Chapter 14 - THE QUESTION HE ASKED WITHOUT AN AUDIENCE
Two years after Evelyn first met the triplets, Adrien invited her to the Grand Aurelia.
She laughed when he told her.
“Seriously?”
He smiled.
“Seriously.”
“The same restaurant?”
“The same.”
Evelyn shook her head.
“You have a strange sense of romance.”
Adrien grinned.
“I've been told.”
The restaurant looked almost exactly as she remembered.
The chandeliers.
The piano.
The polished floors.
But this time, Evelyn wasn't carrying a tray.
She wore a dark blue dress.
Her hair fell softly around her shoulders.
Adrien stood when she approached.
“You look beautiful.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
They ate dinner at table nine.
The same table where Lily had spoken her first word in two years.
Evelyn looked around.
“It's strange being here again.”
Adrien nodded.
“I know.”
She smiled.
“Do you remember how frightened everyone was?”
He laughed softly.
“I remember.”
“You looked terrifying.”
“I was terrified.”
Evelyn's expression softened.
“Of what?”
Adrien looked at her.
“Of losing my children.”
She took his hand.
“You didn't.”
He nodded.
“Because people finally listened to them.”
After dessert, Adrien stood.
“Come with me.”
Evelyn narrowed her eyes.
“Where?”
He smiled.
“Just outside.”
They stepped onto the terrace overlooking the city.
Chicago glittered beneath the night sky.
Adrien took her hands.
“Evelyn.”
Her heartbeat quickened.
He looked nervous.
Truly nervous.
“When I met you, I thought I had everything.”
She smiled faintly.
“You had a lot.”
He nodded.
“Money. Power. A house full of people who did what I told them.”
His expression softened.
“But my children were silent.”
Evelyn's eyes filled.
“And I didn't know how to reach them.”
He swallowed.
“You didn't promise miracles.”
She shook her head.
“No.”
“You listened.”
He smiled.
“And you taught me to listen.”
Adrien lowered himself onto one knee.
Evelyn gasped.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
“Evelyn Hart, will you marry me?”
Tears filled her eyes.
She laughed.
“Yes.”
Adrien closed his eyes.
She laughed harder.
“Yes, Adrien.”
He stood.
Slipped the ring onto her finger.
And kissed her.
Behind the restaurant window, three small faces appeared.
Noah.
Oliver.
Lily.
All pressed against the glass.
Lily shouted, “SHE SAID YES!”
The restaurant erupted in applause.
Evelyn laughed through tears.
Adrien turned.
His children were jumping up and down.
He smiled.
“Apparently, we had an audience.”
May you like
Evelyn leaned against him.
“The best one.”
