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Chapter 129
~Zara’s POV~
Snow’s hand held mine firmly as his gaze locked onto me, a mix of excitement and urgency dancing in his eyes.
"Another drive?" I asked, and my curiosity piqued.
He nodded, his lips curving into a small smile. "Trust me, Zara. This one will be unforgettable."
How could I refuse him when he looked at me like that? I smiled back, nodding. "Alright, let’s go."
He led me back to the Bugatti, and Scott handed Snow a set of keys that seemed different from the ones we used earlier. My curiosity deepened, but I said nothing as we slipped back into the car.
The engine purred to life, its power thrumming through the air as Snow took the driver’s seat this time.
"Where are we going?" I asked, fastening my seatbelt.
"You’ll see," he replied cryptically.
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The drive was serene, the night sky stretching endlessly above us. Snow expertly navigated the winding roads, the glow of the headlights cutting through the darkness.
As we climbed higher into the hills, the bustling noise of the city faded, replaced by the soothing symphony of nature—rustling leaves, chirping crickets, and the distant call of nocturnal creatures.
"Are we heading to a hilltop?" I asked, watching the landscape shift into something more open and untouched.
"You could say that," Snow answered but said nothing more.
After what felt like thirty minutes, we reached a secluded spot atop a hill. Snow parked the car and stepped out, walking around to open my door.
"Come on," he urged, extending his hand.
I took it, stepping out and letting the crisp night air envelope me. The sky above was breathtaking—vast, deep, and scattered with thousands of stars, each twinkling like a diamond against black velvet.
"Snow..." I murmured, tilting my head back to take it all in. "This is beautiful."
He grinned, motioning for me to follow him further along the hilltop path. A clearing came into view, and my breath caught.
In the middle of the open field was a carefully arranged picnic setup—a cosy blanket, lanterns casting a soft glow, and a small cooler to the side.
"You planned this?" I asked, my heart swelling.
He shrugged, looking unusually bashful. "I wanted tonight to be special, you know."
All the smiles my face could muster were on point, shining brilliantly. "It’s been a special day already."
As we settled onto the blanket, I leaned back, gazing at the stars above. The atmosphere was perfect—peaceful, intimate, and filled with emotions.
Snow handed me a thermos of warm tea, and I accepted it gratefully.
"So, what’s the occasion?" I teased, taking a sip.
"You’ll see soon," he said, his voice low and meaningful.
Time passed, and the stars seemed to brighten as the night deepened. Meanwhile, we simply discussed life, the company, and the next step forward.
Then it happened—a streak of light shot across the sky, followed by another and another.
"Snow!" I gasped, sitting up as the meteor shower began. Trails of brilliant light danced across the heavens, each one more dazzling than the last.
"It’s the Persana Meteor Shower," he answered before I got the chance to ask, his tone reverent. "It only happens once every ten years. I thought... you should see it."
I turned to him, my chest tight as several emotions washed over me. "You planned this... for me?"
His gaze softened as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You’ve been through so much, Zara. You deserve moments like this. Moments where you can just... breathe and enjoy the beauty of the world."
The sincerity in his voice left me speechless. I turned back to the sky, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the moment. The meteors continued to streak across the expanse, their light reflecting in my eyes.
"I don’t know what to say," I whispered.
"Then don’t," he murmured, his arm slipping around my shoulders.
I leaned into him, letting the warmth of his presence and the brilliance of the meteor shower wrap around me.
But suddenly a shooting star shot across the sky and my heart leapt in my throat.
"Snow..." Before I could finish, he covered my eyes with his hand and whispered into my ear. "Make a wish, Zara. I’m here."
I closed my already covered eyes, letting my breathing calm and focused on the star. Seeing it fly reminded me of why Iwas here—a different life from the one I had once lived twice.
"The Persona Meteor shower is a rare and spectacular event said to bring good fortune, renewed hope, and introspection. As Earth passes through the debris trail of the ancient Persona comet, the night sky comes alive with shooting stars. So, make a wish, Zara."
I gave a nod and did as I was told.
My wish was simple.
"I wish to utilise this second chance and live my best life with those I care about and care about me. I want to find love in this lifetime."
"Now, open your eyes."
I did and the sight that greeted me was the most beautiful ever.
We stayed like that for what felt like hours, watching the sky put on its once-in-a-decade display.
As the last meteor faded, leaving the sky still and quiet once more, Snow turned to me.
"Worth the drive?" he asked, his tone playful.
"More than worth it," I replied, smiling.
He stood, offering me his hand. "Come on. Let’s head back."
The ride home was quieter than before, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of quiet that comes from being in the presence of someone who understands you without needing words.
As we pulled into the mansion’s driveway, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of reluctance. The night had been magical, and I wasn’t ready for it to end.
"Thank you, Snow," I said softly as he parked the car.
He turned to me, his expression tender. "For what?"
"For this," I said, gesturing to the car, the drive, the stars. "For everything."
His lips curved into a gentle smile. "You’re worth it, Zara."
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