AE-The Billionaire's Surrogate

“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”

“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.

“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”

“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”

“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”

I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.

“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.

“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.

“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.

With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.

“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.

“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.

I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”

Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”

I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”

“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”

With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.

When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.

“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.

A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”

“I don't understand. What is going on?”

“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.

My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.

I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.

His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”

He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.

“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.

“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”

My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”

He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.

“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.

He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”

“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”