Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL SHE COULD HAVE REFUSEDOne year after the wedding disaster, Avery returns to the same coastal road where Luca first took her away.
It is raining again.
But this time, she isn't running.
She is wearing a simple white dress.
No expensive diamonds.
No security guards.
No business deal.
No arranged marriage.
Luca stands beside the black car.
He tells her:
"A year ago, you ran from a wedding."
Avery smiles.
"I remember."
"I was afraid you'd spend the rest of your life running."
She looks at him.
"I stopped running."
Luca takes out a ring.
But he doesn't immediately kneel.
Instead, he says:
"Avery Bennett, I don't want your family's name."
"I don't want your money."
"I don't want you because you're beautiful."
He takes her hand.
"I want you because when everything was taken away from you, you still found the courage to become yourself."
Then he finally kneels.
"Will you marry me?"
Avery looks at the ring.
Then at him.
She asks:
"And if I say no?"
Luca smiles.
"I'll still love you."
Avery starts crying.
Then she laughs.
"Yes."
She pulls him to his feet.
They kiss in the rain.
May you like
But the story isn't finished.
Because Avery has one final surprise for him.
