space. He walked to the large windows that overlooked the city, the skyline glittering against the evening sky. His mind, however, was elsewhere—on Olivia, and how to keep her safe from whatever Gena might try next.
Chapter Eight
A few days after Gena’s second visit, Braiden decided it was time to get away from the city for a while. He needed some time with Olivia, away from the stress of work and the unwanted drama with Gena. He suggested they take a trip to Malibu, where he owned a luxurious beachfront estate.
When they arrived, Olivia was enchanted by the beauty of the place. The estate was sprawling, with lush gardens, a private beach, and a view of the ocean that seemed to stretch on forever. The house itself was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the golden sunlight and the sound of the waves.
On their second night there, after a romantic dinner on the terrace overlooking the ocean, they took a walk along the private beach, the sand warm beneath their feet as the waves lapped gently at the shore. Braiden had something important on his mind, and he knew the time was right to share it with Olivia. They stopped near the edge of the water, where the ocean stretched out endlessly before them, a perfect backdrop for what Braiden was about to say. He turned to Olivia, taking both of her hands in his.
“Olivia,” he began, his voice deep and sincere, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. You’ve become a part of my life in a way I never expected, and I can’t imagine my future without you in it.”
Her eyes widened slightly as she listened, her heart pounding in her chest.
“I know things have been complicated,” he continued, “but I want you to know that I’m committed to making this work. To making us work. And I’m hoping that you feel the same way.”
Tears welled up in Olivia’s eyes as she looked at him, the depth of her feelings for him overwhelming her. “Braiden, I… I’ve never felt this way before, either. You mean so much to me.”
Braiden smiled, his heart swelling with love for her. “I’m glad to hear that, because there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. Olivia’s breath caught as he opened it to reveal a stunning diamond ring, the large, brilliant-cut stone catching the sunlight and sending a kaleidoscope of colors dancing across the sand.
“Olivia Martins,” Braiden said, his voice filled with emotion, “will you marry me?”
For a moment, Olivia was too stunned to speak. Her eyes moved from the ring to Braiden’s face, and she saw the sincerity and love in his gaze. She knew, without a doubt, that he was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, Braiden, I’ll marry you.”
Braiden’s face broke into a wide smile, and he slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, as if it had been made just for her. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close as the waves crashed around them, the world falling away until there was nothing but the two of them and the love they shared.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, Olivia knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together. No matter what challenges they faced, they would face them together, and their love would only grow stronger with each passing day.
