Chapter 9 - The Promise
Damon reached into his jacket pocket and slowly sank down onto one knee on the paved pathway, surrounded by the blooming white roses.
My hands flew to my mouth, tears instantly welling up in my eyes.
He produced a velvet ring box, opening it to reveal a breath-taking ring—a flawless, emerald-cut diamond flanked by two small sapphire stones, glowing under the twilight sun.
"Alina," Damon said, his voice deep and filled with passion. "You fought for me when I had nothing left. You stood by my side in the middle of chaos and showed me what true love really means. I don't want a single day of my future without you."
He looked up into my eyes, holding his breath. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" I sobbed happily, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, Damon! A thousand times yes!"
He slipped the ring onto my finger before standing up and pulling me into a fierce embrace. His lips found mine in a passionate kiss, sealing our vows beneath the glass dome of the greenhouse.
Later that evening, a small celebration was held in the grand dining room. Sloan, Mrs. Petrova, Kirill, and a few close allies joined us around the long mahogany table. For the first time in Volkov history, the line between staff and master was gone—we were a family.
Kirill raised his glass of champagne, standing up to offer a toast.
"To Damon and Alina," Kirill said, his tough exterior softening into a genuine smile. "To the woman who managed to tame the most dangerous man in Chicago, and to the Boss who finally found his peace."
"To Damon and Alina!" everyone cheered, clinking their glasses together.
Damon sat beside me, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist. He leaned down, whispering in my ear. "Are you happy, Alina?"
May you like
I looked around the room at the smiling faces, then down at the glittering ring on my finger, and finally up at the man who loved me with every fiber of his soul.
"I have never been happier," I replied, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
