Chapter 12 - The Apron and the Diamond
That evening, Dominic invited me to Maison Étoile on East Sixty-First Street.
He had bought the entire restaurant three days prior.
When we walked in, there were no rude patrons, no arrogant socialites snapping their fingers, and no cruel whispers. The crystal chandeliers glowed softly over an empty, candlelit dining room reserved entirely for the two of us.
Monsieur Laurent, the manager who had once tried to fire me, stood at the entrance bowing with profound respect, personally serving us vintage champagne.
We sat at the very same velvet booth where Victoria had once called me an “illiterate servant.”
Dominic looked at me across the table, his eyes soft with an emotion that words could barely capture.
“Three months ago, a brilliant woman stood right here with a fountain pen and changed my destiny forever,” Dominic said softly, reaching into his jacket.
He didn't pull out a contract. He pulled out a black velvet box and placed it gently in front of me.
Inside lay a breathtaking, flawless emerald-cut diamond ring surrounded by a delicate band of platinum—a masterpiece representing brilliance, resilience, and unshakeable strength.
“Casey,” Dominic said, his voice deep and full of tender sincerity, “you gave me back my life, my honor, and showed me what it truly means to love someone. You never needed an apron, and you never needed to prove your worth to anyone. Will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife and partner for the rest of our days?”
Tears of pure happiness welled in my eyes as I looked from the glittering ring into the eyes of the man who had fought for me, protected me, and cherished me.
May you like
“Yes,” I whispered, my smile illuminating the entire room. “A thousand times, yes.”
Dominic slipped the diamond onto my finger, pulled me into his arms, and kissed me under the glowing crystal lights.
