Sweet Promises

Ethan's POV

Kissing Iza felt like a risky move, but I didn't regret it. After she became my girlfriend last night, discovering she felt the same way was overwhelming. My heart soared, relieved as all my doubts melted away.

I felt a spark ignite within me, a warmth that made every part of me feel alive. When she kissed me back, it was the sweetest confirmation that our feelings were real—and mutual.

I woke up feeling different, like my world had lightened and gravity had loosened its grip. I couldn't stop replaying the kisses we shared. It felt like we were two perfect puzzle pieces, everything falling into place. Lying in bed, I smiled like a fool, replaying the moment she looked at me after our first kiss.

I could hardly believe my hopes had come true—Meliza was finally my girlfriend. It felt like I could conquer anything with her by my side. I'd do whatever it takes to keep her forever. For the first time in a long while, I felt this happy, as though the universe had finally aligned for me. Being punished by my dad was the worst, but I haven't had a single regret since meeting Meliza.

"So, what happened last night? You couldn't stop grinning," my cousin asked when I joined him on his morning run.

"Yeah, it was the best night of my life—Meliza's finally my girlfriend," I replied, way too enthusiastic. His face immediately dropped.

"It hurts to know she's now your girlfriend, and I hate that you won, but I'm happy for you, Ethan," he said, and I felt guilty for betraying him.

"Meliza must really like you," Vince continued. "She told me she wouldn't date or have time for a relationship because Iza wanted to focus on her job and college. But now, she's mixing her personal life with work."

"Iza doesn't even know your true identity, yet she fell for you. Do you really think she's not that kind of girl?" he asked.

"What's funny is, even if she were after my inheritance, I wouldn't care. I want her to be mine, and I'm willing to provide for her," I replied.

"And how do you plan to do that? To provide for her, you first have to redeem yourself to your father," my cousin shot back, sweat beading on his forehead.

I was struggling to catch my breath. I had stopped running ever since my life went off course, and now, I was having trouble keeping up with Vince.

"That's my plan. I know I said I'd never return to my father's place, but now that Iza's in my life, if I want to keep her, the smartest thing after my punishment is to go back, apologize, and tell him I'm ready to work for him," I replied.

"And what about your dream of owning your own studio and business?" he asked, and I shook my head.

"I know I still have a long way to go, and I need to be a good son first. I've realized that I can't do it on my own—money changes everything," I said.

"I used to think it didn't matter if I had no money, but since meeting Iza, I want her to be proud of me," I added.

"Well, I'm sure Iza's proud of you as her boyfriend. Or are you planning to keep your relationship a secret?" my cousin asked, and I shook my head.

"Of course not. She's all in. Iza wants everyone to know about us, and I can't wait to show her off," I said with a smile, and he chuckled.

"You're so in love with her. You've always kept things low-key," he replied.

"Yeah, but she's different," I muttered, almost to myself.

Since we became a couple, I found myself going to her room every day to bring Meliza downstairs. And each time, I couldn't resist stealing a kiss whenever we were alone. I was eager to take our relationship to the next level, but I knew I had to wait—for her eighteenth birthday, of course, but more importantly, for when she was truly ready.

Other girls made it clear they were willing to throw themselves at me for a quick fling, but with Meliza, it was different. What we had was deeper, something real. It was something I'd been waiting for, and I would wait for her—no matter how long it took.

I asked my friends, including Vince, to help set up a surprise party for Meliza. They all said she wasn't fond of fancy celebrations, so instead of a restaurant, we decided to celebrate at the hills—her favorite spot.

Nina was thrilled when she learned about our relationship and promised to keep it from my father. She supported us fully, and when I asked her to prepare food for the party, she went above and beyond, providing more than enough.

I only invited those who truly cared about Iza, even though many girls envied her. I realized some still wanted to be her friend but were intimidated by Nicole and her minions.

But now that I was at the farm, I was determined to protect her—no one would hurt her again.

When Meliza discovered the surprise, the joy on her face was unforgettable. She couldn't stop crying, and I knew they were tears of happiness. We all had a great time, but I couldn't wait to be alone with her.

We sat together on the hill, the breeze gently brushing our skin as we faced west, the sunset just moments away. The crisp air filled my lungs, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, feeling at peace.

She gently rested her head on my chest, and the feeling was indescribable. I wished we could stay like this for the rest of the summer, knowing she'd soon have to go home after her job.

But I kept hoping Ruby was right when she said Iza might extend her stay at the farm, as her mother wanted. I knew Iza was determined to pursue college and would do whatever it took to enroll. I just wished I had met her when I could've supported her financially. I had plans of my own, and I hoped she could wait.

I asked Vince to take our friends back to the farmhouse and brought everything back to the house, except for the ice bucket with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

I wanted nothing more than to be alone with Iza, to celebrate her special day together. As my cousin handed me the key to the pick-up, he drove off with Adriana's coaster van, taking our friends along with him.

"Is it safe here late at night?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with concern.

I pulled her gently into my arms, letting the warmth of the moment settle between us. Pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, I whispered, "As long as we're together, it will be."

Don't worry, you are safe with me. I won't let anything happen to you," I whispered, trailing butterfly kisses from her earlobe to her neck. She moaned softly, and I pulled her into my lap, claiming her lips.

We sank onto the picnic blanket, lost in each other, gasping for air as our mouths finally parted.

I was thankful the night sky hadn't disappointed us. As we looked up, thousands of stars shimmered above, their light dancing across her face.

"Wow," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know kissing could feel this magical." Her lips curled into a shy smile, and the moonlight traced the delicate curves of her face, making her even more radiant.

I couldn't help but grin. "Am I a good kisser?" I teased, half-joking, half-curious.

She laughed, the sound soft and melodic. "How would I know? I don't have anyone to compare you to."

Her words sent a wave of pride through me. I was her first kiss. The only one who had ever tasted her sweet, inviting lips. Meliza was mine, and I couldn't believe my luck. She was so breathtakingly beautiful, and in that moment, with the stars as our witnesses, it felt like the universe had aligned just for us.

I don't want anyone else kissing you. I'll fight anyone who tries," I mumbled, and she giggled softly. We lay there on the ground, hands intertwined, gazing at the endless night sky.

"I didn't know you liked stargazing," she murmured.

"I do," I said, turning to look at her and giving her hand a gentle squeeze. I wanted to tell her how it reminded me of my childhood—stargazing with my sister, Vince, and sometimes our parents—but for now, I just let the moment linger.

"Iza, there's something I want to do, and I hope you won't think I'm stupid or laugh at me," I said, sitting up. She looked at me, confusion clouding her face.

"We're young, and I know you have dreams to chase, but I can't wait. Maybe I'm selfish," I added, my voice steady but nervous.

"Ethan, I don't understand," she said, concern flickering in her eyes. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything is perfect," I replied, kneeling on one knee and gently taking her hand.

"Ethan, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.

"Meliza Lizondra, I'm so in love with you, and I'm not letting you go. Will you marry me?" I said, my heart pounding as her eyes widened in shock.

"Please, say something, Iza," I urged, my nerves building with every passing second.

"Ethan, I… I'm sorry," she said softly. "I don't know what to say. This is so sudden, and you were right—we're both still so young. You've graduated, and you're here at Adriana's farm to clear your head, ready to start a career. But I'm still figuring my life out."

"Iza, I'll provide for you, and I promise I'll send you to college," I said, still kneeling.

"How?" she asked, and I had no answer—I couldn't tell her who I was.

"I'm sorry if I've put you in a tough spot. I don't want to scare you, Meliza," I said, feeling defeated.

"I'm not scared, Ethan," she replied softly. "I'm shocked. I want to say yes, but what if we fail? What if we break up?" Her voice trembled with worry.

"No one can break us apart, Iza. I love you, and I'll fight for us," I said, my voice firm.

"Then my answer is yes!" she exclaimed, and my heart soared.

"I love you, Ethan. I want to be engaged to you, but we don't need to rush into marriage, right?" she smiled as I slipped the ring on her finger and stood up.

"Yes, I still need to save for our wedding," I murmured. She giggled, tiptoed up, and kissed me. I pulled her into my arms, and we kissed beneath the moonlight, exchanging sweet promises.