12. Meteor shower

After dinner, Lucas suddenly recalled hearing a news report about a meteor shower that was supposed to be visible that night. The idea of watching the rare celestial event under the stars felt like the perfect way to help Sophia unwind after the day's unsettling events. He suggested the plan to her, and she eagerly agreed, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten.

However, Lucas was not one to take chances. Concerned about their safety, especially after the confrontation with his childhood friend, he discreetly reached out to his trusted right-hand man, instructing him to arrange for a security detail to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. Lucas knew that this outing needed to be perfect for Sophia, so he made sure that the security presence would be unobtrusive. To ensure this, he mobilized an Alpha team and two Beta teams from his family's private armed forces, with strict orders to remain hidden and not interfere unless absolutely necessary.

The Sterling family's private security force was a well-kept secret, known only to a few outside the family. Officially, they appeared as personal bodyguards, but in reality, they were a highly trained paramilitary force divided into three levels: Alpha, Beta, and Omega. The Alpha teams, of which there were three, represented the highest level of security. One team was directly under the command of the family patriarch, Lucas's father, another under Lucas as the heir, and the final team was responsible for the safety of the family estate. The Beta level consisted of nine teams, providing mid-level security and handling tasks that required precision without drawing attention. Finally, there were fifteen Omega teams, specialized in low-key protection and intelligence gathering, seamlessly blending into their surroundings.

As Lucas made the arrangements, he specifically instructed the Alpha team under his command to stay out of sight, hidden in the shadows, so as not to spoil the evening for Sophia. His priority was her comfort and happiness, and he wanted nothing to interfere with that.

Later that evening, they drove out to a secluded spot on the outskirts of the city, where the sky was clear, and the view was unobstructed by city lights. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and earth. They set up a blanket on a gentle hill, far from the noise and chaos of the world, with nothing but the stars above them.

As they lay on the blanket, the first streak of light crossed the sky, signaling the beginning of the meteor shower. The meteors danced across the heavens, creating a breathtaking spectacle of light and motion. Sophia watched in awe, her eyes wide with wonder. Unbeknownst to her, Lucas's eyes were not on the sky but on her. The way her face lit up with pure joy and awe captivated him completely.

Sophia, lost in the moment, closed her eyes and made a silent wish as another meteor blazed across the sky. Lucas observed her, his heart swelling with a feeling he was only beginning to understand. The simplicity of her gesture, the way she seemed so genuinely moved by something so natural, made him realize how much he valued these quiet, intimate moments with her.

Meanwhile, the security teams kept their distance, their presence undetected by Sophia. They maintained a tight perimeter, ensuring that nothing would disturb this peaceful night. The Alpha team leader, hidden in the treeline, discreetly reported back to Lucas's right-hand man that all was secure. Lucas had nothing to worry about; his wife was safe.

As the meteor shower continued, Sophia opened her eyes and caught Lucas staring at her. She smiled, a soft, contented smile that spoke volumes without saying a word.

"Did you make a wish?" Lucas asked, his voice low and gentle.

Sophia nodded, her smile widening. "I did."

"Care to share it?" he asked, a hint of playful curiosity in his tone.

She shook her head. "If I tell you, it might not come true."

Lucas chuckled softly. "Fair enough. Then I'll make one too." He closed his eyes for a brief moment, then reopened them, his gaze meeting hers. "Done."

Sophia laughed lightly. "You wished pretty quickly. Are you sure it'll work?"

Lucas grinned. "I'm very sure."

As the night went on, they talked and laughed, sharing stories and thoughts under the brilliant display of meteors. Sophia felt a sense of peace and connection that she hadn't felt in a long time. Lucas's presence, his warmth, and the way he looked at her made her heart flutter in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying.

By the time the meteor shower started to wane, Sophia felt a deep sense of contentment. She looked at Lucas, her heart full, and thought that maybe, just maybe, she could be happy in this unexpected marriage. And as Lucas gazed back at her, he knew that this night was one he would never forget, a night where he saw not just the meteors, but also the beginning of something much more profound—a bond that was slowly but surely growing between them.

As the meteor shower continued to grace the night sky, Lucas noticed how the light from the falling stars illuminated Sophia's face, making her look even more enchanting. He pulled out his phone and turned to her with a playful grin.

"How about we capture this moment?" Lucas suggested, holding up the phone. "A night like this deserves to be remembered."

Sophia smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at the thought of preserving this special memory. "I'd love that."

They scooted closer together, and Lucas wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her gently against him. As the stars continued to fall above them, he angled the phone to capture both of them and the sparkling sky in the background.

"Ready?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper as if not wanting to disturb the magic of the moment.

Sophia nodded, leaning into him, feeling the comfort of his embrace. They both smiled as Lucas clicked the shutter. The camera captured not just their faces, but the connection between them—the way her smile softened when she looked at him, and the gentle protectiveness in his gaze.

"One more," Sophia said, her eyes bright with excitement. "But this time, let's make a wish together."

Lucas smiled, his heart swelling at her suggestion. They both closed their eyes, and in that quiet moment under the vast, star-filled sky, they each made a silent wish. Lucas clicked the shutter again, capturing the serenity and hope of the moment.

When they opened their eyes, Lucas glanced at the photo. There was something about it—something raw and real—that made him realize just how much this night meant to both of them. He showed Sophia the picture, and she beamed at the sight of their shared moment, now forever preserved.

"This is perfect," she said softly, her fingers gently brushing against the screen as if she could touch the moment itself.

Lucas nodded, his voice low with sincerity. "It is. And I'll make sure we have many more moments like this, Sophia. Moments worth remembering."

Sophia felt a rush of emotion at his words, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. Instead, she leaned her head against his shoulder, letting the comfort of his presence and the beauty of the night wash over her. Lucas placed a soft kiss on the top of her head, his heart swelling with a promise he was determined to keep.

As they sat there in the peaceful quiet, the stars still dancing above them, Sophia knew that this was a night she would treasure forever—a night when, under the brilliance of a rare meteor shower, she had captured not just a photograph, but a piece of her heart, intertwined with his.