Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL AT BRENNAN'S
A year later, Adeline opened her own conservation studio.
She called it Second Life Restoration.
The name made Enzo smile.
Her studio specialized in paper, ceramics, and historical documents.
She hired two young conservators.
Offered apprenticeships.
And occasionally volunteered to restore meaningful objects for families who couldn't afford professional services.
Enzo visited often.
Usually carrying coffee.
Sometimes pastries.
Occasionally a broken object he'd found simply because he wanted an excuse to see her.
One evening, he invited her to Brennan's.
Hollis had prepared dinner.
Dale arranged flowers.
Marisol, who had left Sen and joined Brennan's, stood smiling behind the counter.
Adeline looked around.
"What's going on?"
Enzo smiled nervously.
"Nothing."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Enzo."
He laughed.
"Alright."
He took her hand.
Then knelt.
Adeline covered her mouth.
"Adeline Vance," he said.
His voice shook.
"The first time I saw you, you were standing in a restaurant holding a wallet that wasn't yours."
Her eyes filled.
"You could have kept the money."
He smiled.
"But you returned it."
He looked around.
"And because you did, I learned what was happening inside my own businesses."
His voice softened.
"You reminded me that power means nothing if it isn't used responsibly."
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple ring.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
"Will you marry me?"
Adeline began crying.
"Yes."
Enzo laughed.
"Yes?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
The restaurant erupted in applause.
Hollis wiped his eyes.
Dale cheered.
May you like
Marisol hugged Adeline.
And beneath the glass case near the entrance, the restored porcelain plate stood as a reminder that broken things could still have a future.
