The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 422

"From this day forward," they said in unison, "may we walk as one, through all our years, until we are old and gray."

As they pulled each other into a deep embrace, the crowd erupted into applause. Amelia stood among them, her eyes red with emotion as a single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.

Jaron quietly offered her a handkerchief.

"Thanks," she whispered, never breaking her applause as she called out her congratulations.

Jaron looked around at the setting, still clapping. "Why does this feel like some old-money engagement party straight out of the 1920s?"

"That's exactly the vibe Nicole wanted," Amelia replied. "She's saving the full wedding gown for the big day. For now, she's sticking to the vintage look, then changing into a sleek evening dress for the reception later."

Amelia watched them with a touch of envy, a silent prayer in her heart.

Nicole, Jasper... please stay this happy forever.

Surrounded by their family and friends, Nicole and Jasper signed their engagement papers and exchanged rings.

"Congratulations, Jasper," Nicole teased. "The girl you like is finally your fiancée."

Jasper grinned back. "And congratulations to you, too. The boy you like is officially your fiancé."

They shared a look of pure joy before Jasper leaned in to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm going to love you so well that you'll be counting down the days until we make this official."

"If I feel that love keeps growing," Nicole promised, "we can head straight from graduation to the courthouse."

"It's a deal."

As they moved through the crowd, Nicole was the picture of grace, while Jasper remained as polished as ever. They navigated the room with an effortless charm, their every movement reflecting the refined world they belonged to.

Nearby, Amber was drinking steadily. The endless stream of well-wishes for the couple grated on her nerves, her eyes burning with a resentment she could barely contain.

When the vintage melody of a waltz began to play, Jasper led Nicole to the center of the dance floor.

"Happy engagement, Nicole," he said as they began their first dance.

Her eyes danced with mischief. "Is that all?"

He leaned in close, his voice a low, melodic murmur against her ear. "And... I love you."

"And?"

"And from now on, it's my job to spoil you, and your job to let me."

"Keep going," she prompted.

"You get everything I own. My entire net worth is yours."

"Is there more?"

Amelia blinked, caught off guard for a second.

"What? Are you actually going to turn me down?" Jaron teased.

They had attended countless parties like this before. Just as Jasper and Nicole always paired up to ward off unwanted advances, Jaron and Amelia usually did the same. Looking at the couple in the center of the floor and the guests dancing around them, Amelia smiled and gracefully accepted his hand.

Nathaniel watched them from a distance, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. They looked so right together—it was a shame the spark just wasn't there.

Then again, he thought with a sigh, his son had made such a mess of things lately that pairing him with Amelia almost seemed unfair to her. Besides, Lauren would never agree to a match now. What a waste of a perfect daughter-in-law; Jaron really was blind.

As the sun began to set, the golden hour light washed over everyone like a painting.

"Nicole," Jasper whispered, his self-restraint finally giving way. "Can I kiss you?"

Nicole's eyes lit up with an idea. Instead of answering, she grabbed his hand. "Come with me!"

They took off, weaving through the guests and the floral arrangements, running across the wide lawn. As they moved, a cluster of balloons drifted into the sky. Their shadows stretched long against the grass in the fading light—a picture of pure, effortless romance.

When they finally slowed to a stop, breathless and laughing, they turned to face each other.

"Jasper," Nicole said softly. "You may kiss your fiancée now."

Jasper didn't need to be told twice. He beamed, pulling her close by the waist and tilting her chin up. As their lips met, the world faded away. There was only the warmth of their breath and the depth of a kiss they had both been waiting for.