Chapter 9 - The Promise
Dominic squeezed my hand gently. "When I was living in silence for those three years, I thought my life was effectively over. I was surrounded by people, but I was completely alone. I built walls so high that nobody could reach me."
He looked over at Marcus, then back at me.
"Then a little boy saw what everyone else missed, and a brave woman stood by me when she had every reason to run," Dominic continued, his eyes full of warmth. "You two gave me back more than just my thính giác, Elena. You gave me a reason to live a real life."
"Dominic..." I whispered, feeling tears of happiness prickling my eyes.
"I don't want you to just be the estate manager, Elena," he said softly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box. "I want you and Marcus to be my family. Permanently."
He opened the box, revealing a breathtaking diamond ring that sparkled under the afternoon sun.
"Elena Vance... will you marry me?" he asked.
I covered my mouth with my hand, a breathless laugh escaping my lips. Down on the lawn, Marcus noticed us and came running over, leaning against Dominic’s leg.
"Is Mommy crying?" Marcus asked, looking concerned.
"They're happy tears, sweetie," I smiled, wiping a stray tear from my cheek.
I looked at Dominic—the man who had protected us, cared for us, and given us a home when we had nothing.
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"Yes, Dominic," I answered clearly. "Yes, I'll marry you."
Dominic’s face lit up with pure joy. He slipped the ring onto my finger, stood up, and pulled me into a deep, loving embrace. Marcus wrapped his arms around both of our legs, joining the hug with a loud giggle.
