Chapter 17 - THE QUESTION
Months passed.
Emma returned to work, but not to catering.
With Elena’s encouragement, she enrolled in a hospitality management program.
Noah’s health improved.
Lorenzo reduced the dangers surrounding his business and transferred several operations into legitimate companies.
Life became strangely normal.
One evening, Lorenzo took Emma back to the ballroom where they had first met.
The chandelier still glittered above them.
The marble floor had been polished until not a trace of the broken glass remained.
Emma smiled.
“I can't believe this is where everything started.”
Lorenzo looked at her.
“I can.”
“Why?”
“Because you walked into a room full of powerful people and chose kindness.”
He reached into his pocket.
Emma’s breath caught.
He didn't kneel.
He simply held out a small velvet box.
“Emma Carter, I spent my entire life believing love was a weakness.”
He opened the box.
Inside was an elegant ring.
“You taught me it can be courage.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“I don't want to own your future,” he continued. “I want to build one beside you.”
Emma covered her mouth.
“Lorenzo…”
“Marry me.”
She laughed through tears.
May you like
“Yes.”
And beneath the same chandelier where fear had once ruled the room, love finally won.
