holland2004

[holland2004]

Regret, Rage, and a Ruined Pillowcase

Pascal was already sipping her morning espresso at Charles’ flat, wrapped in her robe, hair wrapped in a silky scarf. She was glowing—calm, caffeinated, and completely unaware her daughter had been reenacting Euphoria with a bottle of tequila last night.

That peace lasted exactly 12 minutes.

Her phone buzzed with a text.

Jada

Morning Pascal… Just so you know, I dropped Amélie home around 3:30AM. She was… very drunk. Don’t worry Arthur was there!!

Pascal read it. Paused. Blinked. Re-read.

“ARTHUR WAS WHERE??”

She picked up her phone with calm fury and typed into the family group chat:

Pascal:

What happened last night? Why is my daughter drunk and being delivered home like a pizza order?? And why is Arthur involved??

Charles:

I told you all she shouldn’t be left alone for ONE weekend. This is why she needs to be with me for every GP. We’re booking her flight to Barcelona this afternoon.

Arthur:

Everyone relax. She’s hungover. Alive. Hydrated. I gave her water and tucked her in. I deserve a knighthood.

Lorenzo:

Did she cry again? Did she sing Beyoncé again?

Arthur:

No. Worse. She danced barefoot on a marble bar and told a stranger she was “Monaco’s It Girl.”

Charles:

SHE’S NOT EVEN ON INSTAGRAM ANYMORE HOW IS SHE STILL GOING VIRAL?? I’m coming over.

Back at Amélie’s Apartment

Amélie stumbled into the bathroom, groaning at the sight of herself. Makeup halfway down her cheeks, lashes hanging on for dear life, lipstick smudged like a Picasso painting.

“Arthur let me sleep like this? Are you joking? I look like if a raccoon had a Chanel sponsorship.”

Still half-drunk, she grabbed her phone, glaring at the brightness.

100 new messages.

Mostly from Jada, her brothers, and something called “LECLERC BLOODLINE 🧬.”

“Oh no,” she muttered, already dreading opening them.

But before she could even scroll, the door slammed open.

“AMÉLIE ANAIS LECLERC!”

She screamed. “CHARLES?? Are you insane?? You can’t just barge in like you’re in the police!”

Charles was standing in the living room, wearing sunglasses, Ferrari merch, and a level of rage only reserved for baby sisters and national scandals.

“You were clubbing? With Lando?? Barefoot?? In public??”

Amélie winced. “You sound like Mama.”

“Good! Because clearly, someone needs to do the parenting around here.”

Arthur came out of the kitchen, holding a glass of orange juice and a banana. “She can’t eat anything with seasoning right now. Her stomach is at war.”

Amélie pointed at him with murder in her eyes.

“You. Let. Me. Sleep. With. My. MAKEUP. ON.”

Arthur blinked. “That’s what you’re mad about?”

“My silk pillowcase is ruined! My face is puffy! I look like a poodle that got electrocuted!!”

Charles slammed his hand on the counter.

“You’re coming to every race this season. I’m not even joking. You’re officially grounded internationally.”

Amélie flopped on the couch dramatically, face down.

“Ugh, I’m too pretty to be grounded. And too hungover to argue.”

Pascal FaceTimed them right at that moment.

Arthur answered, showing Amélie’s tragic state.

“She’s alive. See?”

Pascal: “She looks like a melted candle.”

Amélie lifted her head. “Love you too, Mum.”

Charles: “Book her ticket. She’s flying with me. I’ll keep her in check.”

Arthur: “Good luck. She tried to fight a tree last night.”

Charles: “We all want to fight trees sometimes. Doesn’t mean we do it.”

Amélie, groaning: “Can someone just get me an iced coffee and a new face? Preferably by Dior.”

Later That Morning: Instagram Stories Begin

@ArthurLeclerc posts a blurry video of Amélie in sunglasses, hoodie over her head, clinging to a blanket.

Caption:

“Monaco’s It Girl has fallen. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

@Charles_Leclerc:

[screenshot of her pillowcase with mascara] Jail.

@AmelieLeclerc: (finally resurfaces)

“Just woke up, I’m never drinking again. Also… who let me out of the house???”

[holland2004]

The One He Plays For

The night air at Old Trafford crackled with tension.

Europa League semi-final. Manchester United vs. Athletic Club. And they were losing. 1–0.

In one of the executive boxes, high above the sea of red and white, Kiara sat between Mason Mount’s parents, her stomach in knots. She could barely hear the commentators, the chants, even the rhythm of the crowd—everything had become a blur of nerves. Mason’s mum sat tensely beside her, and his dad leaned forward in his seat, elbows on his knees, fingers laced tightly together.

“He just needs one,” his dad murmured. “One to get him going.”

Kiara nodded, chewing her bottom lip. She wore Mason’s number on the back of her coat—shy to wear it at first, now proudly stitched into her identity. She had seen him through it all this season: the tough comeback from injury, the games spent on the bench, the headlines, the doubts. But tonight—tonight, he was starting. And it was all on the line.

In the 75th minute, just as she was adjusting in her seat to shake the nerves off, the moment came.

Mason picked up the ball just outside the box. A smart one-two with Bruno, a burst of pace past two defenders—and then that signature finish. Low, composed, like a whisper into the corner of the net.

GOAL. 1–1.

Old Trafford erupted. The sound was overwhelming. Kiara was already on her feet, both hands over her mouth, eyes wide. She let out a scream as Mason slid on his knees toward the corner flag, arms stretched wide, grinning up at the stands like the weight of the world had fallen off his shoulders.

She turned and hugged his mum tightly, the two of them laughing, half in shock, half in pride.

“You said it,” Kiara gasped to his dad. “He just needed one.”

Only minutes later, the fire was lit. Casemiro headed in a bullet from a corner. 2–1. The stadium didn’t stop shaking.

Then came Højlund, bursting through in the 85th minute, smashing it into the roof of the net. 3–1.

But it wasn’t over.

In injury time, with Athletic Club pushing desperately forward, Mason pressed high, intercepted a sloppy back pass, and with breathtaking calm, chipped the keeper. 4–1. His second.

The box went mad. Mason’s dad was pounding the glass, cheering. Kiara stood frozen for a second, tears instantly flooding her eyes. It wasn’t just the goal. It was everything it meant. For him. For them. For all the hard days no one saw.

She sank into her seat, hand over her heart, tears slipping down her cheeks as the final whistle blew.

They were going to the Europa League Final. Against Tottenham. And Mason had been the hero.

After the match, the players did their lap of honor, waving to fans. Cameras flashed, chants echoed, but Kiara’s eyes were only searching for one person. Mason.

She watched from the glass as he finished a post-match interview on the sidelines, still in his kit, flushed, sweaty, eyes gleaming with adrenaline. He was beaming, politely answering questions, shouting over the noise.

Then he looked up.

And he saw them.

Kiara. His mum and dad.

A split-second passed. The world seemed to slow.

Mason mouthed something—“I’ll be right there.”

Ten minutes later, fresh from the showers and still drying his hair, Mason walked into the box. He wore his club tracksuit now, but his cheeks were still pink and his smile was unstoppable. The door closed behind him, and Kiara didn’t even wait.

She ran straight into him, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. He caught her, holding her against him as she trembled.

“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered, voice cracking. “So, so proud.”

He pulled back slightly to look at her and paused. Her eyes were red. A single tear slid down her cheek. He brushed it away gently.

“You’re crying?” he teased softly.

She laughed through her tears. “You don’t get it, Mase. I’ve seen you. What it’s taken to get here. All the quiet nights, the pressure, the media crap—this… this is everything you deserve.”

He pulled her back into his arms, holding her tighter than ever. His mum came up beside them, hugging him too, and then his dad joined. The four of them, wrapped up in this perfect, raw moment of joy and relief and pride.

He’d done it.

Not just for the club. Not just for the fans. But for the people in that box. The ones who never stopped believing in him.

Especially her.

Later that night, as they left Old Trafford, Mason wrapped an arm around Kiara’s shoulders.

“You really cried?” he teased again, grinning.

She leaned into him, rolling her eyes with a smile. “Don’t act like you’re not going to bring that up forever.”

He kissed the side of her head. “I might.”

And she just smiled.

“Cry again in the final,” she whispered. “I dare you to give me a reason.”

Mason smirked. “Then I better score a hat-trick.”

And under the lights of a stadium that had just witnessed magic, they walked off—together.

[holland2004]

BIRTHDAY BOY

It was the kind of crisp, winter morning that wrapped the house in a quiet calm. Leah had woken up early, before the sun even began to rise. The soft sound of her breath was the only noise as she tiptoed around their cozy home in Manchester. Mason, her fiancé, lay peacefully asleep beside her, unaware of the busy day ahead.

Today was special. Today was Mason’s birthday.

Leah smiled softly as she watched him sleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. It had been a tough couple of weeks for him with his injury, and she could see the toll it had taken—his muscles still aching from his most recent recovery session, his mind always preoccupied with his next training. But today was going to be about him. She had made sure of that.

She quietly slipped out of bed, pulling on a warm sweater and padding down the hallway toward the kitchen. The soft glow of the kitchen lights illuminated the space as Leah began her preparations. She had planned the perfect morning for Mason, starting with breakfast. Scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, crispy bacon, avocado toast, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It was his favorite.

She set the table with care, adding a touch of elegance—a small vase with a single white rose in the center, just like Mason liked. She took a moment to appreciate how peaceful everything felt. The house was calm, quiet, and full of warmth. It was perfect.

Leah glanced at the clock, noting that it was nearly 7:30 a.m. Time was moving quickly. She glanced back at the bedroom, making sure Mason was still deep in sleep. He had his PT session later that morning, so she knew he wouldn’t be in any rush to get out of bed. But there was something special about starting his birthday in a way that was calm, thoughtful, and full of love.

The smell of sizzling bacon began to fill the air, and Leah couldn’t help but smile to herself. She knew Mason would appreciate all the effort she’d put into making his day memorable.

At exactly 8:00 a.m., she walked softly into the bedroom to wake him up. He had mentioned the night before that he had a session with his personal trainer, so she knew he'd be up soon anyway. But she wanted to make sure he started his day the right way—relaxed, cared for, and feeling loved.

She gently nudged him awake with a soft kiss to his cheek. Mason’s eyelids fluttered open, and he groggily turned to face her, a sleepy smile tugging at his lips.

“Morning, love,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. “What time is it?”

Leah smiled as she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “It’s time to get up,” she said teasingly. “I made you breakfast.”

His eyes widened slightly as he stretched, glancing toward the kitchen. The smell of breakfast wafted toward him, making his stomach rumble in appreciation.

“Breakfast? You didn’t have to do all this,” he said, his voice full of genuine surprise and warmth.

Leah kissed his forehead. “I wanted to. You deserve it.”

Mason rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up, smiling fondly at her. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” he said, his tone still drowsy but filled with affection.

Leah led him downstairs into the kitchen, where the table was set and everything was ready. The soft morning light poured through the windows, creating a peaceful ambiance that made the moment feel even more special.

Mason’s expression softened as he looked at the table. The smell of freshly cooked food, the thoughtful little touches Leah had added, the rose in the center of the table—it all made his heart swell with gratitude.

“Leah…” He stepped closer to the table, a wide smile on his face. “This is… incredible.”

She grinned back at him. “It’s just breakfast. But I know you’ve been working so hard lately, and I wanted to make sure today was about you.”

Mason sat down, his fingers tracing the edges of the plate. “I’ve got to be honest, this looks way too good for just a casual breakfast.”

Leah chuckled as she sat down beside him. “Well, it’s your birthday, and you deserve more than just a casual breakfast. I thought we could start the day slow and easy.”

The two of them sat together, enjoying the food and the quiet moments. Every now and then, Mason would look up at her, his eyes full of appreciation. "This is perfect," he said between bites. "It’s exactly what I needed."

Leah’s heart swelled with happiness as she watched him eat. There was something about making Mason happy that felt like the most natural thing in the world, and today, she wanted to show him just how much he meant to her.

After breakfast, the clock seemed to tick by faster. Mason was headed to his PT session soon, and although it meant the quiet would return to the house for a while, Leah knew it was just another part of the day she had planned for him. The morning had been peaceful, but the real surprise was yet to come.

Leah cleared the breakfast dishes and began setting up for the next phase of the celebration. She had spent the entire week preparing for today—carefully planning every detail. She knew Mason’s favorite foods, his favorite things. There would be a birthday cake waiting for him later in the day, a heartfelt card that she had written just for him, and a quiet dinner where they could reflect on the love they shared.

As Mason got ready to leave for his PT session, he turned to her with a smile. “I’ll be a little late tonight, but I can’t wait to see what else you’ve planned for me.”

Leah kissed him on the cheek before he headed out. “Take care of yourself, and don’t work too hard,” she said softly.

Once Mason was gone, Leah threw herself into her preparations. She’d planned everything—candles, flowers, and a few little surprises scattered throughout the house. She spent the next few hours making sure everything was perfect, checking and rechecking every detail.

Finally, just before Mason was due back, Leah set everything in place—another surprise waiting for him. The house was now full of soft lighting and warmth. The smell of dinner lingered in the air, and there was something almost magical about the way everything had come together.

When Mason walked back through the door later that evening, his tired expression instantly lifted when he saw the transformation. His gaze flickered over the decorations, the thoughtful little touches, and the small cake waiting on the table.

"Leah..." He stepped into the room, his eyes soft with disbelief. "You’ve done all of this for me?"

Leah smiled, her heart beating faster as she watched him take it all in. "Happy birthday, Mase," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. “You mean the world to me.”

Mason’s expression melted, and he walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her tightly. “I don’t know what to say,” he whispered. “This is beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you for everything.”

Leah pulled back slightly to look up at him, her hands resting gently on his chest. “I wanted today to be perfect, just for you.”

They spent the rest of the evening in each other’s company, sharing a quiet, intimate dinner and celebrating not just his birthday, but the life they were building together. The world outside seemed to fade away as they enjoyed the simplicity of the moment, their hearts full of love.

In the end, it wasn’t the grand gestures or the decorations that made Mason’s birthday unforgettable—it was the way Leah had shown him how much she cared, in every small, thoughtful detail. And for her, that was the best gift she could have given him.

[holland2004]

The Christmas Cook-Off Surprise

The holiday season had come and gone in a whirlwind of festive cheer, chaos, and, of course, the Sidemen’s infamous Christmas Cook-Off video. The video had been filmed the week before Christmas, and it had already become legendary in the Sidemen community—filled with laughs, food disasters, and a lot of yelling. As always, it was a massive success, with millions tuning in to watch the group attempt to cook… and fail spectacularly.

Lily had joined in on the fun, even though she wasn’t known for her culinary skills. Her contributions had mostly involved more chaos than actual cooking, much to the amusement of the boys. The video had wrapped up earlier in the day, and now, as the evening settled in, the group was heading their separate ways.

Lily, however, wasn’t going straight home.

She’d recently sold her car after a minor accident, and now, she was temporarily carless. Thankfully, she had someone she could rely on. Ruben.

The two had been seeing each other for just over a year, but they didn’t live together anymore. Lily had her own place, and so did Ruben. Their relationship had always been low-key, but they managed to carve out enough time to be together despite their busy schedules.

After filming, Lily had messaged Ruben, letting him know she was all set to head home but didn’t have a ride. To her surprise, he didn’t hesitate. He told her he was on his way to pick her up, and she couldn’t help but smile at the thought of seeing him after a long, chaotic day.

As the Sidemen wrapped up the final bits of the shoot, Lily made her way out of the studio, feeling exhausted but happy from the laughter-filled day. The brisk December air hit her as she stepped outside, and she pulled her coat tighter around her.

A few minutes later, a sleek black car rolled into the parking lot, pulling up beside her. She immediately recognized the car, and sure enough, the door opened, and Ruben stepped out, looking as handsome as ever in a simple white hoodie, jeans, and a black jacket.

“Hey, love,” Ruben greeted with a warm smile, closing the door behind him. His eyes were soft, filled with affection, and his presence felt like an instant comfort after the hectic day with the boys.

Lily smiled back, walking over to him. “Hey, babe,” she replied, her voice a mix of relief and excitement. She had missed him today, even though it had only been a few hours.

He leaned in and kissed her forehead, a gesture that always made her feel at ease. “You alright? How’d the cook-off go?”

Lily chuckled, shaking her head. “It was… a disaster. I think I might’ve burned something. But that’s normal, right?” she teased, winking at him.

Ruben grinned. “You and the Sidemen in a kitchen? It was bound to be a mess. I can’t wait to see it.”

Lily laughed and climbed into the passenger seat. “You’ll see it soon enough. But I think we’re all gonna need a lot of takeout after that.”

As Ruben drove out of the lot, they fell into a comfortable conversation, sharing stories from the day. Despite all the craziness of the video, the real joy was in the quiet moments like this—just the two of them, enjoying each other’s company after a long day.

“So,” Ruben began, his eyes still focused on the road, “How do you feel about Christmas this year? You doing anything special?”

Lily paused, thinking for a moment. “I think I’m going to spend Christmas Eve with my family,” she said softly. “But Christmas Day, I’m just going to keep it low-key. I might invite the boys over, maybe a little gathering, nothing too big. What about you?”

Ruben gave her a side glance, his expression softening. “I’m with you, wherever you want to be. It’s been a busy year, but I’m happy to just relax and spend time with you.”

Lily’s heart melted at his words. It was one of those moments where everything felt right, where the world around them seemed to disappear. “I’m glad. It’s been a hectic year for both of us, hasn’t it?”

Ruben nodded, turning onto a quieter street. “Yeah, but we’ve made it through. And we’ll get through whatever comes next.”

As they drove, the quiet hum of the engine and the glow of the streetlights outside filled the air. They reached her place not long after, the evening sky darkening as they pulled up to the front. Ruben parked, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

Lily turned to him, a playful glint in her eyes. “Well, thanks for the ride, Mr. Footballer. You always come to the rescue.”

Ruben smiled, reaching over to ruffle her hair. “Anytime. You know that. And besides, I’d take any excuse to see you.”

Lily chuckled. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” she teased, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Ruben laughed softly. “I know. It’s a tough life.”

She opened the door but then paused, looking back at him with a warm smile. “Hey, are we still on for dinner tomorrow night? I was thinking we could do something simple—maybe make some of the leftovers from the cook-off. I think I can salvage the food after all."

Ruben grinned. "Sounds perfect. And I’ll bring the wine. Maybe we’ll even have a real dinner for once.”

Lily chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s a date then."

Before she got out, Ruben reached over and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "See you tomorrow, yeah?"

Lily nodded, her smile never fading. "Tomorrow."

As she closed the door and headed inside, she felt a wave of contentment wash over her. It didn’t matter how crazy her day had been, or how chaotic life could get sometimes. With Ruben by her side, she knew that no matter what, they could handle anything together.

And tomorrow? It would be a simple dinner, but with him, it was always enough.

[holland2004]

Love Amidst Struggles

Ben Chilwell sat on the edge of their couch in their London home, the TV muted in the background as he stared out the window, watching the rain trickle down the glass. He had been training with the first team, giving it his all, but he couldn’t help feeling like an outsider. Chelsea’s manager hadn’t been including him in the matchday squad lately, and the frustration was eating at him. His career felt like it was at a standstill, and the doubts about his future on the pitch were creeping in.

But what made it harder was seeing Elliana struggle too. She had been his rock, his source of comfort, but lately, he noticed her distance. She wasn’t the same carefree, independent woman he’d fallen for. Something was off. The weight of her own challenges—her career struggles, the pressure to succeed, and the increasing strain in her relationship with her mum—seemed to be wearing her down.

Ben sighed, his fingers idly brushing over his phone, but not quite knowing how to help her. He hated seeing her upset, especially when she was dealing with so much of it alone. There were days when Elliana would come home from work, looking exhausted, her eyes clouded with worry. She would smile, try to act like everything was fine, but Ben could tell she was fighting battles he couldn’t always see.

One of the biggest sources of tension between them was her mum. Elliana’s mother didn’t approve of Ben, not because of who he was, but because of the age gap between them. At 22, Elliana was still in the early stages of her adult life, while Ben, at 28, was firmly established in his career. To her mum, the difference in age was a huge issue. She constantly told Elliana that she could do better, that she should be with someone her age, someone who didn’t have the baggage of a professional footballer’s life.

Elliana had tried to stand her ground, but it was wearing her thin. Every time they spoke, her mum would bring up Ben, dismissing him as “too old” and not someone Elliana should be with. The arguments had become more frequent and intense, and it was affecting Elliana deeply.

That evening, after another long day, Elliana came home to their house in London, her face red and tear-streaked. Ben was sitting on the couch, and when she walked in, he immediately stood up, sensing something was wrong.

"Elliana, hey," he said softly, walking over to her. "What happened? You look like you’ve been through a storm."

Elliana didn’t answer right away. She just stood there, her chest heaving with frustration. Finally, she let out a deep breath, trying to hold herself together.

"It was my mum again," she muttered, wiping her eyes. "She... she just doesn’t get it, Ben. She keeps saying you’re too old for me, that I deserve someone my age. She keeps making me feel like I’m making a huge mistake."

Ben’s heart broke at hearing the pain in her voice. He had tried so hard to be patient, to understand where her mum was coming from, but it didn’t make it any easier.

"Elliana, I don’t want you to feel torn between us," he said softly, brushing her hair away from her face. "I know how hard this is for you. But I love you, and that’s all that matters. I’m not going anywhere."

She shook her head, stepping back slightly, looking exhausted. "You don’t understand. It’s not just that anymore. She—she insults you, Ben. She tells me I deserve someone better, someone my age. And I’m just... I’m so tired of it."

Ben reached for her hand, pulling her back to him gently. "Elliana, listen to me," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I don’t care what anyone thinks. I want to be with you. I want to marry you, spend my life with you. But you have to know that no matter what happens, I’m always going to be here, supporting you."

Elliana looked up at him, a wave of emotions flooding her. "You really want that? You want to marry me?" she whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability.

Ben smiled softly, his thumb brushing over her hand. "Of course I do. I can’t imagine my life without you, Ellie. I love you so much, and I know we’ll make it through all of this, no matter what comes our way."

Elliana took a deep breath, the tears that had been threatening to fall finally spilling over. "I want that too, Ben. I want it more than anything. But right now, it just feels like I’m fighting everyone. I’m fighting my mum, I’m fighting my own doubts, and I feel like I’m losing myself in it all."

Ben kissed the top of her head softly, holding her tightly. "We don’t have to fight alone. We’ll fight for each other. We’ll get through this together."

But just as things seemed to settle, Elliana’s phone rang. It was her mum. Elliana hesitated, then answered it, her voice cool and distant.

"Hello?" she said.

"Elliana," her mum's voice crackled through the line, "I’ve been thinking about our conversation. And I just don’t understand why you’re with him. He’s too old for you, Ellie. You’re throwing your life away."

Elliana’s breath hitched, and for a moment, she said nothing. The words her mum had been saying for so long now seemed to push her over the edge. The constant criticism, the hurtful comments—it was too much.

"Don’t you dare," Elliana said, her voice shaking with anger. "I am not throwing my life away. Ben is everything I’ve ever wanted. And I love him. If you can’t accept that, then I don’t need you in my life."

Her mum's voice rose on the other end of the line, frustrated and sharp. "You’re making a mistake, Ellie. You’ll regret this."

Elliana shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I’m not the one making a mistake, Mum. You’ve made it clear where you stand, and if you can’t accept my relationship, then maybe we need some space. I’m not going to let you tear me apart anymore."

Ben watched her as she spoke, his heart heavy with love and pride. He knew how hard this was for her, but he also knew how strong she was. When she finally ended the call, her face was flushed with anger, but there was something else in her eyes—a sense of relief, as if a weight had been lifted.

Elliana sat down beside him, wiping her face with the back of her hand. "I can’t believe I said that," she whispered, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Ben gently cupped her face, wiping away her tears. "Ellie, you did what you needed to do. I’m proud of you. I know it wasn’t easy, but sometimes we have to stand up for what we believe in."

She nodded, sniffling. "I just... I just want to be happy with you, Ben. And I don’t want anyone to stop me."

"You deserve that, Ellie. You deserve to be happy, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you are."

Ben kissed her forehead softly, his lips lingering for a moment. "I love you, and nothing is going to change that."

Elliana smiled through her tears, leaning into him. "I love you too, Ben. And I know we’ll get through this. Together."

As they sat together in the quiet of their home, the rain tapping gently against the windows, they knew that while the road ahead would still be challenging, their love was strong enough to face it all. No matter what, they had each other—and that was all that mattered.

[holland2004]

A Magical Proposal

The sun was setting over Lake Como, casting a breathtaking golden glow across the water. The sky was painted in hues of pink and purple, while the soft reflection of the sun shimmered on the lake’s surface. Villa del Balbianello, perched gracefully on the edge of the water, exuded timeless beauty. Its romantic charm and sweeping views made it the perfect setting for a moment Mason Mount had been eagerly anticipating for months.

Mason and his girlfriend, Leah, had spent the day walking hand-in-hand through the villa’s lush gardens, admiring the views, and exploring the historical grounds. Everything had been carefully arranged to ensure the evening would be unforgettable. The golden glow of the setting sun illuminated their surroundings, making the place feel like a dream.

As the evening drew closer, Mason led Leah to a secluded spot on the villa’s terrace, just steps away from the water’s edge. The view was nothing short of spectacular. There was no table, no elaborate setup—just the two of them, standing together in the glow of the fading sunlight. The soft, warm breeze stirred their hair as they gazed at the lake, lost in the beauty of the moment. There was no need for anything more. This was perfect.

Leah, taken aback by the intimate simplicity of it all, turned to Mason with a smile. "Mason, this place is breathtaking," she said, her voice full of awe. "I can't believe we're here."

Mason smiled, his heart racing. "I knew it was the perfect place for us, for this moment. I wanted it to be just us. I wanted it to be special."

He took her hands in his, his palms slightly trembling. He had imagined this moment countless times, but nothing could prepare him for the emotions he was feeling now.

"Leah," he began, his voice soft but steady, "I’ve known for a long time that you’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. You’ve been my rock, my best friend, and the love of my life. Every day with you is a gift, and I can’t imagine my future without you in it."

Leah’s breath caught in her chest as she looked up at him, her eyes wide. She could feel the weight of the moment. Mason had always made her feel special, but in this moment, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Como, everything felt even more surreal.

Mason dropped to one knee, the soft sound of his movements barely audible as the world seemed to slow down around them. He opened the small velvet box, revealing a stunning engagement ring, the diamond sparkling in the soft light of the sunset.

"Leah," Mason continued, his voice filled with love and hope, "will you marry me?"

For a brief moment, the world seemed to stop. The lake, the villa, the sunset—they all seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, in this perfect moment, with the entire future ahead of them.

Tears welled in Leah’s eyes as she looked at the ring, then back at Mason. "Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy. "Yes, I will marry you."

Mason’s face lit up with a radiant smile as he slid the ring onto her finger. As he rose to his feet, he kissed the top of her head gently, his lips lingering for a moment. "I love you so much," he murmured softly, his arms wrapping around her.

Leah, still overwhelmed with emotion, rested her head on his chest. Mason kissed her head again, his lips brushing her hair in a tender gesture. "You’re everything to me, Leah," he whispered, holding her close as the world around them seemed to vanish.

He kissed her head again, this time just because he couldn’t help but show how much he adored her. It was a simple but heartfelt gesture, and in that moment, it spoke volumes about the love he had for her.

As they held each other, savoring the quiet joy of the moment, Mason knew there was one more part of the evening that was equally important—sharing the news with their families.

He pulled away gently, reaching into his pocket to grab his phone. With a smile, he turned to Leah. "I think it’s time to call our parents. They need to hear it from us first."

Leah, still with tears in her eyes, nodded. "Of course."

Mason dialed Leah’s parents in Nottingham, his heart pounding with excitement. When her dad picked up, Mason’s voice was filled with emotion. "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, it’s Mason… I’ve got some big news to share. I just asked Leah to marry me, and she said yes!"

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and then her dad’s voice cracked. "Oh Mason, that’s wonderful!" His words were choked with emotion. "You’ve made Leah the happiest girl in the world. I couldn’t be happier for you both."

Mason could hear the tears in her dad’s voice, and it made his heart swell. Leah wiped her eyes, smiling through her own tears as she held the phone. Her dad’s voice continued to tremble as he spoke.

"You’ve got my blessing, son," her dad said, his voice full of pride. "We’re so happy for you both. You’ve made Leah’s dreams come true."

Mason’s eyes misted over as he exchanged a few more words with her parents, feeling the love and excitement pouring from them. Finally, after some laughter and more congratulations, he hung up the phone and turned to Leah. "That was perfect," he whispered, kissing her head gently once more.

Leah nodded, wiping away her tears. "It was so emotional... I could hear how happy he was."

Next, Mason called his own parents in Portsmouth, eager to share the news with them. "Hi, Mum, Dad, it’s Mason… I’ve got something to tell you. I just proposed to Leah, and she said yes!"

On the other end of the line, his mum gasped. "Oh Mason, that’s wonderful!" She gasped again, her voice cracking with emotion. "You’ve made me cry, you know. I’m so happy for you both."

Mason could hear the tears in her voice, and it made the moment feel even more real. His dad’s voice joined in, full of warmth and joy. "Congratulations, Mason! We’re so happy. You’ve found someone really special."

As Mason and Leah stood there, the sun fully set behind the mountains, and the soft glow of the villa’s lights twinkled around them. They knew that this moment would stay in their hearts forever, not just because of the proposal, but because of the outpouring of love from their families. The bond they shared was now extended to those they loved most.

With the phone calls complete and their hearts full, Mason took Leah’s hand, and they shared a quiet moment together. As he kissed her head again, he whispered, "This is just the beginning, Leah. I can’t wait to spend forever with you."

Surrounded by the beauty of the villa, the lake, and the love they had just pledged to each other, they knew that the future ahead would be bright, and their love would only continue to grow.