Chapter 74

Lucas

The fireworks light up the night sky, painting it in streaks of red, gold, and blue. Aria stares up, her face glowing like she’s just been kissed by the gods themselves. “This is so beautiful,” she whispers, her voice soft and awestruck. “We’re officially in 2025. I can’t fucking believe this.”

“Yup,” I slide my arms around her waist from behind. “We’re gonna be twenty. Old as fuck now.” I bury my face in her neck, inhaling that familiar vanilla scent that drives me wild. Goddess, I’ve missed this. Missed her. It’s like the universe finally stopped screwing with me and gave me this one perfect moment.

“I missed you so much,” I murmur, my lips brushing against her neck.

She tilts her head up, her soft hand grazing my cheek. The way she touches me, man, it’s like she’s piecing me back together. “I missed you too,” she says. “These past few days without you? Pure hell.”

She steps out of my arms, turning to face me, and my chest aches at the lo