Chapter 9 - The ChoiceAfter Daniel fled the party in disgrace, the yacht glided smoothly across the dark waters under a sky full of stars. The victory was total, but as the crowd celebrated inside, Ethan stepped out onto the quiet upper deck, looking out over the water.
Victoria found him standing by the railing, the sea breeze tossing his dark hair.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.
Ethan turned around, looking into her eyes with deep emotion. "I love you, Victoria. But tonight made me realize how huge your world is. I'm just a guy who bakes bread and raises a little girl in a two-bedroom apartment."
Victoria looked at him, her heart aching with fierce tenderness. She took his hands in hers, squeezing them tight.
May you like
"Ethan, my world was huge, empty, and cold before I met you," she said, her voice shaking slightly with genuine emotion. "I have three billion dollars, and not a single cent of it ever made me feel warm. You gave me a home in a crowded bakery. You gave me laughter with Sophie. You gave me life."
Ethan looked into her shining eyes, seeing total sincerity. The remaining doubt in his heart melted away under the starlight.
