Locked In Love

Chapter Eighteen

Zaviers pov

As I guided Zora through the bustling crowd of Lovelock Plaza, my heart pounded like a drum in my chest. The box in my pocket felt heavier than it looked, its presence a constant reminder of my plan. The air was filled with the sweet scent of nearby street vendors and the faint, melodic strumming of a distant guitar.

The plaza was alive with life and laughter, the perfect backdrop for what I was about to do. I felt Zora's hand tighten in mine, her excitement palpable as we approached the array of love locks, each one a testament to a love story.

"They're so beautiful, Zavier," she murmured, her eyes wide with awe, completely oblivious to my nervousness.

I squeezed her hand gently, my gaze never leaving her. "Not as beautiful as you," I said, earning a blush and a playful shove from her.

"Zavier, you're so cheesy," she chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Using her momentary distraction, I let go of her hand and reached into my pocket. As I dropped to one knee, the noise of the crowd seemed to fade into the background.

"Zora," I began, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I opened the small box, revealing the diamond ring nestled inside. "Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

Zoras pov

The moment Zavier dropped to one knee, the world seemed to stop. My heart pounded in my chest so loudly. It drowned out the hum of the crowd around us in Lovelock Plaza. He looked up at me, his eyes full of hope and love as he opened the small box he had pulled from his pocket.

"Zora," he said, his voice steady and sure, "Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

I was stunned into silence, my hand instinctively flying to cover my mouth as tears welled up in my eyes. The ring inside the box was beautiful, but it was even more special with the key and the lock he had given me, but it was the man kneeling in front of me that made the moment truly perfect. Zavier, the man I loved with all my heart, wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.

Nodding vigorously, I managed to choke out a tearful, "Yes!" The crowd around us erupted into applause, but all I could see was Zavier. His face broke into a broad smile as he stood and slipped the ring onto my finger.

I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his chest as I let the joy of the moment wash over me. I was engaged. Zavier was my fiancé. The thought sent a rush of giddiness through me, eliciting a giggle that was muffled by Zavier's shirt.

Pulling back, I looked at my hand, the diamond ring catching the light from the surrounding street lamps. It was beautiful, but not as beautiful as the man who had given it to me. My heart swelled with love for Zavier, my excitement for our future together bubbling over.

"I love you, Zavier," I whispered, looking up at him.

His grin widened as he pulled me in for a kiss, the crowd around us melting away. "I love you too, Zora."

The night was perfect, as perfect as the man I was about to marry