Antonio's POV
The sun was lazily dipping into the horizon, casting golden streaks over the pavement. I checked the time—3:42 PM. Just enough time to make sure everything inside was in place before she arrived.
Selene thought this was just another casual outing. She didn't suspect a thing.
Luna had already left yesterday, her visit wrapping up with hugs, selfies, and promises to return soon. She had no idea about the next part of my plan—and that was just the way I wanted it.
This wasn't about Luna. This was about Ayra.
Ayra—the cousin who once braided Selene's hair on rainy days, who drew on their bedroom walls and dreamed aloud of opening a boutique together. The cousin who disappeared from Selene's life like a snapped thread… due to distance, family drama, and time. I had tracked her down, reached out with shaky hands, unsure if she'd even respond.
But she had. Her message was simple:
> "If she still remembers me, I'm in."
Now, Ayra was inside, hidden near the back wall where the lights dimmed to a romantic orange glow. The gallery had been booked under the pretense of a pop-up show—"Crimson Light," a blend of modern fashion and abstract art. I even helped paint a few canvases under her name, to make it feel more real.
I stepped back outside and leaned against the car, watching the street corner.
And there she was.
Selene. Radiant in a soft beige dress, her hair pulled up in a gentle bun. Her eyes locked onto mine with that spark that always made me feel like the world paused. She walked toward me, clueless about what was waiting inside.
I smiled and took her hand.
"Ready to see something beautiful?"
"You mean besides you?" she teased, smirking.
God, she had no idea.
I opened the gallery door.
One step in, her breath hitched. On the far wall, painted in gold cursive letters over a dark canvas, were the words: "For the girl who sees color in every shadow."
And then Ayra stepped out.
I watched Selene freeze mid-step. Her lips parted, a sharp gasp slipping out. She didn't blink, like she was afraid the image might vanish.
"Ayra…?"
The moment hung in the air like a breath held too long.
Ayra nodded, smiling with teary eyes. "Hey, sassy baby."
That was all it took.
Selene ran, arms flying around her cousin, burying her face in Ayra's shoulder as sobs and laughter blended into one beautiful mess.
I stood back, my chest heavy and full. This—this was the real gift. The real surprise.
Not flowers. Not paintings. But people finding each other again.