VELVET CHAINS REVIVE

One Year Later

Vienna had never looked so golden.

The small rooftop garden overlooked the city — string lights swayed in the evening breeze, and vines curled around pillars like soft fingers. A single table for two sat under a makeshift arch of lace and ivy.

Luca adjusted the collar of Ayden's silk shirt and smoothed his hair with a grin. "Still can't believe you let me plan this."

Ayden raised a brow. "You call this planning? It looks like we stumbled into a fairy's greenhouse."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

Ayden chuckled, wrapping his arms around Luca's waist. "No. It's perfect. Just like you."

They had been married quietly in Florence three months ago — a private ceremony under wisteria. But today was for them alone. An anniversary of sorts. A promise renewed.

As they ate — wine, smoked fish, and strawberries dipped in cream — Luca reached into his coat and pulled out a folded napkin. Inside: a sketch.

A boutique. Their names on the window.

"A&L Atelier," Ayden read aloud, voice tight. "This... is us?"

Luca nodded. "Our first joint store. I bought the lease yesterday."

Ayden stared, then laughed. "You're serious?"

"As your husband — always."

Ayden lunged forward and kissed him hard. "You beautiful, terrifying bastard."

The stars shimmered above them like the first night they kissed.

Elsewhere: Eden × Ren

The "Silver Thorns" flower shop hummed with soft music and late-day sun.

Ren leaned over the counter, twirling a small rose between his fingers. "You know, I never thought I'd like the smell of flowers this much."

Eden looked up from arranging wild violets. "You used to call them 'romantic hay fever.'"

Ren snorted. "And now I bring you lunch every day."

Eden grinned, stepping around the counter to kiss Ren's cheek. "You bring yourself, and that's more than enough."

The doorbell jingled.

A little girl walked in, maybe five years old, holding a crushed daisy. She looked up shyly. "My mum's sad... can I have a flower for her?"

Eden knelt down, choosing a bright sunflower. "This one's free. Sunshine helps sadness."

She beamed. "Thank you, mister!"

After she left, Ren blinked. "You're going to be an amazing dad someday."

Eden flushed. "Are you proposing something?"

Ren smirked. "Not yet. But I'm not ruling it out."

They stood by the window, hands intertwined, watching the street fade into dusk.

Back on the Rooftop

Later that night, Ayden and Luca danced slowly to the soft hum of city noise. No music. Just the rhythm of hearts.

Luca whispered, "Still scared sometimes?"

Ayden nodded. "But not of losing you. Just of how much I've come to love this life."

Luca kissed his forehead. "Then we hold on tighter."

Above them, a falling star streaked the sky.

Ayden tilted his head. "Make a wish."

"I already have," Luca said. "And it's you."