Chapter 12 - THE PROPOSAL IN THE HOSPITAL GARDENDante proposed two years later.
Not at a gala.
Not in a ballroom.
But in the garden of the hospital where my mother had received treatment.
Nicole helped arrange everything.
He had become a confident young man.
Still scarred.
Still unable to speak aloud.
But no longer hidden.
He carried a small box toward me.
On his tablet, a message appeared.
MY BROTHER HAS A QUESTION.
I laughed.
Then turned.
Dante stood behind me.
He lowered himself onto one knee.
"Elena Cruz."
My eyes filled.
"When I met you, I thought power was the only thing that mattered."
He looked toward Nicole.
"You showed me what courage really looks like."
I began crying.
"You protected my brother when everyone else looked away."
His voice softened.
"And you taught me that love isn't something you can command."
He opened the box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
"Will you marry me?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
Nicole raised both hands in celebration.
My mother began crying.
May you like
Dante laughed.
And I realized that the happiest moment of my life had arrived without fear.
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