The Ultimate Soldier

**Chapter 8: The Proposal

It had been a month since that evening with Gigi, and Simon's rest period was nearing its end. The President had kept him away from combat, but the long days of downtime had only allowed Simon more time to reflect on the promise he made to himself: He would make this right for Gigi. He would ask her to be his forever.

Despite his battlefield experience, Simon felt the weight of this decision heavier than any mission he had ever faced. He had seen death, destruction, and chaos, but nothing had scared him more than the thought of losing Gigi.

The days had been filled with moments of quiet love, shared laughter, and unspoken understanding. But tonight, everything would change. Simon had planned the perfect proposal—something simple, intimate, and from the heart.

Setting the Scene

Simon stood in the center of a beautifully decorated rooftop garden at the Jenner estate. The setting sun bathed everything in golden light, casting a warm glow over the flower-filled space. String lights hung above, twinkling like stars, and candles flickered on the tables around them, casting gentle shadows on the stone floor.

Gigi was in the living room, getting ready. Simon had told her nothing of his plan, merely saying that he wanted to surprise her for their anniversary. He had invited her to dress up, but in true Gigi fashion, she'd asked, "What kind of surprise, Simon?"

Her curiosity had been relentless, but Simon had refused to reveal anything, knowing she would figure it out if he said too much.

The Moment

As the evening approached, Simon waited for her outside, his heart racing in his chest. He felt a familiar tension from all his years of combat—but this time, it was different. This wasn't a battle against enemies. This was a fight for his future with the woman he loved.

Gigi stepped out, her face lit up with the soft, warm light of the evening. She wore a simple yet elegant black dress that made her beauty all the more captivating. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves. Simon's breath caught in his throat as she approached him.

"You look..." Simon trailed off, his words failing him.

She smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. "I look what?"

"Perfect," he finished quietly.

Her smile softened as she stepped closer to him. "This is beautiful, Simon. What's the occasion?"

Simon held out his hand, offering it to her. "Come with me. I have something to show you."

A Proposal for the Ages

Simon led her to the center of the garden. As she stood in the middle of the space, surrounded by twinkling lights and the smell of roses, he turned to face her.

"Gigi," Simon began, his voice deep and steady. "I've been to war. I've seen things that would break most people. I've been through hell and back, but none of that matters because it all led me here, to you."

Gigi's eyes softened, her heart already knowing what was coming. She had no idea when, but she knew Simon had been planning something.

Simon knelt before her, taking her hand in his. "These last few months have been the most peaceful I've ever had. You brought me peace, Gigi. When I was lost, you were the light I came home to. And I can't imagine living my life without you by my side."

Gigi's breath caught in her throat, the moment sinking in as she realized what was happening.

"I've fought so many battles, but this one—this one is the most important. Gigi Hadid, will you marry me? Will you be mine forever?"

Simon opened a small velvet box, revealing a stunning diamond ring, its center stone glimmering with brilliance. It wasn't an extravagant ring, but it was perfect for her—simple, yet timeless.

The Answer

Tears welled up in Gigi's eyes as she looked down at the ring, then back to Simon. Her heart pounded in her chest. The man who had been everything to her—her best friend, her love, her partner—was asking her to be his forever.

Without hesitation, Gigi nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. Yes, Simon, I will marry you."

Simon stood up, pulling her into his arms, his heart soaring as he kissed her. In that moment, everything else faded away—the missions, the battles, the pain of the past. All that mattered was that she said yes.

"I promise I'll never leave you," Simon murmured against her lips. "I'm yours, always."

A New Beginning

The night unfolded with laughter, love, and promises of the future. Simon felt like a different man—one who had been given a second chance at happiness. He had his family, his future wife, and a life that was now his to build.

As they stood together, Simon realized that he wasn't just the world's best soldier. He was a man who had fought for love, for family, and for everything that truly mattered. And now, with Gigi by his side, he had everything he needed.

To be continued...