Chapter 14 - THE LOVE THAT ASKED FOR NOTHING
One year after the canceled wedding, Alexander stood in the kitchen of his estate.
The house felt different.
Lighter.
The staff laughed again.
Eleanor had retired but visited often.
Daniel remained head of security.
And Emily no longer worked there.
She visited because she wanted to.
That evening, she stood beside the counter wearing jeans and a soft blue sweater.
Alexander was attempting to cook pasta.
Badly.
Emily watched him.
“Are you sure that's supposed to look like that?”
He frowned at the pan.
“Probably.”
She laughed.
“Alexander.”
He looked up.
“Yes?”
“You're burning the garlic.”
He stared.
Then laughed.
“Right.”
She moved beside him.
Together, they rescued dinner.
Later, they sat at the kitchen table.
No servants.
No elaborate place settings.
Just two plates of pasta and a bottle of sparkling water.
Alexander looked at Emily.
“Happy?”
She smiled.
“Yes.”
He hesitated.
“Can I ask you something?”
She raised an eyebrow.
“That sounds serious.”
He smiled.
“It is.”
He reached into his pocket.
Then placed a small velvet box on the table.
Emily stopped breathing.
“Alexander?”
He opened it.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
He took her hand.
“I spent years believing love was something I could schedule around work.”
His voice trembled.
“Then I met someone who reminded me that people matter more than plans.”
Emily's eyes filled.
He continued.
“I don't want you to give up your dreams.”
He smiled.
“I want to build a life where we both get to have them.”
He lowered himself onto one knee.
“Emily Hayes, will you marry me?”
She began crying.
Then laughing.
Then crying again.
“Yes.”
Alexander closed his eyes.
Relief washed over his face.
May you like
She knelt beside him.
And kissed him.
