His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 535

For the past few days, Archer had been leaving early and coming home late, and even Cindy had been whisked away to Cloudcrest Estate by Helena; Virginia hadn't thought much of it until his sudden call earlier that day, inviting her to a candlelit dinner.

She had a faint suspicion of what was coming, but she brushed it off until the styling team arrived, confirming that he was going all out.

Sitting in the backseat, she watched the city lights blur past the window, a complicated knot of emotions resting in her chest, mostly overpowered by a fluttering nervousness.

The car cruised out of the city limits, finally pulling up to Starlight Ridge, nestled halfway up a mountain on the outskirts of town.

Virginia pushed the door open and stepped out.

It was pitch black, with absolutely no streetlights, save for the faint glow of the ground markers guiding the path forward.

The biting winter wind whipped snow against her face, carrying a sharp, icy chill.

She pulled the faux-fur wrap tighter around her shoulders, crossing her arms as her heels clicked forward a few steps in the dark.

Just then, a massive boom shattered the silence.

A colossal firework exploded overhead, illuminating the entire camp; immediately following, a spectacular barrage of pyrotechnics lit up the night sky, turning the darkness as bright as day.

Instantly, twin rows of warm, amber path lights flickered on, revealing a crimson carpet that stretched elegantly toward the center of the camp.

Virginia followed the plush runner, her breath catching as she saw a sprawling, endless sea of white roses meticulously arranged at the center.

Lining both sides of the carpet were the most important people in her life.

Helena Vanderbilt stood at the very front holding Cindy, who was dressed in an adorable pink princess gown; beside them stood Doctor White, who had just flown in, Kian Shaw adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, and Mrs. Benson with tears already spilling down her cheeks.

There was even a guest she never expected to see—standing quietly at the edge of the crowd in a camel coat, his hands shoved in his pockets: Valentin Hunter.

Everyone watched her approach with beaming smiles.

At the very end of the carpet, Archer slowly turned around.