Chapter 14 - THE MAN WHO CHOSE HER AGAIN
Mateo proposed one year after the winter gala.
Not at a charity auction.
Not in front of Manhattan society.
But on the rooftop of Audrey's first completed housing project.
The building overlooked the city.
The sunset turned the skyline gold.
Audrey stood beside the railing.
"I can't believe it's finished."
Mateo smiled.
"You did it."
She shook her head.
"We did it. The whole team."
He nodded.
"Fair correction."
She laughed.
Then noticed he looked nervous.
"Mateo?"
He turned.
"Yes?"
"What's wrong?"
He took a breath.
"Nothing."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You're a terrible liar."
He laughed.
Then reached into his coat.
Audrey stopped breathing.
Mateo knelt.
The city stretched behind him.
No audience.
No applause.
No cameras.
Just the two of them.
"Audrey Gallagher," he began, "the first time I saw you, you were standing on a stage where people expected you to feel ashamed."
Her eyes filled.
"I thought I was helping you when I stood up."
He smiled faintly.
"But you were the one who taught me something."
Audrey covered her mouth.
"You taught me that dignity doesn't come from money."
He swallowed.
"That strength isn't the same as cruelty."
His eyes shone.
"And that loving someone means respecting the life they want to build."
Audrey began crying.
Mateo opened a small box.
Inside was a simple emerald-cut diamond ring.
"Will you marry me?"
She stared.
Then laughed through tears.
"Yes."
His eyes widened.
"Yes?"
She nodded.
"Yes, Mateo."
He stood.
She threw her arms around him.
He kissed her.
May you like
And for the first time in his life, Mateo Santoro understood that choosing someone wasn't a declaration of ownership.
It was a promise to keep choosing them freely.
