I know my dreams exist because of you,
You alone, meant only for you.
Your ocean draws me deep below,
Your voice shatters me to my soul.

Chapter 22

Lyyli zipped up the last suitcase and let out a soft sigh, scanning the room one last time. "I hope I haven't forgotten anything."

As they stepped outside, the crisp winter air bit at her cheeks, the world was blanketed in white. The scent of snow and distant pine mingled with the sharp, salty tang of the frozen sea.

She exhaled, her breath curling in the cold. "It feels weird to be leaving."

Willy slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. "You're not leaving forever," he murmured. "You know I can fly you back here in a heartbeat. Whenever you want."

His words were punctuated by a kiss—warm, lingering. Lyyli melted into him, looping her arms around his neck, savoring the way he felt against her.

"We're probably going to sleep through the whole flight," she mused as they pulled away slightly.

Willy chuckled, tilting his head as he gave her a knowing look. "Oh, we are, huh?" His voice was rich with amusement. "You mean you're going to sleep while I recover from you keeping me awake all night."

Lyyli smirked, running a teasing finger along his collar. "Me keeping you awake?" she echoed innocently. "I seem to remember you being just as eager. Do you regret now?"

He groaned, shaking his head with a laugh. "Regrets? Ha ha! No way," he murmured against her lips. "I'd do it all over again. Anytime. Just say it."

She grinned and was about to challenge him further when the sound of footsteps crunching over the gravel cut through the moment.

"Oi, lovebirds!" came a familiar voice.

Lyyli and Willy turned just in time to see Jukka approaching with Tuomas, Kimi, and Matti trailing behind him. The four men looked far too amused for Lyyli's liking, and she knew what was coming before Kimi even opened his mouth.

"Damn. No wonder you two look half-dead," he teased, grinning. "Didn't get much sleep, huh?"

Lyyli felt the heat rush to her face, and judging by the way Willy tensed beside her, he wasn't faring much better. "Shut up!" she cried out, glaring as her bandmate laughed.

She shot them a death glare before stepping forward, shifting the conversation before they could make another comment. "Anyway," she said, voice sharp with purpose, "let me know if there's any news about Tero."

At the mention of the name, the mood shifted. Jukka's expression darkened, and Tuomas crossed his arms.

"Shouldn't be long now," Tuomas said. "The statement will go live soon."

Their band's official announcement would lay everything bare—exposing Tero as a liar and a thief who had been embezzling from them for years, all while secretly intercepting their mail. To make sure he couldn't slip away before facing the consequences, they had already tipped off the authorities. By the time the news went public, he'd be in handcuffs.

Willy stiffened beside her, turning to look at her with wide eyes.

"You had all this planned?" His voice was a mix of surprise and admiration.

Lyyli smirked slightly. "Of course. I wasn't about to let him get away with it."

Willy wasn't sure if he should be more stunned by the plan itself or by how much he liked seeing this side of her. She's diabolical.

Damn. That was sexy.

Lyyli glanced back at him then, raising a brow at the strange expression on his face. "What?"

Willy cleared his throat, schooling his features—though a slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Nothing, nothing at all," he said smoothly, stepping closer to rest a hand at her lower back. "Just… remind me never to get on your bad side."

Matti snorted. "Smart man."

Lyyli turned to her bandmates, her expression softening. "Take care of yourselves, alright?"

Matti was the first to pull her into a tight hug, followed by Tuomas, then Jukka.

"We're gonna miss you, you know," Jukka said with a rare, fond smile, patting her back.

"Yeah," Matti added, ruffling her hair. "Who's gonna keep us in line now?"

Lyyli smirked. "I think you lot will be just fine without me."

Kimi smirked but then pointed a finger at Willy. "You. Take good care of our girl."

Willy pressed the brim of his hat solemnly. "She'll be more than fine." His gaze softened as it met Lyyli's. "I promise."

Lyyli smiled at him before turning back to her bandmates. "We won't be away for too long anyway. You'll see us again at the wedding."

That made them pause. Tuomas frowned. "Right, about that—where exactly is this wedding happening?"

By then, Lyyli and Willy were already stepping onto the trawler. Willy turned his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips.

"The factory, of course."

The four men exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from surprise to outright disbelief.

"Wait," Matti said, narrowing his eyes. "You mean the factory?"

"As in the chocolate factory?" Jukka added.

Lyyli, already settling beside Willy, grinned. "Where else would it be?"

"We'll send your invitations and arrange your flights soon," Willy assured them smoothly, as if this were the most obvious thing in the world.

With a sharp whistle from the captain, the trawler started pulling away from the dock, and as they waved goodbye, the bandmates just stood there, staring at each other.

Jukka, still processing, finally spoke. "Wait… have we just been invited—"

Kimi cut in, his eyes wide. "—to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory?"

Matti exploded first."HOLY SHIT—"

"This is going to be the best wedding ever!" Tuomas shouted, his voice barely audible over the others.

The realization hit them all at once, and suddenly, they erupted into loud, disbelieving cheers.

Meanwhile, Lyyli and Willy exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter as their friends' excited shouts echoed across the water.

Lyyli, smiling at the chaotic scene unfolding behind them, squeezed Willy's hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I think they're excited," she whispered, and Willy couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped him.

The cabin door swung open, letting in a biting rush of cold air. As they stepped onto the tarmac, the waiting limo glinted under the dim airport lights, its engine humming softly. The shift from plane to car happened in a blink—one moment they were disembarking, the next, they were settled inside.

Willy exhaled, sinking into the plush leather as his head tilted slightly toward Lyyli. She leaned into him without thinking, her eyes fluttering closed. The exhaustion of the long trip clung to them, and even the short nap on the plane hadn't been enough—sleep still pulled at their heavy limbs.

The drive to the factory passed in a haze. The gentle sway of the car and the shared warmth between them almost dragged them back under. When they arrived, Willy had to jolt himself awake before stepping out.

As the grand doors of the factory's main hall swung open, a rush of warm, chocolate-scented air enveloped them. Before Lyyli could take it all in, a wave of excited gasps and cheers erupted from the Oompa Loompas as they spotted their returning boss—and even more enthusiastically, the woman beside him.

Lyyli's lips curled into a smile as she stepped forward. "It's so good to see you all again," she said warmly.

Excited chatter broke out almost immediately—especially when they spotted the diamond gleaming on Lyyli's finger.

A few exchanged knowing looks, and one even let out an excited squeak before Lyyli quickly lifted a hand, gesturing for them to keep quiet. Willy, standing beside her, caught on immediately.

"Shhh! Not a word!" he warned, his voice hushed but firm. His gaze flicked over the little group, and they straightened up instantly, nodding in understanding. "I want to be the one to tell everyone, 'kay?"

Satisfied that they understood, Willy turned to one of the Oompa Loompas.

"Listen, I need you to go get my father. Make up some excuse for him to come to the factory." He paused for a moment, thinking, then added, "We'll all meet in the Chocolate Room for dinner later."

The Oompa Loompa gave a serious nod and scampered off to complete his task.

"Okey-dokey, time to get some rest. Tonight's going to be quite the event," Willy said as they stepped into the Great Glass Elevator.

When they arrived at his quarters—not far from hers—he pushed open the doors, revealing an obscenely large apartment.

Lyyli blinked. Then blinked again.

It was massive, easily twice the size of the one he had built for her. The entire space felt like a whimsical blend of the Chocolate Room and Alice in Wonderland—utterly and unmistakably Wonka.

She turned to him, eyes wide with astonishment. "Willy… this place… It's incredible."

He grinned, clearly pleased by her reaction. "You like it?"

"Like it? I don't even know where to look first." She stepped further inside, drinking in the details. "It's so… you."

His smile softened as he shut the door behind them. "That's good. I was worried you'd think it was too much."

Lyyli let out a breathy laugh. "Everything about you is too much."

He smirked, stepping up behind her and looping his arms around her waist. "And yet, you still like me."

She leaned back into him, eyes fluttering shut for a moment. The journey had been long, and exhaustion was settling into her bones. "I more than like you."

Willy pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Come on," he murmured. "Let's get some sleep."

Lyyli was finishing her makeup, carefully blending the last strokes of dark eyeshadow. Her eyeliner was sharp and dramatic, accentuating her striking eyes, and her lips were painted a light shade of crimson. Her dark silk hair cascaded down in sleek waves. She wore a black lace dress with intricate patterns, the delicate fabric clinging to her figure before flowing gracefully to the floor. The high neckline and long sleeves gave it a regal air, while the sheer details added a subtle, teasing edge.

Willy stepped out of his dressing room, dressed in deep shades of blue and purple tonight, adjusting the golden W pin on his collar—only to stop dead in his tracks at the sight of her.

Smirking, Lyyli struck a playful pose, tilting her head and running a hand through her hair. "So, Mr. Wonka," she teased, "do I meet the approval standards to be your fiancée? Or should I go back and try again?"

His smile held both mischief and admiration. "Oh, you had everyone charmed the moment you set foot in the factory." He stepped closer, his gaze softening. "Even my father—and he's not easily won over."

She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, so that's the real test?"

"Of course," he said, placing his hands on her waist and pulling her in. "And me? Well… I was a lost cause from the start."

They locked gazes for a moment, the air between them shifting into something quieter, more intimate.

Willy exhaled, his fingers tightening slightly around her waist. "I'm nervous," he admitted softly.

Lyyli's expression softened. "Me too," she whispered.

He hesitated for only a second before pressing a kiss to her lips—warm, lingering, reassuring. When he pulled back, he met her eyes again, his decision clear.

"Then let's do it," he said. "Right now."

She nodded, a small smile forming as she laced her fingers with his. "Let's do it."

And with that, they went to the Chocolate Room.

Willy turned to her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Alright, here's the plan," he began. "You'll wait right by the door while I go in first. They're going to ask how it went, and I'll build up a little suspense… just for a moment. And then, when I step aside—boom, there you are."

Lyyli grinned, already amused by the theatrics, but she gave him a pointed look. "That's fine, but don't be too mean. I don't want to be responsible for giving them a heart attack."

Willy smirked, mischief dancing across his face. "Oh, come on. A little suspense makes everything more exciting."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Just don't overdo it."

"I make no promises," he teased before leaning in to give her a quick, sweet kiss.

Lyyli sighed as he slipped inside, leaving her to wait for her cue.

The Buckets sat gathered in their living room with Dr. Wonka, who had been deep in conversation with the grandparents when the topic inevitably turned to Willy and Lyyli.

With a warm smile, Grandma Josephine said gently, "They're made for each other. Anyone with eyes can see that."

"That man's smart enough not to come back without that girl." Grandpa Joe confidently declared.

"If he does, he's a fool," Grandpa George added matter-of-factly.

And Dr. Wonka, in his usual measured tone, exhaled sharply and adjusted his glasses. "He better not come back without her."

Willy knocked on the door, and within moments, Charlie swung it open. "Willy, you're back!" he greeted with excitement, stepping aside to let him in.

As Willy crossed the threshold, he felt the weight of every gaze in the room—watchful, expectant, and hanging onto the silence that followed.

Mrs. Bucket, her voice careful but full of anticipation, was the first to speak. "Willy… what happened?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he hesitated, searching for the right words. His mouth opened, then closed.

Dr. Wonka, who had been watching him closely, slowly rose to his feet. His voice was calm but edged with unmistakable authority. "Willy… where is she?"

The tension was thick enough to cut.

For a moment, the tension hung in the air. Then, slowly, Willy's lips curled into a knowing smile. Without a word, he extended his hand toward the door.

Right on cue, Lyyli's fingers slipped into his, and she stepped inside, radiating confidence. She swept her gaze over the room, then flashed a grin—like a rockstar finally stepping onstage to a crowd that had been waiting just for her.

Charlie was the first to move. With an excited gasp, he ran straight to Lyyli, throwing his arms around her in a tight hug. "You're back!" he exclaimed.

Lyyli laughed, hugging him back just as tightly. "Yes, I am! I missed you so much!"

Everyone else quickly followed, gathering around her with smiles and warm greetings. Mrs. Bucket pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Welcome back, dear," she said, her voice full of warmth.

Just as the room buzzed with happiness, Charlie suddenly froze, his eyes locked on something. His mouth parted slightly before he simply breathed out, "Wow."

The energy in the room shifted as everyone followed his gaze—to the delicate ring gleaming on Lyyli's finger.

The room fell utterly silent. Even Dr. Wonka, usually composed, seemed momentarily stunned, his eyes fixed on the ring as if trying to process what he was seeing.

Grandpa Joe let out a low whistle before muttering, "Holy buckets."

Mrs. Bucket, wide-eyed, stammered, "Are you… is this… what—?"

Willy exchanged a knowing glance with Lyyli before casually shrugging. With the same nonchalance as if he were announcing the weather, he said, "Oh, yeah. We're engaged."

For a second, the silence stretched. Then, all at once, the entire room erupted into cheers.

Charlie practically bounced on his feet, his face lighting up. "This is incredible!" he cheered.

Grandpa Joe let out a hearty laugh, clapping his hands together. Grandpa George pointed at the ring with a knowing smirk. "Ha! Called it!" he declared, while Grandma Josephine and Grandma Georgina dabbed at their eyes, beaming with joy.

Mrs. Bucket, still trying to take it all in, pulled Lyyli in for another hug. "Oh, sweetheart, congratulations," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

Then, to Willy's surprise, Dr. Wonka stepped forward and pulled him into a firm embrace. "I'm proud of you, son," he said, his voice carrying a rare warmth that made something tighten in Willy's chest.

When he pulled back, his gaze shifted to Lyyli, and his smile softened. "And I couldn't be happier to welcome you into the family."

Lyyli's heart swelled as she met his eyes. "That means the world to me. I'm honored."

Willy took in the overwhelming joy around them, then looked at Lyyli with a smirk. "Well," he mused, "I'd say that was a hit."