Chapter 553

"Ugh, to hell with it!" Alexander decided not to overthink it. He pulled a lighter from his pocket and lit the sparklers. Surprisingly, they ignited, though only briefly. He held them, admiring their pretty glow.

Seeing his clumsy handling and serious expression, Lily fought back a smile. She approached and took a sparkler from his hand. "What now?" Alexander looked at her without speaking. Then, a soft click echoed, and their surroundings brightened dramatically, surprising Lily. Lights, one by one, formed a circle around them.

Lily didn't know when Alexander had planned this, but it was clearly a labor of love. Lights adorned the entire garden, even the trees. It resembled a vast stage, with them at its center.

"What's all this about?" she grinned, turning to the mastermind. Her smile faltered, however, as she saw Alexander kneeling before her. He produced a ring box containing a sparkling diamond ring.

"I know this isn't practical—it's inconvenient for you to wear it to work—but I wanted to give you a proper wedding ring," Alexander said sincerely. He paused. "Lily Christian, will you marry me?"

Lily was speechless. Her lips tightened; she felt like laughing and crying simultaneously. "I'm already married to you."

They'd even registered their marriage. Why the proposal? "Then marry me twice," Alexander said. "This time, I want the whole world to know you're mine." He was still his strong-willed self. Lily glanced away, then back at him, smiling cheekily. "Can I say no?"

Alexander rose, taking her hand with one hand and circling her waist with the other. "Well, you can try."

Lily laughed at his antics. This amazing man remained calm even proposing. How could she refuse? She knew she'd never find anyone like him. He slipped the ring onto her finger, saying thoughtfully, "From today onward, you won't be able to escape. You're mine."

"I've never considered escaping," Lily shook her head, tightening her grip on his hand. She joked, "It's you who won't be able to escape. It's too late for you now!" Alexander lowered his head and kissed her lips. "I'll gladly stay."

His greatest wish was to make Lily his wife, and he'd face any challenges together.

A loud sound echoed overhead. Lily looked up to see a helicopter landing nearby. The downdraft was so strong they could barely stand, creating a sudden chill. Lily instinctively pulled her coat tighter. "This was part of your plan too?!" she asked. "Come on!" Alexander checked his watch; the timing was perfect. Despite a rocky start, everything had worked out.

Lily raised an eyebrow; things were getting exciting. She wondered what else he had planned.

She let Alexander lead her onto the helicopter. As it ascended, she saw the lights below. They were romantic and beautiful up close, but from above, their true form was revealed: the lights formed letters, with a heart in the center—'A loves L,' their initials.

Alexander had clearly poured his heart into this, but Lily tilted her head, gazing down. Alexander pulled her into an embrace, whispering, "Do you like it?" "I like it, but"