LIVELY POV

"Aaron, you need to talk to your grandpa. I can't accept this. You know when something feels too overwhelming, and you just have to give it back? This is beyond that—it's insane." I slid the papers across the desk to him, treating them like they were contagious.

The decorations and preparations for Mr. Steven Wallace's wedding reception already looked magical in the backyard, even before they were finished. Fortunately, I didn't recognize any of the staff from the country club, which allowed me to curl into Aaron in the outdoor lounge area without feeling judged as people went about their work.

"Are we still stuck on this stage?" He pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly exhausted.

"What stage?" I asked.

He looked up and said flatly, "Denial," though the corners of his lips hinted at a smile.

Does he think this is funny? Sure, why don't we all laugh? This is just a typical day in Lake Oswego: waking up to find out you're about to become the manager of the largest country club in the state.

I was still overwhelmed after spending half an hour in the backyard, where Aaron had brought me to catch some fresh air after nearly passing out inside. Processing everything has been a whirlwind, and the cold, steely expressions from his family, whom I met before breakfast, only added to the pressure. Most of them seemed to radiate a blatant hostility, making me feel uneasy. I couldn't stomach anything on that table despite Mr. Thomas's persistent offers and Aaron's attempts to encourage me.

"I'm not in denial," I protested softly, but I doubted it came out as firmly as I intended.

He adjusted in his seat and faced me, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What's going on in your head? I hope you're not rethinking being my fiancée because I'm already enjoying this." He placed his hand over mine on the table, drawing my gaze to our intertwined fingers.

"No. It just caught me off guard. I honestly didn't expect you to propose, let alone so soon..." I looked up at him and found his eyes on me, as I had already guessed. "But that's the point of a surprise, isn't it?"

He smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I wanted you to be surprised. And considering we've known each other since high school, this isn't all that fast. For the record, even I didn't know I'd be proposing this year, but here we are, so it's a surprise for both of us."

Blushing at his words, I address something he said. "The time we've had—" I chewed on my bottom lip, shifting my gaze back to our joined hands, conceding defeat in our staring contest. "We don't really know each other, not on a deeper, emotional level."

"I'm an open book. You can ask me anything from now on," he replied, warmth spreading through my chest. "And don't forget, that's what the engagement period is for, to get to know each other more deeply, isn't it?"

"Yes," I agreed, peeking up through my lashes and offering a soft smile.

"Lively, I want you to know that this time, I'm not holding back. I'm dating you to marry you," he said confidently, locking eyes with me. All I saw in him was sincerity.

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

His brows furrowed slightly. "For what?"

"For standing up for me earlier. I wouldn't have known what to do." His family—God, I couldn't confront them. Everything they had spoken was truths contrasting to this short dreamland I was living in. But was bitter hearing it.

"I brought you into my family, so I'll stand by you against them if that's the path they choose." He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing it tenderly. It took everything in me not to tremble as I watched him in my blissful trance. His eyes fluttered shut, and he sighed like he'd found peace, sending a strange fluttering sensation through my stomach.

"Hey, cousin!" The voice rang in my head like an alarm, snapping me out of Aaron's charm. I looked up to see Dane and Emersyn Wallace approaching. A ripple of unease forms in me, replacing the fluttery feeling I found when I was alone with Aaron. "The family's newest bride," Dane said with a mischievous grin.

I'd assumed during introductions that they were the nicer ones. Aside from the young girl who looked preoccupied with her own thoughts, Dane and Emersyn had shown no judgment toward me.

"Hey." Aaron sat up straighter, facing his two cousins as they took a seat on the bench across from us.

"You talked to Kyle?" Dane asked.

"He's staying at the country club apartments. We exchanged texts this morning," Aaron replied calmly, his thumb tracing slow circles on the back of my hand resting on his thigh. I was hyper-aware of the sensation.

I clenched my teeth, mentally trying to distract myself from the firm surface of his thigh against my still hand.

"Don't mind them," Emersyn said with a kind smile, misinterpreting the tension on my face. She thought I was sad when, really, I was overwhelmed by the closeness to Aaron. "It's actually nice having a new soon-to-be bride in the family, especially compared to the new woman Uncle Steven brought." She beamed at me warmly. "So, I'm happy you're here. And congratulations on the engagement."

I smiled back, grateful for her kindness.

"Can you guys stay with Lively? I'm going to talk to Grandpa before we head out," Aaron asked, his concern clear. He was probably worried the twins or his aunts, who were lounging under the shade near the lake, would corner me in his absence. They had to be gathering there for a reason.

"I've got you," Dane assured him, offering a fist bump. Aaron returned it, stood up, and gave me a reassuring smile before heading up the steps toward the pool and garden where the wedding reception preparations were still underway.

"So, Lively, right?" Emersyn asked, drawing my attention back to her and Dane.

"Yes," I nodded.

"I'm Emersyn, and this is Dane, just in case you forgot from the introductions earlier," she reintroduced herself, though I knew exactly who they were. Everyone did. "I'm guessing Aaron didn't talk about us, but trust me, he wouldn't survive without us," she added playfully, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. It made me smile at her lightheartedness.

She was nothing like the image I had of the Wallaces.

"I'm the eldest grandchild, and clearly not engaged, as you can see, so if you come across any eligible young men in the country club, recommend me. Maybe we can have a joint wedding," she said with a cheeky grin. Honestly, I think she's my favorite of Aaron's cousins.

"Don't mind her, she's just joking." Dane elbowed her lightly, and she feigned annoyance. They played together like they were little kids. "She turns down every guy we suggest," he teased her with a smirk.

"That's because none of them check my boxes," she shot back, nudging him until he grabbed her wrists and slung an arm around her.

"You cannot imagine what her 'boxes' are," he said, shaking his head at me. "She's expecting some guy to run through the rain and sweep her off her feet with some over-the-top romantic gestures. A man is just a human being."

"But that's the bare minimum," I said, playing along and backing Emersyn, watching as Dane's jaw dropped in mock disbelief.

"Exactly, preach louder," Emersyn raised her drink in a toast and blew me an air kiss. "I love you already."

"A girls' girl, I see," Dane commented, amused, and I giggled.

"Emersyn, Dane, leave." The blunt, commanding voice sent a chill down my spine. I know the voice. No, please no. "I want to speak with my future daughter-in-law." Aaron's mother's words cut through our lighthearted moment, making my heart skip a beat.

I didn't dare look up, but I saw two figures standing there. She wasn't alone. She had reinforcements. I silently begged Dane and Emersyn not to leave me alone with these wolves.

"There's plenty of room here," Dane motioned around casually.

"One-on-one," Aaron's mother snapped impatiently.

"Aunt Cynthia," he defended me, his tone sharp.

"Mom," Emersyn pleaded softly, and my stomach dropped as I realized who had accompanied Aaron's mother—Kathleen Wallace.

God, help me. If only the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

"Aaron, put you up to this? Well, ciao," Kathleen sneered, dismissing them with a wave of her hand.

"Since this little toy is now part of the family, what choice do we have? Go rest now, the both of you." Aaron's mother sighed, and Dane shot me an apologetic look as they got up to leave.

Please, Aaron, come back. I prayed silently, my hands trembling uncontrollably under the table. I started picking at the skin around my thumb, hoping the pain would keep me grounded, but the fear gripping my chest drowned everything out.

"I'll call Aaron," Emersyn mouthed, gesturing with her free hand before she and Dane left me alone with my worst nightmares.

"Your name is Lively, right?" Aaron's mother asked, her refined accent carrying a sharp edge. I glanced at her, but quickly lowered my gaze under the weight of her contempt and disapproval. Those eyes—they were both familiar and completely foreign to me.

I wished I had the confidence to stand my ground, but in a world where status determined everything, people like me had to shrink back, swallow their pride, and silence their voices in the presence of the powerful.

"Yes, Ma'am," I nodded. "Could I—" my voice trembled. "Could I please say something?"

They hummed, giving me permission.

So far, so good.

"I apologize if I've offended you in any way. I truly didn't mean to disrespect anyone. I know you might think I'm with Aaron for selfish reasons, but that's not true. I wouldn't fight for something that wasn't worth it. I'm here because Aaron and I both deserve a chance. He wants this just as much as I do, and as his mother, I know you'd want his happiness above all else. That's all I'm here for—to make him happy. I have nothing to offer him but myself, and I expect nothing from him but his love. Please, just give me a chance to prove myself." I was out of breath when I finished, my eyes squeezed shut as I poured my heart out, praying it was enough.

"One million," Kathleen said, her voice cold and indifferent, attracting my clouded, confused eyes to her.

"Two," Cynthia Wallace added, her tone just as detached. Both women stared at me, waiting for my response, but I had no idea what they were talking about.

"What?" I stammered, cluelessly blinking.

"To leave my son," Cynthia clarified, her words hitting me like a punch to the gut. A familiar, soul-crushing pain tore through me—the same pain I'd felt when seventeen-year-old Aaron slammed the door in my face. I froze, staring at them through tear-blurred eyes.

"You could change your life with it," Cynthia added coldly. "Leave that run-down shack you call home. Let your parents rest after years of working 15-16 hours a day to support you. It's a fair trade. Any logical person would take it."

Kathleen nodded in agreement, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're not fit to be a Wallace. This is a way out for you."

How could people be this cruel? Do they even have souls?

In my 21 years of life, I'd never been treated this horribly. I knew who I was, and I knew the reality of my family's situation, but hearing it laid out like this made me feel like I should hate myself for even existing.

"You—you—" I struggled to form a coherent sentence, my throat closing up. Breathe. But even that wasn't working; my body refused to cooperate. "You didn't listen to me," my voice cracked, and the first tear slipped down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, noticing the blood on my thumb from where I'd picked at it, but the physical pain didn't register. I hid my hands under the table, pulling at my sleeves.

"I heard your nonsense," Cynthia said coldly. "You're deluding yourself with fantasies my son doesn't need. He already has all the love he needs—he has me, and he has this family. Look around. We're not just a family of four. What Aaron needs is not your idea of love. He needs power and the strongest foundation to build this family's legacy. That's his duty as Thomas Wallace's eldest grandson. You have nothing to offer him. You're not fit to be a Wallace."

Don't cry. Don't cry. But it hurt too much not too. I covered my face with my hand, ashamed of my tears, ashamed that I was crying over Aaron in front of his family.

"Let me be blunt with you. His mother meant he needed a woman of his status, not someone like you, wearing this tragic dress that does nothing for our family's reputation. You're clearly after what we have," Kathleen spat with revulsion. "If you'd come earlier, we might have considered it, but we've had enough charity this summer. Steven brought people like you here first, and now you're here too, with your problems. You need to understand that this family isn't a charity organization."

"I'll be honest. I don't like you," Cynthia added sharply, clearly intent on cutting me out of her son's life. "I could tolerate you if you stayed in your place, serving at the country club, but I can't stand people who try to wear shoes they can't fit into. If you care about your family, you'll take my offer, stay away from mine, and reconsider signing those papers. The moment we get the lawyers involved, it will get ugly. Mister Wallace is old, and he's prone to... questionable decisions. This could easily be seen as a fraud. You can't imagine the accusations we'd throw your way. Don't dig a hole you can't climb out of, Lively... Kelby."

"Can I have those papers?" Kathleen didn't wait as my hand appeared from under the table. She snatched them off the desk and pressed a small black card into my trembling hand. "Call me with your decision. You have two days."

I stood up, my legs numb, my head spinning. Dizziness hit me as I stumbled backward in fear, gasping for air before I ran, my fragile heart pounding with a weight I could barely carry. I heard the laughter of the twins echoing from downstairs. It gutted me more.

"Lively?" Emersyn called by the pool, but I didn't stop.

Tears blurred my vision. I just wanted to escape this suffocating place. What was I thinking?

Aaron and I could never work. We were too different, like heaven and hell, impossible to put together in this universe. Maybe in another lifetime, but not now—not here.

My body crashed into something solid, and hands caught me before I fell. I inhaled the scent of fresh cologne, prompting my gaze up. Mason Wallace stood there, phone in hand.

His dark, steely eyes held an ominous shadow. He had an intimidating presence. Instinctively, I backed away.

"Please—where's the exit?" I stammered, wiping my tears with my sleeves.

"Aaron knows you're running away?" His tone was unnerving. I stepped back in alarm, desperate to find a way out of this maze.

I finally made it outside, the fresh air hitting my face. I collapsed forward, hands on my knees, rubbing my chest, trying to calm my racing heart.

"Stupid, stupid me," I muttered, knocking my head, wanting to feel something other than the crushing pain those women had inflicted.

"Lively, where are you going?" Aaron's voice rang out.

No, not now.

Exhausted, I forced myself to stand straight, refusing to look back. My legs felt heavy as I dragged myself forward, the voice in my head urging me to get as far away as possible.

"What's this?" He grabbed my arm, and I was too drained to resist. He turned me to face him, his eyes searching mine. Instantly, they were filled with anger.

"My mother and aunties confronted you, didn't they?" he asked, jaw clenched tightly.

I remained silent, knowing that if I spoke, I'd break down again.

He studied me as I took my gaze away from his wild eyes, to where his chest was rising and falling as if he'd just climbed a mountain. "You won't speak, you won't even look at me. What did they say?" He let out a bitter laugh, running his fingers through his hair. "They'll have to repeat every word to me." He turns for the door.

Panicked, I lunged forward and grabbed his arm, stopping him. "No, Aaron, please." He looked at me, confused by the fear in my voice. "Don't. I'm begging you. Don't."

My voice cracked, but I clung to him desperately. I couldn't afford to anger this family further; I don't know what they were truly capable of.

Aaron swallowed hard, his body tensing as he turned fully to face me again. My pleading eyes held him back.

"Lively, I'll never let you run from me again," he said with certainty, cupping my face in his hand. My head instinctively leaned into his touch, seeking solace after everything. "You're mine now. Mine to protect, mine to care for. Whatever bratty antics my family pulled, it doesn't matter. What matters is how I feel, and I'll never want another woman in this lifetime or the next if it's not you. So, don't run down those steps alone again."

He didn't understand.

I tried to pull his hand away, but he wouldn't let go. "Aaron, maybe we should stop before it gets too real," I cried, frustrated that he wasn't listening. "Your family, your world, it's not mine. What was I thinking?" I hit my head with clenched fists, angry at myself for being so foolish.

Aaron instinctively seized my wrists, his eyes feral and warning. "Stop it, Lively."

"Why?" I whispered bitterly. "I'm not good enough for you. I have nothing to offer you—no status, no influence. Being with me will only bring more shame to my already struggling family."

"It's already real to me," he snapped, his voice breaking my heart.

"Let me go," I pleaded.

He released my wrists but kept his hand on my face, his eyes burning into mine. "I can't," he whispered, shaking his head.

"Aaron—"

"I want your goodness," he said, his voice strained. "I need it. I'm—I'm hollow, Lively. Empty. A void filled with nothing but darkness."

"You don't mean that." My voice trembled.

"I do." His expression softened, and he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Please, don't leave me. You're the one thing that brings me joy."

He was vulnerable. I'd never seen him like this—so exposed, so unsure.

I said nothing.

"Come with me. Let me show you my life away from all this," he urged, holding out his hand.

That irrational part of me, the part that always fell for Aaron Wallace, took over, and I placed my hand in his. He smiled for the first time since I'd run from that cursed house.

"What's this?" he asked, noticing the black card in my hand. He tore it in half without a second thought. He was unaware of what he'd just destroyed.

He led me down the steps, toward the sprawling, lush green field that flanked the driveway. A real-life, sleek helicopter, all glossy and glassy, was docked there, and he was guiding me straight toward it.

"Good day, Mr. Aaron Wallace," a man greeted.

"Thank you. Is everything ready?" Aaron asked, his voice calm but authoritative.

Wait... we're not seriously getting on that thing, are we?

"Aaron? Where are we going?" I asked, my voice betraying my nerves, despite his earlier promise to give me a glimpse of what our future could look like.

"Somewhere special," he teased with a playful smile, keeping me on edge.

The helicopter doors were wide open. This was really happening.

"On that?" I questioned, my throat dry as I tightened my grip on his hand.

"Mm hmm," he smirked, clearly amused by my unease.

"Aaron..."

"Lively," he mimicked, turning to face me.

"I've never... I'm not sure if I'm afraid of heights," I confessed, my breath coming out in shaky spurts.

"You're not. It's just like flying in a regular plane—only with better views," he said confidently.

"But I've never been on a plane," I admitted quietly, feeling my anxiety creeping higher.

His brow furrowed. "Then how do you leave Oregon?"

Well...

"I've never left Lake Oswego," I mumbled, embarrassment warming my cheeks.

His eyes widened in disbelief. "No way. That's why we have to do this. Trust me."

He led me toward the helicopter, where Keenan stood nearby, stopping by the passenger, or maybe the co-pilot's seat. Aaron helped me climb in, and I settled into the unfamiliar surroundings. The cabin felt too close, too surreal.

While I tried to process everything, he slid into the pilot's seat, still wearing that infuriatingly excited grin.

"Let's get you strapped in," he said softly. Before I could respond, he leaned over, his face so close that his scent overwhelmed me. My body went rigid, heat rushing through me as my fists clenched on each side of my thighs. His smile turned devilish as he caught my reaction, his eyes flicking down to my lips, clearly enjoying my breathless state.

I felt a sudden tightening in my lower belly. I gasped as a sudden click broke through the quiet. His hand brushed over my stomach, sending a jolt through my entire body despite the layers of clothing. I shuddered involuntarily.

Focus! Breathe.

I looked down to see that he had buckled my seatbelt, his proximity so intoxicating that it was hard to remember to exhale. The warmth of his breath ghosted over my forehead, soothing yet dangerously disarming, as his hands slid the straps over my chest, down my torso. It was almost unbearable. My eyes shut tight against the sensations.

Breathe. Just breathe.

I kept my eyes closed even after I heard the final clicks, only opening them when fresh air hit my face, signaling Aaron had moved away. I don't know why I felt oddly disappointed.

When I glanced over, he had fastened his own seatbelt and was wearing a headset. Still in the pilot's seat.

"You're flying?" I asked, unable to hide my shock.

"Mmm hmm," he replied, smirking as he handed me a headset. He expertly pressed a few buttons, and the helicopter whirred to life. I stared up at the massive blades making noise above us as they began to spin. Half of the helicopter was glass, making the visibility from inside clearer.

"Helicopter HX49, requesting VFR departure to San Francisco," Aaron's voice came through the headset, calm and in control.

San Francisco? My eyes went wide.

"San Francisco? No way!" I gasped, excitement bubbling up inside me as I thought about leaving Lake Oswego for the first time.

"Lake Oswego Tower, Roger. Departure to San Francisco authorized and cleared for takeoff. Wind calm. Maintain VFR at 2000 feet until further notice," a voice came through my headset. I blushed at the unexpected response.

"Roger. Proceeding via direct route," Aaron replied, and suddenly, we were lifting off the ground.

"Roger. Have a pleasant flight."

It was both exhilarating and terrifying. I slapped my hands over my face, feeling lightheaded as we hovered in the air.

"Look," Aaron coaxed, gently pulling my hand away. I opened my eyes, and for the first time, saw Lake Oswego from the sky. My town looked tiny and beautiful, a new perspective I'd never imagined. I realized at that moment, I didn't have a fear of heights after all.

The flight was supposed to last about four hours, but it felt like the shortest journey in my life. I never wanted it to end. Despite the long hours together, Aaron kept quiet for most of it, letting me soak in the sights below us, promising we'd talk more when we arrived. It was one of the best days of my life.

We landed atop a skyscraper. I'd never seen a building this tall, let alone landed on one. As one of the two formally dressed men opened my door and helped me out, I marveled at the more towering structures around us. Lake Oswego had nothing like this.

Aaron joined me, his presence commanding the attention of the men, who greeted him with deference. He acknowledged them with a subtle nod before taking my hand possessively. It wasn't about the men; they seemed to know their place. No, this was about him showing me off. And I couldn't deny myself how nice it felt.

We entered through a door, one man following us until Aaron keyed in an access code. We stepped into a lavish, marble-lined lobby with several elevators. He pressed a button, and soon, we were alone in one of them.

The ride up was silent, almost terrifying, as the reality of the day sank in. My first flight, my first time leaving home, my first skyscraper—and all of it with a man who had just recently felt like a distant dream. Now, I wore his ring, and we were... together.

The doors slid open after some seconds, revealing what could only be described as a luxury house in the sky.

Silence deafened my ears at the view.

"One of my homes during the week," I heard Aaron say.

I stood there, speechless, until he pulled me gently by the hand into the stunning foyer, my body awkward and tense. The space was enormous, with towering ceilings and glass walls offering a panoramic view of the city. Sunlight flooded every corner, turning the entire place into something out of a dream.

"This is yours?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. When you're Aaron Wallace, luxury is an understatement.

"Remember when I said I wanted us to be together, away from our families' prying eyes? This is where that happens. Welcome home, baby."

Oh god.