Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL
Three months later.
The autumn leaves had turned brilliant shades of amber and gold across the Chicago suburbs.
The Moretti mansion was filled with laughter once more.
My mother had fully recovered, walking without assistance and tending to the estate gardens with Teresa.
Sophie was back in school, earning straight A's and smiling every single morning.
And my relationship with Luca had evolved far beyond employer and employee.
Tonight, the dining room was empty.
Luca had asked me to meet him in the private glass conservatory overlooking the gardens.
Fairy lights flickered through the hanging ivy.
A small table was set with candles and wine.
I walked in wearing a simple emerald green dress.
Luca stood waiting by the glass pane, dressed in a sharp dark suit.
When he turned around, his dark eyes softened instantly.
"You look stunning," he murmured.
"Thank you," I smiled, stepping closer.
"You brought me out here for a reason, Mr. Moretti?"
"Always business with you, Claire," he chuckled, stepping closer.
He reached into his jacket pocket.
My breath hitched.
Luca didn't pull out a corporate document.
He pulled out a small black velvet ring box.
He dropped gracefully to one knee on the polished stone floor.
"Luca..." I whispered.
"These past few months, you brought light back into this dark house," Luca said, his voice thick with emotion.
"You taught my daughter how to smile again."
"You stood beside me when the world was falling apart."
"I don't want a business arrangement."
"I don't want an engagement built on lies or corporate strategy."
He opened the box.
A brilliant, flawless diamond caught the candlelight.
"Claire Bennett... will you do me the honor of being my wife, and my daughter's mother, for the rest of our lives?"
Tears spilled freely down my cheeks.
I didn't hesitate for a single second.
May you like
"Yes," I choked out, a bright smile breaking across my face.
"Yes, Luca. A million times yes."
