Countdown to "I Do" novel Chapter 8

**Midnight Roads Unseen by George Orwell**

**Chapter 8**

The airplane ascended into the sky, its engines roaring to life, and soon it began its descent, touching down on the tarmac with a gentle thud. As Isabella stepped out of the airport, her suitcase rolling behind her, she felt as if she had entered a surreal dream, where reality blurred with fantasy.

The bustling crowd around her faded into a soft murmur, and her thoughts momentarily drifted, lost in the past. Just then, a strong, familiar hand grasped her wrist, taking her luggage with a swift motion.

“You’re so out of it. You’re not still thinking about Adrian, are you?” Jared’s voice cut through her reverie, laced with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

His handsome features bore a dangerous edge, an unspoken threat lurking within his gaze. It was as if he were daring her to respond affirmatively, ready to whisk her away from any lingering thoughts of Adrian, binding her to him in an instant.

Isabella blinked, momentarily taken aback by the intensity of his expression, yet she managed to shake her head, her resolve firm.

“No, I’m completely over him,” she asserted, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. “I promised you I wouldn’t like Adrian anymore, and I definitely wouldn’t get involved with him in any way.”

As her words hung in the air, a smile blossomed on Jared’s face, bright yet tinged with an air of mischief.

“I hope you keep your word!” he replied, his tone teasing, yet there was an unmistakable hint of seriousness behind it. He intertwined his fingers with hers, leading her toward a stunning fleet of cars he had arranged, each one more luxurious than the last.

The sight was breathtaking: a line of sleek black Maybachs stood in perfect formation, their trunks open to reveal a cascade of roses and colorful balloons spilling out like a celebration waiting to unfold.

Under the curious gazes of onlookers, Jared suddenly produced a pair of shimmering rings from seemingly nowhere. He dropped to one knee before Isabella, his expression earnest, eyes shimmering with emotion.

“I know this proposal might be a bit sudden for you,” he began, his voice steady but filled with urgency, “but I can’t wait any longer. I want to marry you right now and not miss my chance with you again!”

“I love you, Isabella. Marry me!” His words were a passionate plea, resonating deep within her heart.

Though Isabella had already made her decision to marry Jared, the unexpectedness of the moment stirred feelings she hadn’t anticipated.

Years had passed while she was lost in love for someone else, and through it all, Jared had remained steadfast in his affection for her, never once revealing the depth of his feelings.

With a click, the photographer captured the moment, and moments later, the embossed seal was stamped onto the Marriage Certificates, fresh off the press.

As Isabella and Jared clutched their certificates, the smell of fresh ink enveloping them, they stood in a daze, disbelief etched on their faces.

Were they truly married?

What once seemed like a distant dream had suddenly materialized into their reality.

Jared, overwhelmed with emotion, found himself at a loss for words. He wrapped his arms around Isabella, holding her tightly as if to ensure she was truly there by his side.

Isabella melted into his embrace, a wave of relief washing over her. From this moment forward, she would sever all ties with Adrian, leaving the past behind.

Yet unbeknownst to her, a video of Jared’s extravagant proposal was rapidly going viral across social media, capturing the attention of many, including Ella.

Meanwhile, in a hotel room not far away, Adrian had just finished washing up when he caught sight of Ella, her phone clutched tightly in her hands, an awkward expression on her face as she hesitated to speak.