Chapter 10 - A Vow in the Light
Two years later, the heavy iron cellar door had been completely removed from its hinges, replaced by a beautiful, climate-controlled wine room that held no dark memories.
The Rossi estate was completely filled with bright, joyful sunlight and the wonderful, echoing sounds of Lily’s constant, unrestrained laughter.
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the middle of spring, and the entire backyard had been transformed into a massive, elegant garden party for Lily’s eighth birthday.
Beatrice stood by the grand stone patio, watching happily as Lily ran through the green grass, completely healthy and thriving without a single trace of her past trauma.
She felt a strong pair of arms wrap securely around her waist from behind, a familiar, warm chest pressing firmly against her back.
“She looks absolutely perfectly happy, doesn't she?” Leo murmured, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against the sensitive curve of Beatrice’s neck.
“She does, and it completely fills my heart every single time I see her smile,” Beatrice agreed, leaning back comfortably into his secure, loving embrace.
Leo gently turned her around so they were facing each other, his dark eyes completely devoid of the cold shadows that used to haunt them so heavily.
He reached into the inside pocket of his tailored suit jacket and slowly pulled out a small, incredibly beautiful black velvet box.
Beatrice gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in absolute shock as tears of sudden, overwhelming joy sprang quickly to her eyes.
Leo dropped gracefully down onto one knee right there on the stone patio, completely ignoring the wealthy guests and powerful associates watching them in stunned silence.
He opened the velvet box, revealing a massive, perfectly cut diamond ring that caught the bright sunlight in a dazzling, blinding display.
“Beatrice Miller, you completely saved my daughter’s life, and in doing so, you entirely saved my dark, damaged soul,” Leo declared loudly, his voice filled with absolute conviction.
“You taught me that true strength is not about violence, but about having the courage to fiercely love the people who matter most,” he continued beautifully.
“Will you do me the absolute greatest honor of my entire life, and marry me?” Leo asked, his eyes practically begging her to say yes.
Beatrice sobbed a happy, ungraceful laugh, completely forgetting about her past insecurities and the people watching them.
“Yes, Leo, absolutely yes!” she cried out, throwing her arms joyfully around his neck as he quickly stood up to catch her heavily in his arms.
The entire garden erupted into loud, joyful cheers, led enthusiastically by a perfectly healthy, wildly cheering Lily.
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As Leo spun her around in the bright sunlight, Beatrice realized she had completely stopped wishing to be invisible.
She was wonderfully, perfectly seen, loved exactly for who she was, and entirely safe in the arms of the man who ruled her heart.
