A planned engagement

chapter 17

Chapter 17

On Friday, at about 4:00 p.m., Alexi was already in San Diego, with Nico’s driver, Maxwell, driving her toward her parents’ house. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the quiet neighborhood as the car finally came to a stop in front of the familiar house. The door was opened for her, and Alexi stepped out, smiling.

“Thank you so much for bringing me home safely, Maxwell,” she said sincerely.

“You’re welcome, Miss Alexi. Have a wonderful evening,” he replied before driving off.

Alexi walked toward the house, noticing that the front door was slightly open. She frowned a little, wondering why it hadn’t been locked. Pushing the door open, she stepped inside—and froze.

“Surprise!”

The living room exploded with cheers, laughter, and applause. Colorful balloons filled the space, ribbons hung from the ceiling, and a large banner stretched across the wall reading WELCOME BACK, ALEXI. Music played softly in the background, and the scent of food filled the air.

Her hands flew to her mouth as her eyes widened in disbelief. Before she could even speak, everyone rushed toward her at once, wrapping her in warm hugs.

“Welcome back, Alexi!” they all shouted, laughing and cheering.

She was overwhelmed with excitement, her heart swelling with joy. And then she saw her—Kimberly, standing near the couch with a wide grin on her face.

“Kim!” Alexi screamed happily, breaking free from the group and running straight into her friend’s arms.

“I couldn’t miss this for anything,” Kimberly said, hugging her tightly. “We planned everything in secret.”

Tears of happiness shimmered in Alexi’s eyes as she looked around the room, taking it all in. There were neatly arranged gift boxes on the table, trays of her favorite snacks, a beautifully decorated cake with her name written in bold icing, and drinks lined up along the counter.

Soon, the house was filled with laughter and chatter. Music grew louder as everyone danced, clapped, and sang along. Alexi cut the cake while everyone cheered, and pieces were passed around amid playful teasing. Stories were shared, jokes flew across the room, and the air buzzed with warmth and love.

Kimberly pulled Alexi onto the dance floor, and soon they were both laughing uncontrollably, dancing like they had no worries in the world. Phones were brought out for pictures, capturing the smiles, the hugs, and the pure joy of the moment.

For Alexi, the party wasn’t just a welcome—it was a reminder of home, of love, and of the people who had missed her deeply. As the evening wore on, she sat back, watching everyone laugh and enjoy themselves, her heart full in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

That evening, Alexi and Kimberly stayed over at Alexi’s mother’s place. Alexi’s old room had been carefully prepared for them, just as it used to be—neatly made bed, familiar curtains, and the soft scent of home lingering in the air. It felt comforting, almost unreal, to be back in the space where so many memories had been formed.

After their baths, they slipped into their nightwear and climbed onto the bed, sitting close together, legs folded, shoulders touching. Happiness radiated from them both. It had been far too long since they’d had a moment like this—no rushing, no secrets, just the two of them together again.

Kimberly turned to Alexi, taking her hand gently, her eyes bright with excitement and curiosity.

“So, Alexi,” she said softly, a warm smile spreading across her face, “tell me everything.”

Alexi let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “You already know some of it.”

Kimberly’s grin widened. “How could I not? I saw that kiss on TV.” She gave a light, delighted laugh. “I nearly screamed my head out.”

Alexi felt her cheeks flush at the memory. “That kiss… it wasn’t supposed to happen. It was the first time I’d ever met Nico Vincenzo in person, and somehow he just… kissed me.” She paused, her voice growing softer. “What the world saw on television was only the surface. The whole thing had been carefully orchestrated by Nico himself.” She met Kimberly’s gaze, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “But in that moment, everything changed.”

Kimberly squeezed her hand. “If only you could have seen it , Alexi. It didn’t look forced. It looked real.”

“It became real,” Alexi whispered. “Somewhere in between everything we fell in love and my god I love him so much.”

Kimberly smiled warmly, emotion shining in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you.”

Alexi turned fully toward her, her expression suddenly serious but glowing with happiness. “Kimberly… I want you with me through all of this.” She took a deep breath. “I want you to be my chief bridesmaid.”

For a second, Kimberly froze. Then she laughed, tears welling up as she pulled Alexi into a tight hug.

“Yes! Of course yes,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

They lay back on the bed, still holding hands, laughing softly like girls with no worries in the world.

“And tomorrow,” Alexi added with excitement, sitting up again, “we’re going out. Shopping. Dresses, shoes—everything.”

Kimberly grinned. “Tomorrow is officially best-friend duty then.”

The room grew quieter as the night deepened, but their conversation continued—memories, laughter, whispered dreams of the future.

Around 2:00 a.m., Alexi's phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand, pulling her from a light sleep. She blinked groggily in the dim glow of the room, glancing over at Kimberly, who was curled up beside her, breathing deeply and evenly, lost in dreams. Not wanting to disturb her best friend, Alexi carefully slipped out from under the covers, her bare feet padding softly across the cool wooden floor as she grabbed her phone and tiptoed downstairs.

The living room was bathed in the soft moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting gentle shadows. She sank into the oversized armchair, curling her legs beneath her and pulling a throw pillow onto her lap for comfort. Her heart raced with anticipation as she saw Nico's name on the screen. Swiping to answer, she whispered, "Hello?"

"How's my baby girl doing?" His voice came through, smooth and calm, like velvet wrapping around her, instantly igniting a spark of warmth in her chest.

"I'm good," she murmured, her lips curving into a smile. "And you?"

"I want to see your face," he said, his tone dropping lower, laced with that familiar hint of command that always made her pulse quicken.

Without hesitation, Alexi switched the call to video. The screen flickered to life, revealing Nico lounging in his luxurious bathroom—shirtless, his toned chest and shoulders glistening faintly under the warm lighting, a glass of deep red wine swirling in his hand. His dark hair was tousled, and a lazy, knowing smile played on his lips as he leaned back against the marble counter. God, he's so sexy, she thought, her breath catching as her eyes traced the lines of his muscles, the way the light danced over his skin. Heat bloomed low in her belly, a delicious ache of longing.

"My beautiful baby," he drawled, his gaze locking onto hers through the screen, intense and unwavering. "Did you miss me? Do you miss me?" He took a slow sip of his wine, his throat working as he swallowed, and she couldn't tear her eyes away.

"You know I miss you so much," she whispered, her voice husky, shifting slightly in the chair as a flush crept up her neck. The late hour, the secrecy of the call—it all felt intoxicating, charged with unspoken desire.

"Show me," he urged, his eyes darkening with mischief, the word hanging between them like a dare.

She let out a soft laugh, biting her lip, her body responding despite herself—tingles racing across her skin. "Stop being naughty, Nico," she teased, though her tone was breathless, playful. "Anyways, thanks for the card you gave me. We’ll be going shopping tomorrow for the wedding."

He chuckled, low and rumbling, setting his glass down with a soft clink. "Do whatever you want with my card—you deserve it."

"Don't spoil me too much," she replied, her eyes sparkling as she tilted her head, imagining his hands on her instead of the pillow in her lap. "I might get used to it.”

Nico smiled. “ Lexi you deserve more

“ Oh I wish you were here”. She said with a smile.

“ I will be soon, you should get some sleep, you have a big day tomorrow.”

“ I love you.”

“ Love you too.”