Chapter 10 - The Real Proposal
A month later, my new corner office was finally decorated exactly the way I wanted.
The view of the city skyline was breathtaking, reflecting the bright morning sun.
I sat at my desk, reviewing the legitimate vendor contracts and feeling a deep sense of peace.
There was a soft knock on my open door.
Nathan stood there, wearing a sharp suit and holding two cups of artisanal coffee.
"Is the new Vice President too busy for a break?" he asked with a charming smile.
"I can always make time for the man who helped me take down a corporate criminal," I laughed, accepting the coffee.
He sat in the chair opposite my desk, his expression turning serious but warm.
"My contract with Harrison Medical Group ended yesterday," he said.
"The board is clean, the money is recovered, and Marcus is awaiting federal trial."
"So, where does the great corporate spy go next?" I asked, suddenly feeling a ping of sadness.
"Nowhere," Nathan said, reaching into his pocket.
"My cover required me to pretend to fall in love with you."
"But the truth is, I failed my mission miserably."
He stood up and walked around the desk, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket.
"Because falling in love with you was the most real thing I have ever done."
He opened the box, revealing a stunning, elegant diamond ring.
"No secrets, no investigations, no lies," he promised, looking deeply into my eyes.
"Just me, asking the smartest, strongest woman I know to marry me for real."
Tears pricked my eyes, but this time, they were tears of absolute joy.
"Are you absolutely sure you are not investigating me for stealing company pens?" I joked, my voice wavering.
"I will let the pens slide," he laughed, dropping to one knee.
"Yes," I finally said, pulling him up to kiss him.
May you like
I had lost my toxic family, but I had gained a brilliant career and a man who truly had my back.
The struggle was finally over, and my new life was just beginning.
