Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL BESIDE THE SUITCASE
Dante proposed in the foyer.
The same place where Alessia had stood with her suitcase.
The same place where twenty people watched her humiliation.
The same place where he'd ordered the gates locked.
He invited her to dinner.
She arrived wearing a simple navy dress.
Dante waited beneath the chandelier.
Alessia smiled.
"Why are you standing there?"
He laughed softly.
"Because I have something to show you."
He led her toward the front door.
Beside it sat a suitcase.
Alessia stopped.
Her smile disappeared.
"Dante?"
He reached for her hand.
"Don't worry."
She looked at the suitcase.
"Why is that here?"
He smiled.
"Open it."
She knelt.
Slowly unzipped the case.
Inside were photographs.
Her father walking out of prison.
Sarah and Alessia embracing.
Emily meeting Dante.
The Christmas gathering.
Their first date.
Their first photograph together.
Alessia covered her mouth.
Tears filled her eyes.
Dante knelt beside her.
"Three years ago, someone packed your suitcase because they wanted you gone."
He swallowed.
"They decided you didn't matter."
Alessia began crying.
He continued.
"But you mattered more than anyone in that house understood."
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a diamond ring.
Elegant.
Simple.
Beautiful.
"Alessia Romano, will you marry me?"
She stared.
Then laughed through tears.
"Yes."
Dante smiled.
"Yes?"
She nodded.
"Yes, Dante."
He stood and kissed her.
The library doors opened.
Emily.
Sarah.
Carlo.
Nathan.
And several close friends entered.
Everyone cheered.
Carlo hugged Dante.
"Take care of my daughter."
Dante smiled.
"Always."
Carlo looked at him.
"And listen when she tells you you're wrong."
Everyone laughed.
Dante nodded.
"I've learned that lesson."
Alessia looked around the foyer.
Three years earlier, she'd stood there alone.
Humiliated.
Afraid.
Ready to leave.
Now she stood surrounded by people who loved her.
Dante squeezed her hand.
"Ready?"
She smiled.
"For what?"
May you like
He grinned.
"Everything."
