Chapter 13 - Sins of the Syndicate
That evening, Salvatore took me to the botanical conservatory overlooking the
lake.
The entire glass dome was reserved just for us.
Thousands of white orchids bloomed under the starlight.
A soft mist hung in the air, catching the moonlight.
We walked hand in hand along the stone path.
Salvatore stopped beside a tranquil koi pond where the water reflected the
stars.
He turned to face me.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box.
He didn't open it immediately.
Instead, he looked into my eyes with complete devotion.
He raised his hands into the soft glow of the lantern.
“Maya,” he signed, his fingers steady, poetic, and certain.
“You walked into my silence and gave it meaning.”
“You gave me a life where I no longer have to hide.”
“I do not want to walk another day without your hands in mine.”
He dropped to one knee on the mossy stone.
He opened the velvet box.
Inside was a breathtaking platinum ring set with a flawless emerald cut diamond,
flanked by two delicate sapphires—the color of Lake Michigan on a sunny morning.
“Will you marry me?” he signed with his right hand, his eyes shining with unshed
tears.
Tears of pure happiness streamed down my face.
I didn't hesitate for a fraction of a second.
I dropped to my knees beside him on the moss.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face in his chest.
“Yes,” I signed against his cheek.
“A thousand times, yes.”
He slid the ring onto my finger.
It fit with absolute perfection.
May you like
He pulled me into his arms and kissed me under the canopy of white orchids,
sealing our lives forever.
