The night sky was crystal clear, stars scattered above the city that never slept. The evening breeze blew gently, swaying the curtains of Cleopatra's penthouse balcony, creating the perfect intimate atmosphere.

On the spacious balcony, a small table was elegantly set—with dimly lit candles, a bottle of red wine, and two glasses that were nearly empty.


Cleopatra leaned back in her chair, letting the cool night air brush against her skin. The day had been long, and her body was slightly exhausted, but something about this evening made it impossible to feel completely drained.

Across from her, Louis sat casually, but his expression was more serious than usual.

He hadn't said much since dinner started, but Cleopatra could feel something was different.


He was hiding something.

Cleopatra lifted her wine glass and took a slow sip, her eyes never leaving the man who had turned her life upside down in the most unexpected way.


Louis Toreto.

The man she once thought was just someone who worked for her.

The man she once believed would never break through her walls.

But now, he was here, in her life—not as an employee, not as a man trapped in a fake marriage, but as someone who had filled her heart more than anyone else ever had.

Louis ran a hand over his chin before finally looking up, locking eyes with her.

"I've been thinking about this for a long time."

Cleopatra arched an eyebrow, settling into her chair.

"Thinking about what, Toreto?"

Louis took a deep breath before offering a small smile. "About us."

Cleopatra studied him closely but didn't interrupt.

Louis scooted his chair a little closer, shrinking the space between them.

"Cleopatra, you know I'm not a man who gives up easily. And you know I never do something unless I'm certain about it."

Cleopatra let out a quiet chuckle, though there was something softer in her voice.

"Yeah, I know. You're stubborn."

Louis chuckled before continuing.

"We've been through a lot. We've fought each other, hurt each other, even avoided each other."

Cleopatra gave a small nod, remembering all the arguments, the teasing, the emotional battles they had faced.

"But one thing always happens…" Louis went on, his voice quieter, more serious. "We always find our way back to each other."

Cleopatra stiffened slightly.

Louis reached into his pocket and pulled out something small—a black velvet box.

She was caught off guard, but she didn't move. Her eyes stayed locked on the tiny box.

Louis opened it calmly, revealing a simple yet elegant diamond ring that shimmered under the candlelight.

"I want to marry you, Cleopatra."

Silence settled over them.

Cleopatra felt a tightness in her chest, something she had never felt before.

Louis gazed at her steadily, without a hint of doubt.

"Not because of an inheritance. Not because of business. But because I love you more than anything."

Cleopatra stayed quiet.

She was not a woman who trusted love easily.

She was not someone who gave her heart away without caution.

But Louis… he was different.

He had shown her that love didn't have to make her weak.

He had stayed by her side, even when she tried to push him away.

Cleopatra swallowed hard before finally looking up to meet his eyes.

Louis remained still, giving her time, giving her space to decide for herself.

But deep down, Cleopatra already knew her answer.

She reached out, gently touching his face, her fingers tracing his jawline.

"You know," Cleopatra finally spoke, her voice softer than usual, "I could say no to this."

Louis gave a small smile, completely unfazed.

"I know."

Cleopatra glanced at the ring in his hand before looking back into his eyes.

"But I won't."

Louis tensed.

Cleopatra smirked slightly before speaking clearly.

"Yes, Louis Toreto. I'll marry you."

Louis froze for a brief moment, as if making sure he had heard her correctly.

Then, without waiting another second, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her—deeper, warmer, and filled with more love than any kiss they had ever shared before.

That night, under the starlit sky, Cleopatra finally gave her heart away.

Not because of an inheritance.

Not because of business.

Not because she was the CEO.

But because she loved Louis Toreto.

And for the first time in her life, she felt truly happy.

Three weeks before the wedding.

Inside Dimitri Group's headquarters, the atmosphere was busier than usual. But this time, it wasn't because of a business meeting or a financial crisis. Everyone was talking about one thing—the grand wedding of Cleopatra Thompson and Louis Toreto.

Inside the main conference room, Cleopatra sat at the head of the long table, her eyes fixed on a presentation slide displaying extravagant wedding decorations on the projector screen.

Around her, several high-profile vendors sat attentively, while Peter paced at the front with a tablet in his hand, looking more tense than usual.

"Alright, let's start with the decorations," Peter began. "Miss Cleopatra wants something grander and more spectacular than any royal wedding ever seen."

Cleopatra gave a firm nod, crossing her arms.

"I want this event to be talked about for years," she stated with conviction.

"Of course, Miss," one of the wedding planners chimed in. "But are you sure you want all the guests dressed in white and gold? Traditionally, only the bride wears white."

Cleopatra shot them a sharp look. "I don't care about ‘tradition.' I want everyone to look elegant and match the luxurious theme I've designed."

Louis, who was seated beside her, smirked slightly, thoroughly enjoying the show.

He leaned back in his chair, relaxed, then glanced at his fiancée, who was now dictating every wedding detail with perfectionist precision.

"So… this is the first time you can't control something, huh?" Louis teased casually, amusement dripping from his voice.

Cleopatra turned to him with a sharp glare.

"Shut up and put on your suit, Toreto."

The entire room chuckled, but Cleopatra remained completely focused.

"What about the invitations?" she asked Peter, shifting the attention back to the agenda.

Peter wiped his forehead, looking exhausted. "We've sent invitations to all VIP guests. The guest list is now close to 600 people."

Louis narrowed his eyes at Cleopatra.

"600 people?" he repeated. "Don't we just need witnesses to get married?"

Cleopatra let out a long sigh, as if he had just said the dumbest thing in the world.

"This isn't just a wedding, Louis. It's a statement."

Louis shrugged. "I just want to marry you. I don't need a statement."

Cleopatra paused, staring at him.

And for the first time since the wedding planning began, Louis managed to make Cleopatra soften just a little.

But before she could respond, Peter cleared his throat loudly.

"Alright, let's move on. About the catering, we've selected three world-class vendors, but—"

Cleopatra raised her hand, stopping him.

"I want to taste every menu before deciding."

Louis rubbed his forehead and chuckled. "Of course you do."

Cleopatra shot him another glare.

"I want everything to be perfect, Louis."

Louis studied her for a moment before suddenly leaning in and whispering in her ear.

"I'm more interested in seeing how you'll look in your wedding dress."

Cleopatra blinked, trying to keep her expression neutral.

But Louis caught it—the small glint in her eyes that told him she was starting to enjoy this, too.

________________________________________

That Night – A Moment Between Them

When the long day finally ended, Cleopatra sat on her penthouse sofa, flipping through a wedding dress catalog.

She didn't notice Louis approaching until he handed her a glass of wine.

"You really are a perfectionist, aren't you?" Louis said as he sat beside her.

Cleopatra glanced at him, then nodded. "I don't want any mistakes on that day."

Louis smirked slightly and handed her the glass.

"But you do realize, don't you? No one cares about any of that. The only thing that matters is you and me."

Cleopatra fell silent.

Louis leaned in a little closer, his gaze locking onto hers.

"I don't care if there are a thousand people there or just the two of us. I just want to marry you, Cleopatra."

Cleopatra swallowed slowly.

For the first time, the nervousness she had felt about this wedding started to fade.

She held his gaze, then gave a small smile.

"I know, Toreto. But you have to understand… I've never done something like this before."

Louis chuckled softly and tilted her chin up with his fingers.

"And you think I've been married before?"

Cleopatra let out a quiet laugh and shook her head.

"No. But you're way too relaxed about this. It's annoying."

Louis leaned in even closer, their lips only inches apart.

"Maybe because I'm certain about one thing," he whispered.

"And what's that?"

"That I'm marrying the most incredible woman in the world."

Cleopatra let out a soft laugh, but she could feel the warmth rising to her face.

Louis lifted his glass. "To us?"

Cleopatra held his gaze for a moment before raising her own glass.

"To us."

That night, for the first time since the wedding planning began, Cleopatra felt completely sure she was making the right decision.

________________________________________

The Night Before the Wedding

It was late, but Cleopatra was still awake, sitting at the edge of her large bed, her back straight, her eyes staring blankly out the massive glass window overlooking the glowing cityscape.

Her silk nightgown draped elegantly over her body, but tonight, even the smooth fabric didn't bring its usual comfort.

Tomorrow, she would be married.

A step so big, Cleopatra had never imagined it happening.

Not a business marriage.

Not a fake marriage.

Not a marriage for an inheritance.

But a real one.

For the first time in her life, she would truly give herself to someone.

Not as Cleopatra the CEO.

Not as Cleopatra, the woman who always won every game.

But as a woman choosing to love someone without a backup plan.

And that… was a little terrifying.

Could she really do this?

Could she be a good wife?

Could she love Louis without holding back?

As her thoughts spun in circles, a soft knock on the door pulled her back to reality.

Before she could respond, the door cracked open slightly, revealing the silhouette of Louis standing in the doorway.

"Still not asleep?" His voice was deep, but there was a softness to it.

Cleopatra didn't answer right away, just looked at him as if he had just read her mind.

Louis stepped inside, closing the door behind him before walking closer.

He wasn't wearing his usual suit or button-up shirt. Just a thin t-shirt and lounge pants that made him look more relaxed—yet still ridiculously attractive.

He stopped right in front of Cleopatra, watching her carefully.

"Nervous?" he asked quietly.

Cleopatra looked up, meeting his gaze, then let out a long breath.

"I don't know how to be a wife, Louis."

Louis raised an eyebrow before sitting beside her on the edge of the bed.

"You don't have to know how."

Cleopatra turned to him, her eyes sharp.

"Louis, I'm serious."

Louis nodded slowly, then took her hand, gently brushing his thumb over the back of it.

"So am I, Cleo."

Silence.

Cleopatra didn't pull away, but she didn't say anything either.

"I don't need a perfect wife," Louis continued, his voice softer this time. "I just need you."

Cleopatra felt her chest tighten.

How did this man always know exactly what to say?

How could he make her feel so at peace with just a few words?

She stared at their intertwined hands before looking back at him.

"What if I fail?" she whispered at last.

Louis gave her a small smile, his gaze steady.

"If you fail, we'll fail together. And we'll get back up together."

"But—"

Before Cleopatra could finish, Louis cupped her face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes.

"Cleo, listen to me."

She held her breath.

"You don't have to be anyone but yourself. You don't have to change just because you're marrying me."

"But what if I can't be a good wife?" Cleopatra's voice was quieter now, almost a whisper.

Louis chuckled softly, then leaned in a little closer.

"If you can be Cleopatra Thompson like you always are—annoying, stubborn, always wanting to win—then you're already more than enough for me."

Cleopatra shook her head slightly, then let out a small laugh. "So I don't have to be a sweet, gentle wife?"

Louis smirked, shrugging. "Nope. I'd rather you stay the woman who can kick me out of the office whenever you want."

This time, Cleopatra laughed freely, then held his gaze longer than usual.

He was completely serious.

Louis brushed his fingers against her cheek, his voice dropping to a deep whisper that sent her heart racing.

"Tomorrow morning, when you walk down that aisle, I want you to know one thing."

Cleopatra blinked, waiting.

"I fell in love with you long before this happened. I'll love you today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life."

Cleopatra couldn't hold back anymore.

Without hesitation, she pulled Louis into a tight embrace, burying her face in his chest, finally allowing herself to accept the warmth she had spent so long resisting.

Louis held her close, gently running his fingers through her hair.

That night, Cleopatra finally understood something simple.

She didn't have to be perfect.

She just had to be herself.

And for the first time, she felt truly ready to be Louis Toreto's wife.

________________________________________

The bright blue sky stretched over the grand chapel, filled with elegant white and gold decorations. Crystal chandeliers shimmered from the ceiling, casting a soft glow that made the entire room feel sacred and romantic.

All eyes were on one thing—the wedding of the century.

VIP guests rose from their seats, dressed in their finest gowns and suits. High-ranking officials, billionaire entrepreneurs, and the most influential political figures gathered in one room, witnessing history in the making.

At the end of the aisle, Louis stood tall in his black tuxedo, looking more handsome than ever.

But even though he appeared confident, his brown eyes searched for only one person—the woman about to become his wife.

And when the music began to play and the grand chapel doors opened, Louis held his breath.

There she was.

Cleopatra Thompson.

Her wedding dress was a masterpiece.

The sleek silhouette hugged her body perfectly, making her look not just elegant but powerful—like a queen stepping down from her throne to enter a new chapter of her life.

The white fabric was adorned with shimmering crystals, catching the light as she walked, while the long train trailed gracefully behind her.

Cleopatra had never felt more nervous in her life.

Her fingers tightened around the bouquet of white roses, but her heart pounded even harder.

Then, her eyes met Louis's at the altar, and she realized—

She would never have to walk alone again.

With steady steps, she moved toward him.

Every step felt more real than the last.

Every passing second carved this moment into her memory forever.

And when she finally reached the altar, Louis extended his hand.

Cleopatra stared at it for a moment, then, without hesitation, placed her hand in his.

And just like that, every fear she had disappeared.

The priest stood before them, a warm smile on his face as he opened the sacred book.

"We are gathered here today to unite two souls in sacred marriage..."

Cleopatra wasn't really listening to the words.

All she felt was Louis's hand gripping hers tightly.

And when the moment finally came for their vows, Louis didn't hesitate.

He looked deep into Cleopatra's eyes, his voice steady and full of certainty.

"I promise to love and protect you."

Cleopatra, who was usually cold and composed, nearly lost her composure.

She bit her lip briefly, taking a deep breath before finally saying,

"And I promise... I will never let you go, Toreto."

Louis gave a small smile, his thumb gently brushing over the back of her hand, a silent promise that he was here—and always would be.

The officiant nodded before raising his voice. "With this, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Louis Toreto, you may kiss your bride."

Louis didn't wait.

He pulled Cleopatra into a passionate kiss, making the entire room erupt in cheers and applause.

But for Cleopatra and Louis, the noise faded into the background.

Because at that moment, they only felt each other.

Cleopatra gripped the collar of Louis's suit, letting herself fully surrender to the moment.

They weren't pretending anymore.

They weren't holding back.

Today, Cleopatra officially became Mrs. Toreto.

And for the first time in her life, she was truly happy.

________________________________________

The night sky shimmered over the city, as if celebrating the union of Cleopatra and Louis.

Their honeymoon suite was in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, with a breathtaking view of the vast ocean, stretching endlessly into the horizon.

But right now, nothing was more captivating to Louis than the woman standing before him.

Cleopatra.

She was still in her wedding dress, but with her long hair now cascading freely, her face looked softer than usual.

No sharp expressions, no walls. Just the woman who was now his wife.

Louis leaned against the wall, his hands tucked into his pockets, his eyes slowly tracing every inch of her.

"You're mine now, Cleo."

His voice was low, deep, laced with something dangerous yet undeniably tempting.

Cleopatra arched a brow, leaning against the glass table in the center of the room, arms crossed over her chest.

"I've been yours for a long time, Louis."

Louis smirked, stepping forward, every movement filled with certainty.

"Then why does it feel like I only truly have all of you tonight?"

Cleopatra let out a quiet laugh but didn't answer right away.

When Louis finally stood inches away from her, he tilted her chin up with his fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"I want to see you without all the walls you've built."

Cleopatra blinked slowly before giving him a playful smirk.

"I don't know if I'm ready for that, Toreto."

Louis leaned in closer, their breaths mingling.

"I'm ready. So I'll help you."

And before Cleopatra could respond, Louis kissed her.

Not with greed.

Not with dominance.

But with something deeper.

Love.

Cleopatra sighed into the kiss, her hands sliding up to his neck, fingers tracing his jaw before pulling him in even deeper.

Louis's hands settled on her waist, feeling every curve of the woman who was now his.

There were no more apologies.

No more games of push and pull.

No more hidden agendas.

Tonight, it was just them. Completely.

Cleopatra pulled back slightly, her breath uneven.

She looked at Louis, her eyes softer than ever before.

"I trust you."

Louis smiled, brushing his thumb over her cheek.

"And I will never let you down."

That night, they truly became one.

No fear.

No doubt.

And for the first time in her life, Cleopatra realized she had found her home—not in her wealth, not in her business, but in Louis Toreto.

________________________________________

A few months later, under a clear blue sky, Louis and Cleopatra stood together on the balcony of their penthouse.

Louis wrapped his arms around her waist, while Cleopatra rested her head against his chest.

"We did it," she whispered.

Louis smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"We did more than that. We won, Cleo."

Cleopatra chuckled softly, then glanced down at the ring on her finger—the proof that she had finally surrendered to real love.

And for the first time in her life, she knew nothing could ever break them apart.

Because their love was stronger than anything.

A happy ending wasn't just an ending—it was also a beginning.

And this was the beginning of a new story.

Louis and Cleopatra.

Together. Forever.

________________________________________

THE END.