Chapter 25: Dancing Under The Stars

At 8:00 PM sharp, Jackson waited at the bottom of the grand staircase in the villa.

He wore a custom-made black velvet tuxedo that fit his broad shoulders perfectly. His hair was styled back, revealing his sharp, aristocratic features. He looked like a prince waiting for his princess.

He checked his watch for the third time. He was nervous. The Jackson Sterling who faced billion-dollar deals without blinking was actually nervous about a date.

Then, he heard the click of heels.

He looked up. And his breath caught in his throat.

Serenity descended the stairs.

She was wearing the backless red dress he had chosen. The silk fabric clung to her curves like a second skin, flowing down to the floor like liquid fire. Her golden hair fell in soft waves over one shoulder, exposing her elegant neck and her porcelain back.

She wore no jewelry except for the Pink Star ring on her finger. She didn't need any. She was radiating light.

"You look..." Jackson’s voice trailed off. He walked up to the stairs and offered his hand. "Dangerous. You look dangerous, Mrs. Sterling."

Serenity took his hand, smiling shyly. "Is that a compliment?"

"The highest one," Jackson kissed her knuckles. "If we weren't running late, I would take you back upstairs right now and ruin that lipstick."

Serenity blushed, hitting his chest lightly. "Behave, Jackson."

---

Half an hour later. The rooftop of The View.

The entire restaurant was empty, except for a table set with candlelight in the center of the terrace. Below them, the lights of New York City glittered like a sea of diamonds. Above them, the stars were shining bright.

A string quartet was playing a soft, romantic melody in the corner.

"You really rented the whole place?" Serenity asked as they sat down.

"I didn't want anyone to disturb us," Jackson poured her a glass of vintage red wine. "Tonight, the world belongs to just the two of us."

They ate dinner, talking about everything and nothing. Not about the kids, not about business. Just about their favorite books, the places they wanted to visit, the dreams they had buried for years.

Serenity realized she had never known this side of Jackson. He was funny, intelligent, and a good listener.

"Five years ago," Jackson put down his fork, his expression turning serious. "I never asked you what your favorite color was. I never asked if you were happy."

"I wasn't," Serenity said softly. "I was lonely."

"I know," Jackson reached across the table to hold her hand. "I thought love was a weakness. I thought providing money was enough. I was a fool."

He stood up and extended his hand to her.

"May I have this dance?"

Serenity looked at him. The arrogant CEO was gone. In front of her stood a man asking for a second chance.

"Yes," she whispered.

She took his hand. He pulled her into his arms on the empty dance floor.

The music swelled—a slow waltz.

Jackson held her tight, one hand on her waist, the other pressing her hand against his chest. Serenity rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in his scent greedily. They swayed gently to the music under the starry sky.

It felt magical, just like a scene from a movie.

"Serenity," Jackson whispered into her hair.

"Hmm?"

"I can't change the past five years. I can't undo the tears I caused," he pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. "But I promise you. For the next fifty years, I will make you smile every single day."

"Is that a contract offer, Mr. Sterling?" Serenity teased, though her eyes were misty.

"No. It's a vow," Jackson leaned down. Their lips were inches apart. "I love you, Serenity. I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you until my last breath."

Serenity’s heart overflowed. The wall she built around it finally crumbled to dust.

"I love you too, Jackson," she confessed breathlessly.

Jackson groaned, capturing her lips in a kiss.

This kiss wasn't aggressive or hungry like the last one. It was tender, deep, and full of promise. It tasted like wine and forever.

They kissed under the moonlight, oblivious to the world below.

When they finally broke apart, Jackson rested his forehead against hers.

"Let's go home," he rasped, his eyes dark with desire. "I want to show you how much I missed you."

Serenity nodded, her face flushed.

"Yes. Take me home."