Chapter 419

I spun around, and my jaw dropped. Behind us, all the people who’d been biking around were now riding with streamers trailing behind them. I squinted, trying to read what they said, but before I could make out the words, the bikes picked up speed, and Hayden slowed ours down.

When we were surrounded by the bikes, the words became clear: Kiki, marry me.

My heart stopped. I whipped around to Hayden, wide-eyed. He just looked calm, like this whole thing wasn’t a surprise at all.

“Wait…are you seriously proposing right now?” I blurted, my heart racing.

“Yep,” he said, super casual. “I’m taking you home for good. That way, no one else can try.”

I knew who he meant—Wayne.

Before I could even react, I heard someone yell, “Come on, Hayden! Get down on one knee already!” I followed the voice and spotted Yuna, perched on one of the bikes, grinning like she’d just pulled off the prank of the century.

That’s when Hayden hopped off our bike, circled around to me, and, like magic, pulled a ring from his pocket and dropped to one knee.

“Kiki,” he said, looking straight into my eyes, “will you marry me? Let’s walk this life together. You and me.” I blinked at him, at the ring, and at the crowd of cyclists, all part of this wild setup. My chest tightened, and I felt this overwhelming rush of warmth.

“Say yes!” “Marry him!” “Do it, Keira! Say yes!”

The crowd, along with Yuna, started chanting, egging me on.

I climbed off the bike, standing right in front of him. “And if I say no?”

The chanting stopped like someone hit pause. Even Yuna looked shocked. “Keira…

Hayden didn’t even flinch. “If you say no, it just means you’re not ready yet. I’ll wait,” he said softly, already starting to stand, thinking I was rejecting him.

But I reached out and grabbed his hand. “Mr. Hart, I think we’re ready.”

For a split second, Hayden just stared, then broke into the biggest grin.

“Put the ring on her already!” someone yelled.

With everyone watching, Hayden gently slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly, covering the little scar from back when everything was a mess with Jace.

“Flowers!” Yuna called out, rushing over with a bouquet. Hayden handed them to me with both hands, but the crowd wasn’t done.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Yuna chanted, leading the charge.

Hayden and I shared a quick look before leaning in and sealing the deal with a kiss.

Honestly, I didn’t think things with Hayden would move this fast. I thought I had it all figured out with Jace, but life clearly had other plans.

Later that night, the grand opening of the amusement park was trending all over social media. But somehow, that wasn’t the top story. That spot was taken by… me.

[Cinderella Takes Over Amusement Park with New Fiancé!] [Fairy Tale Proposal and a Billion-Dollar Park: Cinderella’s Double Win]

I couldn’t help but laugh at how over-the-top it all sounded. On a whim, I left a comment: [Cinderella’s always been a princess.]

Unsurprisingly, being the top trend meant my phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. Lena called, practically squealing with excitement. Demi called too, offering congrats and ranting about Tanya. Even Steve called, which totally threw me.

I thought it was about the proposal, but he opened with, “I’ve got updates on that investigation you asked for.”