Chapter 12 - TURNING THE PAGE
Six months later, Maple Street Books had undergone a miraculous transformation.
The old wooden floors were polished to a warm golden sheen.
Rare first editions lined the shelves.
And sitting behind the front cash register wasn't an intimidated employee—it was me, wearing a cozy knit sweater, smiling as customers browsed the poetry section.
The front door chimed.
A tall man in a simple charcoal coat walked in.
No bodyguards.
No enforcers waiting outside.
Just Daniel.
He carried a small velvet box in his hand.
He walked straight to the counter, stopping right in front of me.
“How are book sales today, Ms. Carter?” he asked, a warm smile touching his lips.
“Better than ever, Mr. Brooks,” I replied, leaning against the counter.
“And how is your retirement from the underworld?”
“Peaceful,” Daniel said, setting the velvet box on the wood.
“Though I hear the bookstore owner is very strict about closing hours.”
“She is,” I laughed.
Daniel opened the velvet box.
Inside rested a stunning vintage diamond ring that had once belonged to his mother.
“Emily,” Daniel said, his voice thick with emotion as he dropped down onto one knee right there between the bookshelves.
“I spent my whole life surrounded by darkness.”
“You brought the light.”
“Will you marry me? For real this time? No pranks, no secrets, no mafia wars.”
I looked down at the man who had burned down an empire just to prove his love for me.
Tears of pure joy filled my eyes.
May you like
“Yes,” I whispered, leaning over the counter.
“Yes, Daniel. I will.”
