Chapter one hundred and seventeen

Chase

Our days in the Bahamas had come to an end, and the reality of Heaven's decision to marry me for the sake of saving my life lingered in the air. As we sat together on the flight back to Italy, the hum of the engines providing a backdrop to our conversation, I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and apprehension.

"Heaven," I began, breaking the silence that hung between us, "I still can't believe you're willing to go through with this. It means a lot to me."

She looked at me with a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting a blend of determination and compassion. "Chase, we're in this together. I want you to have a chance at a healthy life, and if this is what it takes, then I'm all in."

I nodded, a sense of warmth filling me. "I appreciate that, Heaven. It's not an easy decision for either of us, but knowing you're by my side makes it a bit more bearable."

Our conversation shifted to the practicalities of our impending marriage—how we would approach our families, explain the s