"I don’t mind at all," Xavier said, his voice steady. "I don’t care if we don’t have a child of our own. As long as you’re happy, then I’m happy." He pressed a soft kiss to her head.


    Anastasia pulled away slightly, studying his face. His expression was unreadable, calm as always.


    "But wouldn’t that be bad for the Wace legacy?" she asked. "Having someone who isn’t rted by blood take over everything?"


    The Wace family was powerful, and she knew the weight of their name. It wouldn’t be surprising if the elders opposed the idea of an outsider inheriting the empire they had built.


    "Who’s going to say no? My father?" Xavier scoffed. "It won’t be long before I deal with himpletely."


    The sheer certainty in his voice sent a shiver down Anastasia’s spine, but she understood his anger. Though nothing had been proven yet, there was a strong chance that Mr. Wace was behind many of the horrors they had endured.


    Anastasia sighed, wishing everything could magically resolve itself so she and Xavier could finally have their peace.


    "I got you something," Xavier suddenly said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box with the brand name Klerene elegantly inscribed on it.


    Anastasia’s breath hitched. She knew that brand well—it was one of the luxury brands she had been an ambassador for.


    Xavier flipped the box open, revealing a breathtakingly intricate diamond ring. He gently took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. "This was supposed to be your wedding ring," he said softly.


    She blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"


    Xavier’s gaze remained fixed on the ring as he spoke. "Before you were kidnapped by Xander, we were nning to have a proper wedding—a white wedding. This was the ring I chose for you. I kept it safe because I knew... I knew you woulde back to me." He finally looked up, his deep eyes glistening. "And I wanted to be the one to ce it on your finger."


    Anastasia’s heart clenched. The pain, the longing in his voice—it was overwhelming.


    Xavier lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her fingers.


    Anastasia reached out, her fingertips brushing against his face, and that was when she noticed it—his eyes were filled with tears.


    She gently wiped them away, offering him a trembling smile. "I’m here now," she whispered. "And you can put as many rings as you want on my finger. I promise I’ll never leave your side again. But you have to promise me the same."


    Xavier exhaled shakily, his grip on her hand tightening. "I promise to go wherever you go."


    Ovee with emotion, Anastasia surged forward, pressing her lips against his.


    Xavier’s eyes widened in surprise. He had held back all this time, waiting for her to be ready, never wanting to push her—but now, she was the one closing the distance between them.


    A small grin formed on his lips before he deepened the kiss, tilting her head back as he sucked on her bottom lip, silently seeking entrance. She parted her lips, and he wasted no time slipping his tongue inside.


    One of his hands cradled the back of her head, angling her just right as their tongues met.


    Out of instinct, Anastasia’s arms wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him closer, eliminating any space between them. Butterflies erupted in her stomach as her heartbeat raced uncontrobly.


    Xavier’s grip slid from her waist to her lower back, holding her against him. The heat between them intensified.


    Anastasia lost herself in the moment, in him. She didn’t want to stop, even as she felt her breath growing short.


    But Xavier—always the one with control—felt a certain part of himself reacting too strongly. He needed to stop before things escted further.


    And then—


    A sudden ringtone shattered the moment, making them jolt apart.


    Anastasia gasped for air, her cheeks flushed, while Xavier groaned in frustration. He debated ignoring the call, but Anastasia urged him otherwise. "It could be important," she reasoned.


    Sighing heavily, he reached for his phone, which was still in the jacket Anastasia wore. As she pulled it from the pocket, her eyes brieflynded on the caller ID.


    Maxwell.


    She handed the phone over, watching as Xavier hesitated before answering.


    "What?" His voice was clipped.


    "Hey, where are you?" Maxwell’s voice came through.


    "I’m at my mansion," Xavier lied automatically. After everything that had happened, secrecy had be second nature.


    "Oh... One of the security feeds you hacked just picked up something," Maxwell said, his tone more serious now. "We got an image of Xander."


    Xavier’s body went rigid, his entire demeanor shifting. His fingers curled around the phone as his heartbeat pounded in his ears.


    "Where?" he demanded.


    "It was quick, but we caught a clear shot of him entering some restaurants."