The days following Bella’s announcement of her pregnancy and upcoming wedding were filled with a whirlwind of activity, excitement, and planning. However, amid the joyful chaos, Ariana and Tae found precious moments to deepen their connection. They would often steal away from the bustling household, finding solace in each other’s company.

One sunny afternoon, Ariana and Tae decided to take a stroll through the mansion's sprawling garden, where colorful flowers bloomed vibrantly against the bright blue sky. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming petals, and the soft rustle of leaves created a calming melody around them. As they walked side by side, Ariana felt a sense of peace settle over her, a stark contrast to the turmoil she had experienced just months prior.

"You know," Ariana began, glancing sideways at Tae, who was walking with a relaxed confidence, "I never thought I would feel so safe again, especially after everything that happened with the Italians."

Tae turned to her, his expression softening. "You deserve to feel safe, Ari. I want you to know that I’ll always be here to protect you, no matter what."

His words warmed her heart. She had been hesitant to open up fully to Tae about her past, still healing from the trauma she had endured, but his unwavering support gave her the strength to share more of herself with him.

"I know," she replied, her voice earnest. "It’s just hard sometimes. I still have nightmares, and I worry that I might push you away because of it."

Tae stopped walking and turned to face her, taking her hands in his. "You’re not going to push me away. I want to be here for you, to help you through this. Just promise me that you’ll talk to me about it when it gets too overwhelming. We can face it together."

Ariana looked into his eyes, the sincerity in his gaze making her feel understood and cherished. "Thank you, Tae. It means more than you know."

As they resumed walking, the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a dance of light and shadow on the path before them. Ariana took a deep breath, the fresh air invigorating her. "Sometimes, I find myself thinking about the future," she admitted, surprising herself with her candidness. "What it will look like for us. I can’t help but imagine a life where I can bake again without fear, and where I can create a family of my own someday."

Tae’s expression shifted to one of intrigue, and he slowed his pace, allowing her words to settle between them. "You want to have a family?" he asked gently.

"Eventually," she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I know it’s a big step, especially after everything, but I’ve always dreamed of having a little bakery with a cozy atmosphere. Maybe one day, I’ll have a partner who can help me run it and kids running around."

Tae stopped again, this time pulling her closer to him. "You will have that. You deserve that dream, Ari. And I’d love to be part of it." His voice was laced with sincerity, and Ariana felt her heart flutter at the thought.

"You mean that?" she asked, searching his eyes for confirmation.

"Of course," he said with a grin. "I can see it now: ‘Ariana’s Bakery’ with the best croissants in town, and maybe a little Tae to help out with the heavy lifting." His teasing tone made her laugh, and she felt a wave of warmth wash over her.

"You’ll be the one baking while I do all the heavy lifting, don’t get it twisted," Ariana joked back, nudging him playfully.

"Deal," he said, laughter dancing in his eyes.

They walked further into the garden, eventually finding a secluded bench where they could sit. As they settled down, Ariana looked around, appreciating the beauty of their surroundings. The moment felt intimate, a perfect blend of laughter and heartfelt conversation.

Tae turned to her, his expression serious. "Ariana, I want you to know that I care about you deeply. These past few weeks have been some of the happiest moments of my life, and I can’t imagine going through this journey without you by my side."

Ariana’s heart raced at his words. She felt a surge of affection for him, an overwhelming sense of gratitude that he had come into her life at a time when she had needed someone the most. "I feel the same way," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "You make me feel alive again, like I can actually start over."

Tae’s hand found hers, their fingers intertwining. "You deserve to start over, Ari. I’m not going anywhere. I promise to be here for you every step of the way."

With that promise hanging in the air, they shared a soft kiss, their lips brushing against each other gently. It was a kiss filled with tenderness and hope, a promise of new beginnings. Ariana closed her eyes, allowing herself to melt into the moment, feeling safe in Tae’s embrace.

As they pulled away, Ariana’s cheeks flushed. "Wow," she murmured, still caught in the warmth of the kiss.

Tae grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Wow, indeed. I’ve been waiting for that."

"Me too," she confessed, a shy smile creeping onto her face. "I’ve wanted to kiss you for a while now."

He raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh really? How long are we talking here?"

"Since the first time we went shopping," she admitted with a teasing grin. "You were just so charming, I couldn’t help but notice."

Tae laughed, his heart swelling with joy at her admission. "Well, I’m glad to hear it. And just wait; this is only the beginning."

They spent the remainder of the afternoon talking about dreams, hopes, and plans for the future. The laughter they shared echoed through the garden, the sun casting a warm glow around them. In those moments, Ariana realized how far she had come. She was no longer defined by her past; she was building a future filled with love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings with Tae by her side.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Ariana felt a sense of peace settle within her. She knew the road ahead would have its challenges, but with Tae’s support, she was ready to face whatever came her way. They were two souls intertwining, creating a bond that would only grow stronger with time.

And in that moment, under the vast expanse of the sky, Ariana felt hopeful. Hopeful for love, for healing, and for a life filled with happiness—one she would share with Tae.