Chapter 26 -… And then everything came crashing down I was so insanely happy , I think it should be illegal to be this happy . I resembled a friggin doped up canary just about to burst out singing with all the pent up happiness . That stupidly goofed up grin seemed like a tattoo inked into my face but I just couldn't wipe it off . I was so completely happy . He made me happy . I turned around on my stool and saw Austin carrying Millie on his shoulders to the Ice cream stall . The rest of the kids were trailing behind him , seeing him like that made my stomach flutter as an image of our future together flashed in my mind . I fingered the precious ring around my neck as I wondered how our kids would be like . Grey eyed like me or brown eyed like him ? " Soph , are you high ? " Trish's voice brought me out of my daydream like a bucket of ice cold water . I turned to look at my best friend who was smirking at me amused . " What ? " She shook her head at me . " Judging by the dreamy hazy eyes and that ridiculously goofy grin you were giving to thin air , I assume you were thinking about Austin , that or you're high , " I blushed . Trust her to blunt talk me out of my bubble . I gave her a flat look . She chuckled . " What ? I am stating the truth . It's our last day in Miami and throughout the entire week you guys were trailing behind each other like lovesick puppies . It was adorably disgusting . " I rolled my eyes . " I appreciate your oxymoron's Trish . " She laughed sliding next to me on the counter as she ordered a drink for herself . " It is the truth sweetheart , I swear , you both need to get married the minute we reach LA . I'll tell Alex to ready your dress , you have the damn ring what else are you waiting for ? A mariachi band ? " I ran my finger around the rim of my glass , biting the inside of my cheek as I blushed . " I'm not … I just don't want to race so fast . It's just been eight months . Marriage is such a big deal you know and sometimes I just feel that maybe just maybe , I know it's silly but I could never be good enough for him . I mean , how could I ? I have so many imperfections and Austin is such a beautiful person in and out . I just … " " Don't want to end up like your parents , right ? " Trish completed softly , holding my hand gently , completely understanding me . I nodded , sadly . Don't get me wrong here , I loved Austin , with every fibre in my body . Hell I could sell my damn soul for him , if he asked , and deep down I knew my future was Austin but there was a dark part inside me that kept waving a flag telling me not to make emotional decisions because we all know I don't have a very 14 N 11 DOM < Chapter 26- And then everything came crashing down clean history with love . +8 Points > " But sweetie , Austin is different , deep down you know that too . You know he's not Ryan or all those assholes you dated in the past and also he is not your father and you are definitely not your mother . You are different Soph , you're unique , intelligent a bit naïve yet the strongest person I ever know . You never let anything bring you down . You cry for others and laugh with them and never give one thought to yourself . And you're purely incapable of hate . Ryan deserves all your hate and yet even after everything you think it might be your fault too , don't even deny it , I know you think that , " I opened and closed my mouth , knowing she was right as my eyes welled up . " And you cry a lot , like you have Niagra Falls for eye ducts but that's just one of your quirks and that's endearing about you . You're the kind of person who works her ass of for people's weddings even if she is knee deep in work and refuses to confess her problems to others thinking it might worry them yet wholeheartedly readily solves everybody else's problems . Even when you're half battered and broken and in a damn wheelchair , you thought about the " inconvienience " you might give others , you plowed through work on days you couldn't sit up and you readily sacrifice your birthday to make people's dreams come true . You're right , you're not good enough for Austin . You're too good for him . And for once in your life Soph , a man truly loves you and is willing to give everything up for you and he is waiting , for you . Who cares if it's been a few months ? I can tell you when it's true love . You both are electric . Let him love you Soph , don't overthink it . You deserve all the happiness . " By the time she was done with her little speech , I had fat tears rolling down my cheeks . Niagra Falls were in full on progress . I tackled her into a hug , shaking with tears . " Thanks Trish . " She swatted my head playfully . " You're welcome i ***t . After all , someone needed to whack some sense in that hollow head of yours . Now , stop blubbering , you're ruining my top . " She teased but her eyes were glittering with fondness . I laughed , admist the tears and reached out for tissues . " Aunty Sophie are you okay ? Why are you crying ? Did you get an ouchie ? " Marvin questioned me , alarmed , the ice cream in his hand now forgotten as it melted and dripped onto his fingers . I wiped my tears and chuckled at his adorable expression . I squished his chubby cheeks together as he frowned . " No little man , I'm all good , I didn't get an ouchie . " " But then , why were you cwying ? " Vanessa's small voice piped in . " Yeah , why were you ? Are you okay cupcake ? " Austin's concerned voice filled my ears as he tipped my chin to look at me eye to eye . I smiled at him as I nodded . " Of course I'm okay, Mr.Rich Pants . Why would I not be ? Those were just happy tears . Trish just took me down an emotional lane . " IL COM T கு O 2/6 < Chapter 26. And then everything came crashing down Austin eyed Trish with suspicion and Trish narrowed her eyes at him . +8 Points " You , doofus should thank me and not be all doubtful because I just made your life a whole lot easier and let me remind you I'm her bestfriend before you are her boyfriend all right ? " I laughed . Ah , the old bestfriend and boyfriend boundaries , gotta love those . I set those myself on Trish's days , finally she got a chance to do the same . Austin raised his hands in surrender , shaking his head at her . " Alright fine . Can't a guy just check why his girl was crying these days ? And then you women say chivalry is dead . " Trish rolled her eyes , fighting back a smile . " Whatever , don't get all defensive . Anyway I'll let you guys to be alone and take this brood with me . " Trish turned to the kids . " Okay kiddos , chop chop , who want to go to the gaming floor ? Huh ? " Immediately all hands shot up as they tottered behind Trish to the kiddie zone in the resort . I couldn't help but smile as the little ones retreated . I turned to look at Austin , whose eyes were still swirling with concern . It warmed my heart to know he cared . so much . A girl could live with the assurance that she was loved . I leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lips and leaned away wiping away his concern as I held his hand . " Hey worrywart , don't worry . I'm fine . " He leveled his gaze with mine . " You better be or else the loser who made you cry should get ready to- " I placed a finger on his lips . " Ssh T - Rex , it's okay . I don't need you biting some non - existent person's head off . " He visibly loosened and relaxed . We spent the afternoon strolling around the small shacks and around the outskirts of the town wanting to make the most of our last day . It had been a magical trip and I knew I had Jack and Caroline to thank for it . By afternoon , Austin got an emergency call from work and he had to head to the town to settle the matters as some of his men had flew in there for an emergency call but he promised to be back by evening and even though it saddened me to let him go even for a little while I knew he was an important man and his world didn't revolve around me only . After Austin left , I retreated back to our suite and facetimed Alex to check on Tango . I missed my little baby , that little dog too had put in his life at line for me . He too was a big part of my heart . " Hey there Soapy ! Wow the Miami sun suits you , you're glowing . " Blake commented as he accepted my facetime in Alex's phone . " Hey there Blakey , where's Alex and my little Tango ? " MESER 3/6 Chapter 26- And then everything came crashing down 48 Points " They both are watching Marley and Me and spilling food all over my precious couch . I swear it's like they have the same habits . Geez . " I laughed . " Sorry for Tango's lack of manners , he seems to have loosened up in my absence as for Alex well , he can't be tamed though I bet , a nice smack on both their heads would suffice . " Blake chuckled . " Good idea . I'll put it to use . " I smiled . " Speaking of , put them on too please . " Blake walked over to the both of them and they were actually sprawled on the couch with crumbs flying everywhere . I shook my head . Poor Blake . " Where are your manners for god sake you losers ? " I chided . At once , both their heads snapped towards me . Blake was right , they did seem to creepily have the same habits . Crazy . " Hey Soph! " Tango barked his little head off looking at me . " Yeah , I miss you too baby . " I cooed to my puppy . At once Tango's features morphed into the familiar puppy eyes . They seems to say - Come home mommy . My heart melted at his expression . " Aw , Tango … I'll be home soon , then we can go for nice long walks and I'll treat you to a big bowl of beef jerkys ." He wagged his tail at my mention of beef jerky's . I shook my head . Alex piped in . " So ? How is Miami ? " I smiled . " Miami is fantastic . " I spent half an hour chatting with Alex and Blake till I was interrupted by the bell . I cut the call and opened the door and saw no one . My heart skipped a beat at the familiar eeriness but I exhaled in relief as I saw a bouquet of red roses with my name from Austin at my feet . I picked it up and smiled reading it . Hey cupcake , I'm so sorry I had to leave you at our holiday but don't worry I will be back in the evening and I have planned a 14 OOOON 11 ן ROM 4/6 Chapter 26- And then everything came crashing down . surprise for you . Be ready . I love you . -Austin . +0 Points ? I almost swooned after reading the message , could this guy get any more perfect ? I went for lunch with my head in the clouds wondering about what Austin had planned for us . By the time I reached back to the suite , there was another parcel waiting for me , it had a beautiful light blue flowing dress with a sweetheart neckline ready for me . The material was beautiful and so delicate , it seemed like it had been woven with moonlight . It had to be the most beautiful dress I'd ever laid my eyes on . By evening I received another bouquet in which Austin had sent another note . I opened it with a giddy smile . Hey cupcake . Again . I promise this is the last note . I have planned a special dinner for us . Just you and me . Meet me by the pier . I love you . -Austin I smiled as I folded the note in my pocket . Trish entered my room at that precise moment with the rest of the ladies and the gushed over Austin's notes claiming they had no hand nor idea with Austin's surprise . It warmed my heart to know what lengths this man was going to please me , despite being so busy . I had better come up with an equally ' knock - your - sock - off ' idea after we reached LA and I had already decided what it was . I was going to say yes to Austin's promise . I was going to marry the man I loved . I had no fears anymore . With the new revelation glowing inside me , I got ready . The ladies did their best to doll me up for the dinner . Stef folded my hair into a fancy chignon while Trish did my make up and the rest of them helped them and posed as a cheer squad . By the time I was done , my butterflies were zooming inside me like crazy . I could barely think straight . Trish gave me a hug . " Knock his socks off . You look like a dream . Go . " I nodded and smiled and slipped on my shoes , waving the girls good bye . They were such terrific people . I made my way to the pier with my heart practically hammering against my ribcage with anxiety and excitement mixed together . The scene at the pier stole my breath away . Austin had decorated the pier with fairy lights . A small private table with two chairs were positioned in such a way , they looked out to the ocean with candlelight 14 OOON 11 LO M O 5/6 V < Chapter 26- . And then everything came crashing down illuminating the surroundings . It was beautiful . A big cheesy smile crawled up to my face . Austin was looking out to the ocean , his back was to me . My world was complete . Utterly complete . I tiptoed behind him and put my arms around him , his hands gripped my arms and immediately I knew something was wrong . +8 Points > They were not Austin's hands , I had memorized each curve , the feel of his hands in mine , these were not his . I froze as the person turned around . My eyes widened in horror as I looked at the man in front of me pull off the dark wig , exactly the same shade of Austin's hair and throw it to the ground . And then everything came crashing down . Ryan . My ears were pounding as my eyes widened in shock as Ryan smiled a slow , sinister smile , devouring me with his eyes . His grip on my arm was deathly strong . " I knew you would come back to me , sugar ."