CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE - The Road named Forever

After a few moments, Cassius pulled back slightly, cupping Mara's face in his hands. "Shall we celebrate?" he asked, nodding towards the table he had arranged. Mara nodded, wiping away happy tears. "Yes, please. I'm suddenly starving!" They settled at the table, where a waiter seemingly materialized out of nowhere to pour champagne and serve their meal. As they dined on exquisite local cuisine, Mara couldn't stop staring at her ring, still hardly able to believe it was real. "It's beautiful," she said softly, holding her hand out to admire how the diamonds caught the light of the setting sun. Cassius smiled, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I had it custom made. The center stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds in a pattern that reminded me of a blooming flower - beautiful and ever-growing, just like our love." Mara felt fresh tears prick her eyes at his words. "You really have thought of everything, haven't you?" As they finished their meal, the last rays of sunligh