Broken Rivalry : New-Adult Angsty College Romance (Silverbrook University Book 1)
Broken Rivalry : Epilogue 2

Three years have flown by, and I’m hardly the same person anymore. As morning sunlight filters through our apartment’s curtains, illuminating the space Ethan and I call home, I take a moment to reflect. My mirror’s reflection showcases a changed woman. My hair, once short and stressed, now flows in shiny waves down my back. My chosen graduation dress accentuates the curves I’ve joyously regained, a testament to healthier and happier times.

Ethan’s voice disrupts my musings. “Pops! Hurry up, or we’ll be late!”

Chuckling, I adjust my dress one last time. “Ethan, we’ve still got an hour until graduation. Relax!” Today, I’ll graduate at the top of my class in social studies, on my path to becoming a social worker. And while Ethan, my multimillionaire boyfriend, might live in a world of corporate mergers and acquisitions, he’s been my biggest cheerleader.

My Ethan, having graduated last year, is now part of the prestigious corporation his grandfather once headed, and he’s been pioneering innovative approaches in their sports divisions. I’m proud of the man I love, and I am so proud to stand beside him.

I smile, holding the locket in my hand. That piece of jewelry holds as much significance for me today as it did back then, albeit for many different reasons. It’s a representation of Ethan, the man I love.

His reply is muffled from below. “There’s something I’m anxious to do before that. We’re hopping on a flight right after the ceremony for the wedding. Trust me, what I’ve planned isn’t something you do on a friend’s big day.”

“God, you’re anal about schedules sometimes, I swear,” I mutter as I exit our bedroom, but my mild irritation evaporates the instant I step into our living room. The apartment’s familiar space is transformed by the warm golden glow of countless candles, their flickering light reflecting off rose petals that seem to blanket every surface. It’s enchantingly beautiful, like something out of a dream.

“Poppy Donovan,” he starts, his voice shaky but resolute, “from the moment I met you, my world shifted. We’ve faced countless challenges, but we’ve grown together, and we have built a life I could never have imagined without you. You’ve been my anchor, my joy, and the love of my life. I can’t imagine a day without you by my side. I’ve pictured this moment countless times, playing out various scenarios in my head. Sometimes, you were in pajamas; other times, in the middle of our workout session. But I knew that today was the day. Because you did it, my love, yet another achievement. From the highs to the lows, through thick and thin, you’ve been my constant. I can’t imagine a day without your laughter, your love, or even your occasional eye roll. Will you make me the luckiest man alive and marry me?”

A laugh escapes me, a watery giggle, as tears pool in my eyes. I take a moment, absorbing the reality of what’s unfolding before me. The twinkling lights, the fragrant roses, and most importantly, Ethan, on one knee, vulnerable and hopeful, holding a princess-cut diamond ring between his fingers.

“Oh, Ethan,” I begin, my voice thick with emotion. “You once said we met by fate, but every moment after that has been our own choice. You’ve offered me strength in my moments of weakness, you’ve brought laughter to the edge of my tears, and you’ve been the unwavering rock amid all my storms.”

I reach out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead, my eyes locked onto his. “Seeing you grow, witnessing your passion, your drive, and your undeniable love for those around you… I’ve never been prouder to be a part of someone’s life. I stand here today in awe of the man you’ve become. And the thought of standing beside you for the rest of our lives, facing challenges, celebrating victories, and simply living fills me with so much joy.”

Drawing a deep breath, my lips curl into a smile. “Yes, Ethan Hawthorne, with all my heart, yes! I would be incredibly proud to become your wife.”

His smile could light up the room even without the candles. Slipping the ring onto my finger, he pulls me into a tight embrace, lifting me off the ground as I wrap my legs around him.

“You have no idea how much this means to me,” he murmurs into my ear.

“I have a slight idea,” I quip, drawing away to meet his eyes. “But you are right. We absolutely couldn’t have done this during the wedding. We would’ve been kicked out on the spot.”

Ethan chuckles. “Especially with all the TV stations that are going to be there. Can you imagine the headlines? ‘Hawthorne steals the show and proposes during friends’ televised wedding!’ We’d be blacklisted from every event in the foreseeable future.”

I laugh, nuzzling into his neck. “Well, in that case, I guess it’s good you’re so impatient.”

He pulls back, feigning shock. “Impatient? Me? I’ll have you know, Miss Donovan, that I’ve been plotting this proposal for months! I have been driving your mother crazy. I think she was days away from proposing on my behalf.”

“Ah, that’s why you’ve been acting all weird, you two,” I tease.

He grins, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. “All worth it to see that look on your face.”

Rolling my eyes but with a smile firmly in place, I add, “Remember, we’ve got a plane to catch, and I refuse to miss our friends’ big day, especially with the world watching.”

“Don’t worry,” he whispers, his lips brushing against mine, “we have all the time in the world.”

And we do. Our journey is only beginning, and what started as fate’s cruel trick turned out to be its greatest blessing.

Whatever awaits, we face it together. Because we’re not simply two people who happened to fall in love; we’re soul mates, destined for each other by the stars themselves.

Ethan and I?

We’re forever.