3 years later

Tessa closed her laptop and sighed. The work here at the London Institute seemed endless. Every time one job was finished, 2 more came up. It wasn't just because she was Head of the London Institute, but it was also the board meetings that she had to attend.

Ever since they found out she was a Starkweather, they had asked her to come to the meetings as a representative. Tessa had also met her great grandfather. They never became close, but it was good to know that they weren't quite alone. It was especially relieving for him because he didn't have to worry about his share of the company being lost when he would pass away.

Tessa leaned back and rubbed her temples.

"Need a break?"

She opened her eyes and found Sophie standing in the doorway to her own office, which was Tessa's old -doorless- office.

"Yes, thank God tomorrow's already the weekend," Tessa lamented.

Sophie laughed lightly. "Well, just remember that I'm right here if you need to pass on any more of your work."

Tessa smiled. Sophie was probably the best personal assistant anyone could have. She worked quickly and with precision, and she was always willing to help. It also didn't hurt that she was one of Tessa's best friends, because she was always there to talk to as well.

"Well," Sophie said with slight nervousness, "I've got to go now."

"Are you okay, Soph? You look nervous. Is there something bothering you?"

"What? Of course not, it's not like- I mean, I'm not-" Sophie spluttered. She took a deep breath. "I'm perfectly fine, why wouldn't I be?" she finished lamely with a forced smile.

"Are you su-"

"Yup! 100% sure, and oh look at the time! Gideon's waiting for me downstairs. I've got to go." She dashed out the door before Tessa could make any further enquiry.

Tessa decided she was going to call Sophie later on, but for now, she was going to go home.

As she packed up and walked to the elevator, her mind couldn't help drifting to Sophie and Gideon's relationship. Oh, she definitely shipped it. She had shipped it from the moment Gideon's hands had lingered on Sophie's arms. Tessa had gently nudged them towards each other, as they were both too shy to just come out with their feelings.

Gideon had finally managed to ask Sophie out after one whole year of flirting. Seems extreme, yes. But Sophie was too afraid to go into another relationship without getting to know they guy. Tessa couldn't blame her, after what had happened with Sophie's previous boyfriend. She remembered that conversation all too well.

"Sophie, just suck it up and tell him how you feel!" Tessa told her after yet another session of flirting and lingering glances.

Sophie let out a noise of frustration. "It's not that easy, Tessa!"

"What isn't easy? He obviously likes you, and you obviously like him!"

Sophie looked away. "It's hard for me. I can't… I can't trust them anymore," she finally said.

Tessa's voice softened. "Trust who?"

"Men! Attractive men –yes, I admit that Gideon is very attractive," she added at Tessa's questioning look, "but that's not my point! I can't trust attractive boys who try to flirt with me!" She unconsciously touched her scar.

Tessa was reminded of the small slip Sophie had made a year before. She had said the same thing and gestured to her scar when she was warning Tessa about Will.

"Soph-"

"My last boyfriend," she said quietly.

"You don't have to-"

"Yes, I do. You need to know why."

Tessa only nodded meekly.

"My last boyfriend was… not nice, to put it mildly. He got jealous easily, he demanded too much of me, he would verbally abuse me… The list goes on. I really did try to break up with him, but each time, he just pretended that I'd said nothing.

"Finally, I really couldn't stand it anymore, so I made it very clear that we were breaking up and I began packing all my things. He realized what I was doing and that's when he gave me this," she said, gesturing to her scar. Her voice had gotten so quiet it was almost impossible to hear her.

"He brought out a knife and said, 'If I can't have you, then no one else can.'" Sophie's voice was quivering now, and Tessa wanted to tell her to stop. But she ploughed on.

"I managed to scream loud enough to alert the neighbours and the police came. But he had already done enough damage to my face," she finished quietly. After a moment, she added, "He's in prison now, though. So I'm not worried about him. It's just… other men that I'm worried about."

As soon as Tessa had learned about Sophie's past, she had stopped pushing Sophie. But that didn't stop her from encouraging Gideon. To be honest, she felt a little like Emma Woodhouse, but she refused to rest until her ship was canon. She supposed it was the effect of reading too many books.

Tessa laughed to herself. There was no such thing as reading too many books.

The elevator doors opened to the basement and Tessa stepped out.

"Tess."

She screamed, jumping in fright. From that very nickname, she knew it was Will, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Boo," a voice whispered next to her ear.

She jumped away, but not before reflexively thrusting her elbow back. She heard a grunt of pain and whirled around. Will was clutching his stomach, his face a grimace.

"Why would you do that?" she yelled furiously.

He pouted. "You hurt me."

"Will, you idiot! I almost had a cardiac arrest!" Tessa shouted breathlessly.

"Well, at least we know that all your combat lessons with me are actually paying off," he muttered, straightening up and absentmindedly rubbing his stomach.

Tessa looked at him in disbelief. Her heart was still pounding from the shock. She took a deep breath. "Why are you here anyway? You finish early today, right?"

"I just thought I'd wait for you," Will replied, shrugging.

"In front of the elevator to the basement?"

"Yes, well, I wanted to surprise you."

Tessa huffed indignantly. "Well, it worked, didn't it?"

Will grinned. "Yup."

She shook her head and reached out a hand. He immediately took it and they walked into the parking lot side-by-side.

Will drove with one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding Tessa's hand.

"Tess," Will finally said, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Yes?"

"Tessa, 'you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.'"

"Will, wha-"

"'I am in love with you, and I am not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things.'"

"Did you just quo-"

"Because 'I have had the weakness, and still have the weakness, to wish you to know with what a sudden mastery you kindled me, heap of ashes that I am, into fire'."

Tessa's couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face. It had been a sort of daydream of hers whenever she was reading a romantic scene, that someone would say these words to her and actually mean it.

To other people, it might seem trivial or even weird. But Will knew Tessa, and he knew these words would have this effect on her.

"Is there something special going on today? I know our anniversary isn't today, and my birthday isn't today."

"What's wrong with me just saying it for the sake of making you smile?"

Tessa shook her head, the smile on her face broadening and her cheeks flushing. "It just feels a bit like a dream."

"'Dreams are true while they last, and do we not live in dreams?'"

Tessa closed her eyes, a smile still playing on her lips. "I love that one."

"You know Tess, 'you are so busy being yourself that you have no idea how unprecedented you are.'"

She opened her eyes and looked at him. "I don't know what's going on, but I quite like it."

"Well, 'the finest of pleasures are always the unexpected ones.'"

Tessa scrunched up her forehead. "That sounds familiar, but I can't remember what book it's from. Wait, I know it. I know where that's from. It's-"

"'The circus comes withou-'"

"The Night Circus! Right. I can't believe I almost forgot."

"Um, you did forget, Tess. I reminded you."

"You know your memory is better than mine. So 'whenever you feel like criticizing someone, just remember that all the people in his world haven't had the advantages that you've had.'"

Will scowled. "Why are you quoting things now?"

"Well, two can play at this game, Will," she said with a sly smile.

"Yes, indeed, but I believe the game has to be cut short," he said, nodding to the road.

Tessa looked away from Will and realized that they were near their apartment building. They had been living together for over a year now, and when he was coaxing her to buy an apartment together, he won by threatening to live on Tessa's couch. Tessa smiled fondly at the memory.

"Thinking about my exceedingly good looks again, Tess?"

Tessa rolled her eyes. Some things never changed. "As if."

"I know-"

Will's phone rang, cutting off whatever witty remark he had in store.

"Hello?" he said into the phone. There was a pause. "What? No. Yes I am! Are you serious? Why can't Lightworm do it? Fine. Yes, I said fine! Bye."

Will pocketed his phone, groaning in frustration. He stepped on the brakes, and the car stopped dead in the middle of the road. It was fortunately empty except for their own car.

"What is it? Is it Cecily?"

"Yes. I have to go fetch her. Now. She's in some apparent trouble."

"What? What trouble?"

"I don't know," he replied, tiredly rubbing his face.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go there," Tessa insisted.

He looked up at her. "No, she's near. I'll just run there, and you go ahead."

"Why can't I just-"

"No, Tess. Drive home. You're already tired as it is, and worrying about Cecily won't do you any good."

Tessa sighed. "Fine," she muttered.

Will smiled. "I'll be quick," he promised. He leaned over and gave Tessa a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.

Tessa watched him run away before getting out of the car and entering the driver's side.

She drove home and parked their car, unable to stop thinking about Will and Cecily. Was she okay? What was he about to do?

Tessa entered the building and went for the elevator. She swiped her card and pressed on the button for their floor number. She tapped her foot impatiently, anxious to get to their apartment.

There was a ding and the elevator doors opened to their apartment. It was the sort of apartment where there were private lifts going up straight into their apartment.

Tessa stepped out into the dark narrow hallway, and entered the apartment.

She went straight to her room to change. The room was pitch black, and she groped the wall, looking for the light switch.

She gasped as the lights went on.

There was a beautiful dress on her bed. As she inched closer, she realized it was a Regency-era dress. It was white-based and simply patterned, pinched right below the chest area by a slim gold ribbon. It had a square neckline and puffed sleeves.

There was a small card on top, and she opened it to find Will's fancy scripted writing. Despite seeming like a messy guy, Will was actually quite neat and if he tried, his handwriting could look like something from the Victorian era.

Dearest Tess,

This may seem weird to you. But put the dress on. When you need help, knock on the door twice. Don't ask questions -not like you could, considering I'm not there-, just trust me.

-W

Tessa hesitated for a moment. This day was much too weird for her to process properly.

She finally decided to undress and change into the dress. She had trouble tying the ribbon. Well, she thought, this is it.

Tessa walked over to her door and tentatively knocked twice. She quickly stepped back in anticipation. Sure enough, the door burst open moments later.

Cecily came running in, clutching the front of her dress in one hand and a bonnet in the other.

"Lizzy!" she squealed. "Have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"

Tessa stared at her for a moment, completely dumbfounded. Then she exploded in laughter.

This was really happening. They were re-enacting Pride and Prejudice, and she was Elizabeth.

"Lizzy, why on earth are you laughing?" asked a new voice. Tessa looked up to find Sophie walking in calmly, also dressed for the occasion. So that's why Sophie looked so nervous. She never was quite comfortable in lying to people.

"You aren't even dressed properly! Jane, go help her now," Cecily commanded.

Sophie walked to Tessa and began tying the gold ribbon below her chest.

"Oh, your hair is also undone," Sophie said softly. She turned to Cecily. "Lydia, pray fetch me some pins."

Tessa was turning red from trying to hold in her laughter.

As Sophie arranged Tessa's hair, a new figure came through the door.

"Jane, Lizzy, Lydia, there will be a ball at Netherfield! Jane dearest, make sure to dance with Mr. Bingley," Charlotte exclaimed. She then walked over to Tessa and handed over a large -but fairly thin- book. Her eyes glinted excitedly as she placed it in Tessa's hands, a ghost of a smile flitting over her face for a fraction of a second.

Tessa looked down at the item in her hands. Tessa was written across the front in Will's cursive writing. She opened it and stifled another fit of laughter.

It was a script, and Tessa's parts -well, Elizabeth's- were already highlighted. What the hell was going on?

"Alright, Lizzy. We're quite finished now."

Tessa looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was in an intricate bun at the back of her head with delicate wisps spilling from it.

Cecily, who was already at the door with Sophie, bounded back to Tessa. She was surprisingly nimble, considering the fact that she was wearing a long baby blue dress.

She offered her a pair of white silk gloves. "You can't go to a ball without your gloves," she said with a grin.

As soon as Tessa had them on, Cecily looped her arm through Tessa's and led her out of the room.

The living room looked almost unrecognizable. The couch had disappeared, and so had the coffee table. The carpet was also gone, leaving only the polished wooden floor.

Moments later, two boys appeared, looking dashing in their attire.

Gideon stood there, smiling at everyone. Next to him was Will, who looked at everyone passively. They were also wearing Regency-era costumes, complete with the boots and shirts, as well as the coats with long tails.

Looking at Will, who looked around like he was beneath them all, gave Tessa a pang of unpleasant memories from her early days with him. But as soon as their eyes locked, Tessa could see the warmth and spark in them, despite his efforts to keep his face emotionless.

Someone came up beside her.

"You look quite lovely, Lizzie," Jem said.

She turned to look at him, and a snort came out as a result of her suppressed laughter.

Jem was also in costume, but he also had a matching silver beard attached to his face. It was quite a good beard, and Tessa would've believed its authenticity if not for the fact that she had just seen him that very morning with a clean face.

Jem cracked a small smile for her before taking a deep breath and going back into character.

Tessa looked down at her script to see when her lines started.

All of a sudden, she realized Gideon was by her, kissing Sophie's hand.

"May I have this dance, Miss Bennet?"

"Why of course, Mr. Bingley," Sophie replied, blushing slightly. He pulled her to the middle of the dance floor, getting in position. My ship, Tessa thought with a grin.

Tessa noticed Will approaching her, and she prepared herself.

He bowed slowly, as if it pained him to do so. "May I have the next dance, Miss Bennet?" he asked in a drawling voice.

Tessa looked down at her script. She knew this part of the story well, and she was supposed to be taken completely by surprise. Tessa managed to look flustered as she quickly accepted.

Tessa tried to remember what happened next, but then she realized that she was supposed to be conversing with Charlotte Lucas. Not seeing anyone playing as Charlotte, she scrunched her brows in confusion and looked back down at the script.

Her next lines were supposed to be during the dance. She looked up to find Will looking at her, beckoning her to the empty spot in front of him on the dance floor.

Realizing how difficult it would be to dance with him properly –and she really wanted to dance with Will-, she put the script down on the ground and walked towards Will. A look of panic bled into his face, but Tessa just smiled at him.

The music began playing, and they both bowed to each other. Since none of them knew any Regency-era ballroom dances, the script had stated that they were to waltz.

Will placed a hand on her hip and took her other hand. Tessa lightly put her hand on his shoulder, and they began waltzing.

Will still seemed to be slightly panicking. That is, until Tessa began reciting the lines from the book. It was one of her favorite parts, and she had memorized it quite well. Will's shoulders relaxed and his eyes softened.

They bickered in character, as Elizabeth and Darcy, during the awkward moment that was their first dance in the book. They had a reparteé regarding each other's characters, and the topic soon shifted to Wickham, before finally resting on a more familiar one.

"What think you of books?" Will asked, smiling.

"Books- oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings."

Tessa was reminded of her initial surprise in finding out that Will read books, much less the same genres as her favorites.

As their dialogue ended, so did the song. Will did another rigid bow and she curtsied haughtily. Turning away, Tessa had another fit of giggles that she couldn't suppress.

She bent down to retrieve her script and turned to the right page. Caroline Bingley was supposed to appear, but Tessa hadn't seen her.

"Miss Bennet," a high-pitched voice greeted her. Tessa looked up from her script to find Jessamine walking slowly towards her. She looked absolutely stunning in her long golden dress, with her golden hair up in curls.

She finally arrived next to Tessa.

"Good evening, Miss Bingley," Tessa read from the script, stifling her laugh. She had trouble believing Jessamine had agreed to participate in this… event, whatever it was.

Jessamine took a deep breath and began her long monologue. "So, Miss, Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham! Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man quite forgot to tell you…"

Tessa listened to her with growing surprise. She never took Jessamine for an actress, yet here she was, perfectly living the role of Caroline Bingley.

The night wore on, with the group acting out the essential parts of Pride and Prejudice that had been transformed into a script.

Tessa as Elizabeth. Will as Darcy. Jem as Mr. Bennet. Cecily as Lydia. Sophie as Jane. Gideon as Mr. Bingley. Gabriel as George Wickham. Charlotte as Mrs. Bennet. Jessamine as Caroline Bingley.

Throughout the night, Tessa couldn't help but wonder what exactly was going on. Who decided that they should do Pride and Prejudice? Why was Tessa the only one who didn't know about it?

These questions bothered her throughout the night whenever her mind was vacant enough. But, more often that not, she was too busy reciting her lines or laughing in amusement from a certain scene.

Finally, they were at the end. To be honest, Tessa was quite exhausted, but she was having too much fun, and she felt bad if they had to stop the play because of her.

It was time for the walk with Elizabeth and Darcy, and Tessa was quite excited because this was definitely her favorite part of the whole book. She had quite a lot of it memorized.

The two of them went out to their tiny balcony and looked out to the city. The view was breathtaking. Specks of light were scattered about the sky, but few were visible due to the light pollution. The land itself was glowing with light, especially the taller buildings. Tessa could see the quieter areas where only dots of light were visible.

Will cleared his throat and looked at her expectantly. Right. It was her line.

Tessa looked down at the script and turned the page, only to find it… blank.

She looked at Will in confusion, but he only smirked. He must've known that Tessa knew this part by heart, and so she placed the script on the ground and began her lines.

"Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of giving relief to my own feelings…"

Tessa recited her lines perfectly. Even Will looked slightly impressed.

And then it was time for that part.

"If you will thank me," Will said, "let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you."

Tessa pinched her mouth to hide her smile. She knew this was only part of the play, but it was still quite flattering. Will noticed her expression and slipped in a small smirk and a wink before continuing his speech.

"You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on the subject for ever," Will said.

Tessa took a deep breath. This was a big moment in the play. Although what came next did not come in dialogue, Tessa had often imagined exactly what Elizabeth would say.

"Mr. Darcy, you must understand that my sentiments have undergone a drastic change since the period which you have mentioned. I'm pleased to admit that I receive your confession with the utmost joy and pleasure," she finished breathlessly. She grinned triumphantly at Will, but he only looked at her as if he was steeling himself to jump off a cliff.

Tessa opened her mouth to ask if everything was alright, but Will's next actions removed whatever thought she had in mind.

Will got down on knee, his hands in his waistcoat pocket. Tessa had stopped breathing. A small red velvet box was produced from his pocket.

Tessa's hands involuntarily flew to her mouth as she gasped. Everything began clicking in place. All this, the whole night, was just for this.

He opened the box, and in the middle of a plush cushion, a diamond ring sat snugly. It was beautiful, sparkling even under the dim light of the balcony. She felt her heart drumming deafeningly. It was a wonder that Will didn't seem to hear it. It was all she could hear.

Will fixed his gaze on Tessa's eyes. He took a deep breath, and began.

"Tess, you caught my eye the moment we first bumped into each other in the hallway, and ever since our first meeting, I have felt myself falling deeper and deeper for you. I used to think that there was no way I could love you more, but with each passing second, with each passing hour, each passing day, I only love you even more than I even thought possible.

"We share our love for books and stories, our love for our Shadowhunter family. We share our home; this apartment, and now, I ask that we share this one more thing." Will pursed his lips and paused.

"Theresa Gray, will you marry me?"

Tessa drew her hands away from her gaping mouth and clutched them to her chest. This was really happening.

Of course she knew what she was going to answer. But instead, the first thing she uttered was, "Oh, Will. I think you've broken the record for the longest and most dramatic proposal speech."

Will looked dumbfounded for a moment before a grin spread on his face. "Really, Tess? I think you just ruined the moment."

Just like that, all her nervousness peeled away. It seemed that Will was more relaxed as well.

"So, Tess. What do you say? Would you spend the rest of your life with me?" He looked up at her hopefully, as if there was ever any other answer than the one she was about to give.

Tessa felt the tears spring to her eyes as she nodded vigorously. "Yes, of course! Of course, Will, you idiot," she blurted out.

Tessa held out her left hand and saw Will slip the ring on her finger through the blur of her tears.

In one swift motion, he got up and embraced her, lifting her in the air and spinning around. His arms were warm, his grip was tight, and she wanted to stay in the moment forever.

He put her down and pulled away to look at her face. His eyes roamed around her face, as if they were drinking in her features. She flushed under his intense gaze, but didn't look away.

Tessa tried to memorize everything about this moment. Will's face seemed to glow in the darkness. His smile was the brightest she had ever seen him wear, his eyes were dancing with joy, and even his posture made him seem happier. The cold night air buzzed alive with excitement, and the stars seemed brighter.

"Mrs. Herondale," he whispered to her, unable to stop grinning.

In response, Tessa just crushed her lips to his, not bothering to be gentle. He replied with equal fervor, his arms twining around her waist to pull her closer. Tessa linked her arms behind his neck, pulling him down to her. It wasn't a slow, deliberate kiss. It was a kiss filled with everything that they wanted to but couldn't say. Their joy, their disbelief, their anticipation. It was a pre-celebratory kiss for the many years ahead.

They finally broke apart to take gasping breaths of air. Tessa couldn't stop smiling, and Will seemed to have the same problem. Tessa was sure many would die to be in her place at that moment, to have someone look at them like they were the only thing in the world that really mattered. He looked at her like he had just found the most valuable treasure in the world, and he couldn't get enough of it.

Tessa smiled mischievously at him. "I'm guessing that we're not going to finish the play," she whispered hoarsely, putting her forehead to his.

"That was never the plan," Will chuckled. He seemed to finally notice the way her chest was heaving.

He did his signature smirk. "Did I take your breath away, Tess?"

Breathe in, breathe out.

"Maybe."

THE END!

WHOA THIS STORY IS DONE?!

I'm sorry for the late update, but the past two weeks have been hell because of mock exams. Please forgive me. I really hope this chapter was good enough though! I'm sorry if it's disappointing to any of you, but I tried my best to make it awesome.

So some of you may have heard of the "Pride and Prejudice proposal", because it was all over tumblr and buzzfeed. Yes, I got my idea from that because it just seemed like the perfect proposal for Tessa. I hope you liked my interpretation of it!

Also, idk if any of you noticed, but that second last line is also the first line of this story. woot woot full circle!

I'm probably going to do a one-shot on Will and Tessa's adventures around the world. Maybe multiple one shots. Hm. Tell me what you think of this idea, and if I should follow through with it :)

Here comes the sentimental part. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the support for this story! This is the most successful fanfic I've done, and I'm quite happy with the result. But seriously. 92 reviews? THAT'S A LOT. It may not seem much to some of you, but it is to me. And I appreciate every single one of them. Thank you for every single review, every favorite, and every follow. They mean so much to me. I only hope you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. You guys are all awesome. I feel like some of you deserve honorable mention for reviewing so enthusiastically for lots of the chapters, but I don't want anyone to feel left out. You guys know who you are. And I love you guys.

So, review to help me improve for my next fanfics! I accept all criticism, good and bad. I'll also try to answer your questions to the best of my abilities! THANK YOU!

P.S.: I will be tweaking some of the previous chapters, so if you somehow get notified for that, I'm sorry :/

DISCLAIMER: I do not own The Infernal Devices or Pride and Prejudice, or anything else mentioned above, except the story/plot/stuff.

INFO IN CASE ANYONE WAS WONDERING:

1. Jem's mutation doesn't kill him, so he's not slowly dying. It's just that he's weaker than most and very vulnerable.

2. Yes, Aloysius Starkweather doesn't die at the end of this story. He's still alive.

3. Nate and Mortmain are in prison. They're not dead, and they're not fugitives. Or this fanfic would still be going on oops.

4. Charlotte is married to Henry. I just never found the opportunity to introduce him. I'm sorry about that :(

5. Cecily and Gabriel are together! Sophie and Gideon are not married (yet)! Jem is still single! Jessamine is also single!