6 months later...

Mariana relaxed back into the cream of the chair she laid on. Her legs dipped into the water that tickled her feet favorably. Her rosy sunglasses rested on top of her head as it sunbathed with her. Her tan glowed through her white crop top, and the slit of her skirt that she wore.

She sipped out of a glass that looked like a drop of sunset and had a taste of heaven. There was some sprite, mixed with blocks of mango, cooled with ice, and a mint leaf sat on top. It ran down her throat, and she sighed peacefully as it provided her with refreshment against the sun that lit up the sky like a candle.

She shifted comfortably in her seat, enjoying the sweet rays that rained onto her skin. She glanced over at Micah, who was also relaxing next to her. He was shirtless, and his eyes shut, hidden by his black sunglasses. Her eyes ran down his abs, licking her lips as he suddenly sat up.

He lifted his sunglasses, stared at her, and then brought her face towards his. He kissed her lips gently, tasting the remnants of her sink off them. They were officially back together and were more in love than ever.

When he slowly let go of her lips, Mariana was still in the daze and wanted to kiss him more, but he was already drinking his drink.

"How are you, my flower?" He asked while daydreaming.

"Good! But the sun is making me a bit drowsy," she said.

They were spending some time in Miami at a beach resort with his mom and sisters for a mini vacation. There were palm trees with leaves like giant umbrellas, an outdoor pool that mingled its way around the beach, beautiful shadows twirled in the waters like they were dancing to salsa. Rocks piled on top of each other form a fountain, with water that spewed out from its mouth. Couples walked around in their swimsuits, and some were making out.

It was Micah's idea since it was a nice getaway. Especially since the news report came in of footage of Xavier jumping off a high cliff. His body got pierced by the sharp rock that was like a spear straight through his heart. Mariana was shocked by his unexpected suicide, but he probably couldn't live with never obtaining his "perfect revenge."

Unfortunately, they were not able to find Electra, so they just thought that they ran away, but Mariana didn't care, just as long as she stayed away from her and she never had to see that witch again.

Crystal then came with some ice cream cones in her hand with her girls trailing behind her, with chopped fruits mixed with cream, and pastries in the shape of pinwheels, with a cherry center and sprinkled with sugar. She set it down on the table, and Makayla and Mylah sat next to her, dropping the bowls and startling Mariana.

"We brought snacks, guys!" Mylah said.

"And ice cream," Crystal said and began handing everyone their cones.

"Yummy!" Mariana got a chocolate one with chips and strawberry, while Micah had his with chocolate and vanilla. She licked hers while taking some pictures of herself, the ice cream, and around the resort.

"Hey, I heard some people are going to play volleyball down the beach later, do you guys wanna join?" Makayla asked.

"Sure," Mariana said.

"Where did you hear that from?" Mylah asked.

"I eavesdropped on people talking about it while staring at some random couple," Makayla said innocently.

"So you just decided to become a stalker today?" Mariana said.

"Yep, and it's fun!" Makayla exclaimed.

Everyone laughed, and Mariana felt so happy to be with Micah's family again. When they got back together, there was a bit of tension and awkwardness because of what happened, but after Micah explained everything, they warmed up to her.

"Hey Mariana, I have something to show you," Micah said.

"Hm, what?" Mariana said, with ice cream splattered across her cheeks and her mouth stuffed. She took a pastry and bit into the cherry jam as she listened to what he had to say.

"Here's the date you wanted." He took out his phone and then gave it to her. Mariana was very confused by his words, but when she inspected it, she was surprised to see the picture of him and Electra that started all this mess. She had forgotten all about it, but what made her smile was the date underneath.

4th January 2014.

Even though she was no longer suspicious, it was nice to finally see the date when that picture was taken. Now, they can leave that picture in the past and move forward. Only, she wished she had it physically in her hands, so she can burn it with a lighter as they do in movies when they want permanently get rid of something.

"Thanks, Micah." She smiled and pecked him on the cheek. She gave him back his phone and licked her ice cream when chuckling. She found it amusing how he still made an effort to find the date when she had not brought it up for some time.

He safely put it back into his pocket and brought out a brown box with a golden ribbon. It looked like a giant chunk of chocolate.

"And this is for you."

"Oh..." She put down her spoon as he slid it into her lap. She caressed the edges, wondering what could be inside. She slowly lifted the lid, and a navy cushion was revealed, with a small belt of gold. Mariana grew more curious as she spotted it but couldn't recognize it. So her fingers pulled it up some more, and when it was in full view, she dropped the lid and pressed her hands against her lips, shocked and speechless.

Inside was her mother's necklace, fully intact. It had all the gems back in place, the chain fixed, and the heart pendant still there. It stared back at her but just seeing it here instead of down the drain. She didn't notice when her warm salty tears started running down her face and onto the box.

"My mother's necklace... but how?" She picked it up gently like it was a fragile diamond that could easily break. She held in her breath as she opened it up because what really mattered to her was what was inside.

And there it was. The picture that kept her going. Her mother and father were in it as well as her, her younger brother, and her younger sister, all smiling like a happy family in front of their tent and the mountains in the distance.

She wept with tears as she pressed it into her chest like she wanted to push it into her heart. She finally had her family's picture again, and now, she had something to remember them.

"Thank you, Micah..." She sniffed and cuddled him while her eyes never went off the picture.

"Your welcome Mariana, it took quite a lot of work to get it, but just seeing that smile on your face makes it all worth it."

"How did you get it? I mean, I saw Electra kick it down the drain."

"Well, the thing is. I knew I couldn't get the original one back, so I got a jewelry designer and got him to make a necklace similar to your own. And I managed to find the same picture of one on your Facebook."

"Aww." She appreciated his efforts to get her most prized possession, and even though it wasn't the same one, she still had the picture, which is what mattered the most to her. She preferred this one, because it came from Micah, who she loved with all her heart, and the other one was made by Xavier, who she used to look up to.

So instead of being sad of never getting the original back, she looked on the bright side. That necklace was a part of her old self, tied with Xavier, who would have never reverted back to his old self, so it was best if he was left in the past.

But now, she could start something new with Micah and move on, while never forgetting her family and where she came from since they will always be in her heart.

When they were finished with their food, Mariana and Micah held hands, as they followed Makayla and Mylah to where people were setting up a court. Mariana felt joy sprout from her heart as she had the necklace back on again. She now felt completed.

They asked if they could join, and the group agreed. So they got a ball, and Mariana stood on one side with Micah and the girls, and the people were on the other side of the net.

Everyone decided that they were going to have a fun, little rally to start with, so the other group had the ball first. Crystal sat on the side to take a few pictures. The ball got passed to Mariana, who was in the middle, and she hit it back. The ball glided off her fingertips effortlessly, and it managed to get over the net. The girl in front hit it back to them.

"I got it! I got it!" Mylah managed to hit it with the dig but sent it soaring into the sky. Their heads lifted like eagles as the ball spun, shaking off the sand. They watched until it suddenly dropped and head-butted someone on the other team.

"Ouch!" The boy groaned.

"Sorry!" Mylah cried out.

"It's alright," a brunette girl said and picked up the ball. Crystal chuckled quietly as the girl served it to their side. Mariana tried to return it, but instead, it just went straight up, but not as high as Mylah's.

"Oops," She squeaked.

"Don't worry, I will save it!" Makayla ran to the rescue, but when she did, it just bounced to another part of their court. Micah ended up saving the ball, and they all sighed in relief.

They had a few more rallies until they did a real game. It went on for quite some time and the other time ended up winning. They shook hands at the end and helped tidy everything up.

When the warm breeze of the evening settled into the hearts of the travelers, mostly everyone was outside and dancing with each other. Colorful lights lit up near the pool as sparks spiked behind people like fireworks. Music played softly and streamed through the steamy atmosphere between the sweaty couples who danced with each other, with summer dresses flying everywhere.

Mariana and Micah were dancing together. She couldn't stop giggling as her cheeks were like happy bubbles. A streak of pink faintly popped out like a blush. She held onto his hands as he looked down at her with love. He couldn't keep his eyes off her smile that shined through the dusk. Her precious eyes bore right into his, her delicate curls that bounced on her shoulder and rippled down her chest. She looked more radiant than ever before, which was perfect for what he had planned later on.

"I'm really enjoying my time with you, Mariana," he murmured, getting close to her ear and nibbled on it. She giggled and pulled away from him.

"Same here, being here with you feels perfect," she said as she took two drinks from a waiter who carried them around. She gave one to Micah and drank hers, feeling a slight burn.

The music started to change and become more upbeat. They danced harder and drank more. Mariana even got lower until she started grinding against Micah. They bounced against one another like the pace of the music. Until Mariana straightened herself and turned around to give Micah a big kiss on the lips. She giggled as she got a bit of her lip gloss on the corner of his mouth, but he didn't mind.

"Your so beautiful," he purred and wrapped his arms around her waist. He trailed kisses down her neck. They swayed gently like grass during the calm night, which is how Mariana felt. She pictured them standing alone in a field, with the dozens of stars sprinkled across the moonlit sky. They were kissing as fireflies lifted the ground and circled them like fairies.

"I've got something to show you, Mariana," he said.

"Really?"

"Yeah, you wanna go see it now?"

"Okay!" Mariana smiled back as she allowed Micah to whisk her away. They walked through the crowds as they were slowly dissolving away. The wind lightly carried them off, until Micah took her to a secluded area, where they were welcomed by trees and the drifting dark sea. There were some lights, and they sauntered across marble tiles.

"Close your eyes," he said.

"Heh, okay." She blindfolded herself as she felt Micah pulling her by the arm. She was shaking with excitement about what she was going to see.

She suddenly stopped, and Micah unveiled her face by separating her arms.

"You can look now."

Mariana's eyes flashed open, and a big gasp rushed out of her mouth. Surrounding them were fairy lights that glowed off their skin. The moon was full and sweet, directly above them, and its shine was like icing on the heart that laid on the ground. Made with love and burning with passion were thirty-two scented candles with their wisps of fiery intimacy, roses next to them, and an unanswered question that will soon take place.

"Oh, Micah... is this all for me?" Mariana gaped at her surroundings, and she couldn't seem to shut her jaw.

"Yep, all for my queen and my soon-to-be wife." He smiled sheepishly.

"Wait what." She froze. Did he just say what I think he said?

"Mariana." He led her into the middle of the heart, not taking his eyes off her. "From the first time I saw you, I never thought that we would have something together like this. I never thought that I could love someone as much as I love you."

Mariana sniffed and teared up because she felt the same way. They did meet in the most unusual circumstances and now look where they are now.

"Even though we've had a rocky road and a few obstacles along the way, and it almost seemed like we were not meant to be, we are still together, and I would never take that for granted, Mariana," he continued as his hands shuffled around his pockets. They brought out something, and Mariana peered at what it could be.

"I love you and I always will, so would you do me the delight and the favor, making me the happiest man in the world by becoming my dearest wife?" He bent down on one knee and opened the box, revealing a rose gold engagement ring. There was a huge diamond in the middle, with little ones in the outer layer and sliver ones outside that layer.

Mariana was speechless as she looked upon the jewel and his question. It was like she had forgotten how to speak. She stared down at his awaiting position, the ring sparkling in her eyes. She had never thought that she would get this special proposal, but it was actually happening. He wanted to marry and spend the rest of his life with only her. It was like a dream come true!

She made her answer prevalent through her actions. She sank to his level and kissed him hard on the lips, slipping the ring onto her finger. She had never felt so sure of anything in her life than this.

"Yes, Micah, my baby! Of course, I'll marry you!" She exclaimed and then went back to kissing him, overjoyed with emotion.

They fell onto the floor, and Micah held onto her bare legs, keeping her close and tight. It was like someone had super glued them together as they rolled around, occasionally taking a breath, but then went right back to each other. Mariana's eyes brimmed with warm tears, they slowly raced down. Everything she wanted was in this moment, to finally be together with Micah, to be free from Xavier, and to have all that she needs in the world.

"Oh, Mariana, I love you so much, and I can't wait till I marry you," Micah murmured.

"Me too, Micah, me too." Mariana smiled with satisfaction as they made out on the beach.

A/N: Hey guys I hope you enjoyed and that's the end of the book!

Thank you for all my readers, for your encouraging comments and votes. I really appreciate it all and going their journey with me. 🥰🥰❤️😘😘

But! This ain't the end of Mariana and Micah, as the final book of the trilogy is now published😁😁. The next chap has all the details ❤️❤️❤️.