Chapter 13 - THE CHRISTMAS MORNING PEACE
The snow continued to fall softly, turning the world outside into a postcard of absolute stillness.
No guests.
No corrupt managers.
No federal agents or traitorous enforcers.
Just the crackle of pine logs in the library fireplace and the quiet rhythm of our breathing.
Nicholas and I walked through the halls, pausing by the spot where the porcelain vase had shattered forty-eight hours ago.
A new, magnificent floral arrangement sat on the console table—simple white lilies and green ivy, untouched by anyone else.
"Are you ready for your first official duty as a Grimaldi?" Nicholas asked with a faint, rare smile.
"What duty is that?"
"Choosing the menu for our wedding," he said, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket and snapping it open.
Inside rested a ring set with a brilliant, flawless diamond surrounded by a delicate band of platinum.
He slipped it onto my left ring finger.
It fit perfectly.
"You didn't even ask me if I wanted to marry you," I teased softly, though my heart was soaring.
May you like
"You didn't need to answer," Nicholas murmured, pulling me close. "You were already caught the moment you walked through those gates."
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