Raven McCoy is a driven, no-nonsense senior at Columbia University, determined to carve out a future on her own terms. With her sharp mind, relentless ambition, and a confidence that turns heads, she's always believed that love-and distractions-have...
By the time 5:30 PM rolled around, I had everything set up for the second part of her surprise.
I had rented out a private rooftop restaurant, draped in warm string lights, with the perfect view of the city skyline.
All of her closest friends and family were already there—Riley, Ezra, Shante, her father, my mother, and even a few of her college friends.
Everything was perfect.
Now, all I had to do was get her there.
I sent her a text.
Me:Baby, I'm picking you up in 15 minutes. Dress sexy. 😉
Her reply came instantly.
Raven:Roman, what are you up to?
Me:You'll see. 😏
The Grand Entrance
When I pulled up to the house, she was already waiting outside in a black, form-fitting dress, her curls cascading down her shoulders, her lips painted a deep red.
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I felt my breath catch.
She was stunning.
As soon as she slid into the car, I leaned over, brushing my lips against hers.
"You look incredible," I murmured.
She smirked. "You don't look too bad yourself, Mr. Riles."
I grinned, pulling away and starting the drive.
She watched me suspiciously, but I just kept smirking.
"I know you're up to something," she said.
I chuckled. "Patience, baby."
When we finally arrived at the rooftop, I led her to the elevator, her heels clicking against the marble floors.
The moment the doors opened—
"SURPRISE!"
Her eyes widened, her mouth dropping open as she took in the entire setup—the candlelit tables, the shimmering lights, the people she loved all waiting for her.
Tears immediately welled in her eyes.
"Oh my God," she whispered. "Roman..."
I turned to her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Happy birthday, baby," I murmured.
She turned to face me fully, her hands sliding up my chest, her eyes filled with nothing but love.
"You really planned all of this?" she asked.
I nodded. "Of course. You deserve the world, Raven."
A tear slipped down her cheek, and she let out a soft, choked laugh.
"I love you," she whispered.
I cupped her face, wiping the tear away with my thumb.
"I love you more," I murmured.
And then—
She kissed me.
Right there, in the middle of the rooftop, with our friends and family cheering behind us, with the city lights glowing around us—
She kissed me like I was her everything.
And I knew, in that moment—
I had never loved anyone the way I loved her.
The Best Night Ever
The rest of the night was filled with laughter, drinks, and stories.
Riley and Shante gave embarrassing speeches, Ezra made inappropriate jokes, and Raven's father got emotional talking about how proud he was of her.
And through it all, I just watched her.
Watched the way she smiled so effortlessly. Watched the way she threw her head back when she laughed. Watched the way she held Arielle in her arms, swaying gently while talking to my mother.
She was everything.
She was my home.
As the night came to an end, and I held her close under the stars, she leaned up and whispered—
"This was the best birthday of my life."
I smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
"Good," I murmured. "Because I plan on making every birthday even better than this."
She looked up at me, her eyes shining.
And in that moment, I knew—
I was going to spend the rest of my life making her happy.
