Is this destiny?

That Monday evening, everyone had troubling thoughts.

They all were relieved that Sarah and Aiden are back, and that Sarah is awake, but at the same time there was a heaviness because of Aiden's condition and Sarah's injuries… and how it happened in an instant, only hours after all of them were together celebrating White corp. annual event and Sarah's successful presentation... it all plunged into chaos.

…

Oscar and Elanor had dinner with Stella and Edward.

Elanor was fuming: "You narrowed it down to three locations. I say that we tear them down. All three of them. No one should dare to touch my children! I don't care who he is!"

To everyone's surprise, Stella didn't object. "My men are gathering details on the security involved and the firepower they have. Give me one day and I will share that information with you. Then we can strike together."

…

Sophia and Felix were worried about the kids and how the current situation might affect them.

But the kids are tough. They used this to motivate themselves to work harder.

"If we were there, this would not happen. Let's finish that education stuff and train more so that we can help our bosses and make sure they are not hurt ever again!", Ade was pumped up.

Other kids echoed his words.

Jesse and Haru were inspired as well, and they went to the sparring rink as soon as they reached home and changed into clothes for training.

…

Jeff and JoAnna reflected on the events as well.

Jeff was happy that Oscar was present to remind him to stay levelheaded and act like a leader. But it's hard to think logically when the person in danger is someone you care about.

"Don't give yourself hard time over that.", JoAnna comforted him. "Everyone has things to learn, even you. And no matter how much you learn, this is your brother and my sister. It's easy to get carried away and lose composure."

Jeff furrowed his brows. "If that is two of us instead of them, and you are the one not waking up… I would not be able to keep myself together.", Jeff admitted.

JoAnna was not sure how to respond to this. She can't imagine what Sarah is going through emotionally. "Sarah is channeling her energy into revenge."

Jeff frowned. "What do you mean?"

"She will start with that woman and she will not give her a quick exit. I told Sarah that she can use any of our safehouses."

Jeff confirmed. "Also, let her know that if she needs additional manpower, she can count on us."

JoAnna smiled. "I told her that already."

…

Even Steve and Bridgette had their own troubling thoughts related to the incident.

"I always thought how Hill sisters are blessed to have it all. Great family, money, standing, relationships… but the more I know about them, the more I realize that there is a different side to it as well.", Bridgette told Steve. "I am happy that we don't have a family burden weighing us down. Simple is good."

How Bridgette sees it, Damien is supportive no matter what she does, and Sylvie is keeping a low profile ever since Felix's wedding. And so far she didn't even meet Steve's parents. His Uncle and Aunt seem like good people... maybe a bit snobby, but they are not his parents, so Bridgette does not care much about it.

Steve nodded absentmindedly. She reminded him that he needs to tell her about his family.

He is a Long, and they are many things… but not simple. After all, Longs are a family on the top of the shipping industry, and Steve is the one who helped get the ports closed to make sure Sarah and Aiden don't leave Los Angeles area by sea routes. His Uncle is the head of the family, and Gabriel is his successor, but that does not mean that Steve can live outside of the shadow of the Longs.

…

At Ellie's villa...

Jasper and Ellie had a dinner with Brian, and Paulette (Ellie's assistant).

Brian and Paulette noticed that Ellie and Jasper are unusually quiet, only giving short responses to the questions asked, and they assumed that something is wrong in their relationship. After finishing their meal, Brian and Paulette excused themselves, leaving Ellie and Jasper at the table.

Ellie and Jasper were quiet because they reflected on the events from the last few days.

Since Saturday, Jasper and Ellie stayed with JoAnna and Jeff, following up on the issue related to Sarah and Aiden, and both of them got some understanding of the challenges Hills and Whites are facing.

They also noticed that Sarah's and Aiden's families are working well together and supporting each other. Neither Ellie nor Jasper have that feeling of family's unity and this was two families (plus Felix, Bridgette, and Steve). It was a new experience for both of them.

What made the biggest impression is the fact how everything is fragile. Relationships, lives… it can be gone in an instant.

It's one thing to hear about it, but when you see it, it's really impactful.

Ellie thinks of Sarah and Aiden as a perfect couple. They have everything: good looks, intelligence, great personalities, money, supportive families, and each other. On Wednesday, Sarah and Aiden were on the stage showcasing EY designs together, happy, and only few days later Aiden is nonresponsive, and Sarah is hurt. And they are still not out of danger.

In Ellie's bedroom…

It is after midnight and Jasper and Ellie are holding each other on the sofa. She is curled up in his lap.

"I'm going to head out soon.", Jasper told Ellie after he checked time.

Ellie held him tighter and sighed. She does not want him to go, but she has no right to tell him to stay. The situation with their friends is not critical anymore and he has work to do just how she does. Her work requires her to move, and his requires him to stay in Chicago.

Jasper understood Ellie's non-verbal communication. He kissed top of her head. "I wish that I don't have to go."

"Mmm…", she confirmed. "It would be nice if we can stay together."

"How about if we always stay together?"

Ellie smiled while thinking how his question is silly. "How is that possible?"

Jasper felt his heart thump violently in his throat when his mouth opened and the words escaped him: "Would you consider marrying me?"

Ellie paused and lifted her head to see his expression. "Are you proposing to me?"

"I guess I am.", he admitted reluctantly.

"You are crazy.", Ellie said under her breath.

Jasper frowned. "What is crazy about me wanting to spend my life with you?"

"Everything! You barely know me… you don't even know my father. And how is a marriage certificate going to solve the problem of my work needing me to be in Los Angeles or New York while yours needs you in Chicago?"

Jasper didn't plan to propose. If he did, he would have a ring and flowers… but that does not mean that he is not sincere. And he will NOT allow Ellie's weak arguments to make him waver from his intention to be with her.

"I know that you are an amazing cook, and a brilliant independent woman, and the smartest and fiercest and kindest person I've ever known. And why is your father important? I don't want to marry him! And for our jobs… you can put more trust in your assistants while you work remotely from Chicago and go to the shows only when necessary. And on those few days when it's necessary for you to travel, I will join you and work remotely and hire a full time assistant who can be useful in my absence."

Jasper observed Ellie's expression and he could not read anything. She was looking at him with her eyes open wide, without blinking. Shocked probably.

"Ellie, I know that we started dating recently, but Jeff is right. When I think of myself five years from now I see two of us together and nothing else makes sense. Every moment is precious, and I don't want to waste any of my time by staying apart from you. Will you… think about it?"

"One condition.", Ellie spoke after few endless seconds.

"What?" Jasper held his breath while waiting to hear what that life-changing condition is.

"Your future full time assistant needs to be a male." Ellie does not want any more women lingering around Jasper. There are already plenty of them.

Smile bloomed on Jasper's face. "You got yourself a deal, future Mrs. Kiani."

"Hey! I didn't say I will marry you! I accepted only to think about it!", Ellie protested.

Jasper ignored her protests. "I really don't see the difference… Do you want to pick the ring? Or should I surprise you? What is your size? This looks like a seven…"

Ellie frowned while Jasper visually inspected her ring finger and compared it with his. And did he say: 'Jeff is right?' Is it possible that Jeff is in Jasper's head how JoAnna is in hers? What exactly did Jeff tell him?

Ellie was unable to say another word because her lips were sealed with his.

She remembers that he mumbled something about the diamond cuts and the wedding in Chicago between kisses while removing her clothes, but she decided to think about it tomorrow because now she wants to enjoy the pleasures which her super-hot boyfriend… scratch that… her super-hot FIANCÉ can provide.

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