(AFTER 2 YEARS...)
PETE'S POV
I was in the kitchen when I realized I hadn't seen Macao yet. I asked Alex where he was, and Alex told me he was still sleeping. Alex offered to help me out, and as we worked, he asked if he could talk to me about something. I knew right away he wanted to ask about Vegas. He asked if I had made a decision about him yet, but I had to tell him that I still haven't decided.
It has been almost two years, and Alex pointed out that I still haven't been able to forgive Vegas. I know Vegas has been trying his hardest to change and get a second chance, but I told Alex that I just can't bring myself to trust him again. The hurt is still there, and it makes it hard to move forward.
Alex compared trust to a piece of glass, saying that once it breaks, it's never really the same. He told me not to worry and promised that no matter what I choose to do, he will always be on my side. I felt so grateful for his words. I thanked him for always being there for me when things get tough.
I was already a bit stressed, but then Alex got a strange look on his face. He told me he had something to say. When I told him to just say it, I was shocked by what came out of his mouth. He admitted he had asked Vegas something very private about our past intimate life.
I couldn't believe my ears and was about to get angry, but Alex told me to listen first. He reminded me of how I used to talk about Vegas and his old habits. Alex explained that he asked Vegas if he still felt those same strong urges for me after all this time.
I just stood there in silence, not knowing what to say. Then Alex told me the truth: Vegas said he still does. Hearing that made everything feel even more complicated. It was a reminder of a side of Vegas that I'm still not sure I can handle, and having Alex bring it up like this just made me feel even more confused.
I looked at Alex, feeling my face heat up. He was teasing me so much that I couldn't help but call him a pain in the ass. I told him I was going to call everyone for breakfast and that he should finish up in the kitchen. I needed to get away before he could see how much I was actually blushing.
I walked toward Vegas's room and saw Kinn going inside. The door was left slightly open, so I stopped in front of it. I could hear someone sobbing, which made my heart sink. When I peeked inside, I saw Vegas sitting on the floor, crying his eyes out. Kinn went over and put a hand on his shoulder, but Vegas just snapped at him, asking if Kinn was there to enjoy seeing him so broken.
Before Vegas could say anything else, Kim suddenly pulled him into a hug and started rubbing his back. I stood there, completely stunned. I couldn't believe my eyes—Vegas and Kin were actually hugging? I felt like I was dreaming or that the world was coming to an end. Seeing them show each other that kind of comfort was the last thing I ever expected.
I stood outside the door, watching as Kinn tried to comfort Vegas. Kinn told him it was okay to cry and that he didn't have to pretend to be strong. Vegas eventually broke down, hugging Kinn tightly and sobbing. It was hard for me to see him like that. After a few minutes, he finally calmed down, and Kinn gently patted his head, asking if he wanted to talk about what was bothering him.
Vegas admitted that he'd had a nightmare about me. He told Kinn that in the dream, I was leaving him all over again. He said it felt like his heart was being torn into pieces and that the pain was almost too much to handle. Kinn tried to reassure him, saying that because I'm a kind person, I might eventually find it in my heart to forgive him. Kinn even pointed out that I've always thought about his family first, which might mean I still have feelings for him.
Hearing Kinn say that made me go quiet. Vegas told Kinn he should leave so he could shower and come downstairs, but then he added a warning: Kinn better not tell anyone about his breakdown. Kinn joked that he'd think about it, which made Vegas snap his name in annoyance. I stayed hidden, processing everything I'd just overheard.
I stood there as Kinn walked out of the room. He saw me right away, and I just nodded, letting him know I'd overheard everything. Kinn looked at me and told me that Vegas really loves me, asking if I could give him a second chance. I was shocked. I asked him if he was serious, reminding him that he used to hate Vegas.
Kinn explained that even though they had a bad past, Vegas is his brother and he can see how much he has changed. He told me he doesn't want Vegas to suffer anymore and just wants him to be happy. He said Vegas is family now and that he hopes I will be part of that family too. After saying that, Kinn walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
After a while, Vegas finished his shower and walked into the room wearing a bathrobe. He seemed surprised to see me sitting on his bed and asked if I needed something. I didn't answer his question. Instead, I got up and walked close to him. I looked him in the eye and asked, "Do you like me?" He looked confused and asked why I was being so sudden, but I just told him to answer my question.
I stood in front of Vegas and asked him straight out if he liked me. He didn't just say yes; he told me he loved me. I asked if he would change for me, and he promised he would do anything. Then I asked if he would hurt me again. He got intense, saying he'd never do it and that he'd rather die than see me get hurt. I called him an asshole for talking about dying and started to walk away.
I stopped at the door and asked if he was free tomorrow. He mentioned he had a meeting but said he'd cancel everything if I needed him. So, I told him we should go out tomorrow. Vegas looked completely shocked, asking if I was actually asking him on a date. I just teased him, saying that if he didn't want to go, it was fine by me.
Suddenly, Vegas grabbed me from behind in a tight hug. I could feel his tears hitting my shoulder. I turned around to face him, and he thanked me over and over for giving him another chance. I told him to stop crying, but I made sure he understood one thing: if he ever breaks my trust or hurts me again, there won't be another chance. He nodded, holding me close as if he never wanted to let go.
Vegas told me he couldn't live without me and that he'd rather die than be apart. I told him that was enough and to go get changed so we could finally go eat breakfast. After that, we officially started dating. Everyone was so happy to see us together, and honestly, I was really happy too.
A month later, I was at the mall with Alex. I could tell something was up because he suddenly asked me to go out with him. I told him to "spill it" and explain what was really going on. Alex laughed and said it was nothing serious—he just wanted to buy some gifts for Macao. Since I've known Macao since he was a kid, Alex wanted my help picking out things he would actually like.
I wasn't sure if I believed him at first, but I agreed to help. We spent the day shopping and then headed back home together. When we arrived, Alex told me to go inside without him and said he'd come in later. I asked him why, feeling suspicious again, but he just told me to go ahead.
I felt like something was weird when Alex suddenly said he had an important call to take. I went inside the mansion alone, and I was completely stunned. The entire hall was decorated, and everyone was standing there waiting for me. Before I could even ask what was happening, Porsche grabbed me and told me I needed to change my clothes. He practically dragged me into a room and helped me get ready.
When we came back out, I saw Vegas standing there looking incredible in a red suit. He reached out his hand, and I took it, feeling my face heat up as he led me to the center of the room. I was so confused and asked him what was going on. Vegas looked me in the eyes and told me he didn't want to wait anymore. He said he wanted me by his side for every second of his life, until his very last breath.
My heart started racing as I realized what was happening. I whispered his name, and then he finally said it: "Pete... Will you marry me?" I stood there, completely shocked and breathless, trying to find the words to answer him.
Vegas saw my hesitation and quickly told me it was okay if I wasn't ready yet. He promised he would wait for me, no matter how long it took. When I told him not to wait, his eyes immediately filled with tears. He started begging me not to leave, promising that he would change and be a better person just to keep me by his side.
I reached out and grabbed his cheeks with both of my hands to make him look at me. I told him he didn't need to change and to let me finish my sentence. I explained that he shouldn't wait for me because I already agree—I agree to marry him. The room erupted in cheers from everyone watching us.
Vegas was so relieved that he pulled me into a tight hug. I surprised him even more by pulling him in and kissing him right there in front of everyone. He whispered that he loved me, and I told him I loved him too.
Being in his arms felt safe... I looked at everyone around me my family... I mean our family.... This is it... I felt complete...
...END.....