Chapter 9 - The Proposal on the Terrace
Six months after the adoption hearing, the warm spring breeze swept across the manicured gardens of the Calvetti estate.
The forty acres were alive with blooming white dogwoods, fragrant lavender, and golden daffodils. On the wide green lawn overlooking Lake Michigan, Marcus and Jonah were playing catch with a football, while Isabelle and Sophie helped Mrs. Gable set up an outdoor picnic table beneath the weeping willow trees.
Olivia walked out onto the stone terrace, wearing a flowing blush-pink silk sundress that danced gently in the afternoon wind.
Dante was standing by the stone balustrade, watching the children play with a look of deep, unshakeable contentment.
When he heard her footsteps, he turned, a warm, handsome smile lighting up his chiseled face. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her gently against his chest.
"They're happy, Olivia," Dante murmured softly, resting his chin against the crown of her head.
"Because they have a real father, Dante," Olivia smiled, resting her hands against his chest. "You gave them a life they never dreamed was possible."
Dante stepped back slightly, looking deep into her amber eyes with a solemn, breathtaking reverence.
"You brought light into a house that had known only shadows, Olivia," Dante said, his deep baritone trembling with raw, honest emotion. "You showed me that the debt I owed to Ruth wasn't about money—it was about opening my heart to love. I don't want an empire without you. Will you marry me, Olivia?"
Dante reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box and opening the lid.
Inside rested a magnificent, flawless five-carat emerald-cut diamond ring set in platinum, surrounded by six delicate round sapphires representing each of the children.
Tears of boundless joy spilled over Olivia’s cheeks.
"Yes, Dante," Olivia whispered, throwing her arms around his neck. "A thousand times, yes!"
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From the lawn below, Lily and Tommy looked up and saw them embracing.
"Yay! Mommy and Daddy are getting married!" Lily shrieked with delight, leading all six children sprinting up the terrace steps to wrap their arms around both of them in a giant, laughing family embrace.
