Chapter 82: The Proposal

The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting the sky in shades of amber and rose. I stood on the terrace, leaning against the stone railing, soaking in the tranquility. Below me, the gardens stretched out in their full autumn glory, the leaves a tapestry of gold and crimson. It was one of those rare, quiet moments where I could simply be.

Damien had been unusually secretive all day. Not in a suspicious way, but in the way he always was when he had some grand idea brewing. He'd been in and out of the house, on calls and whispering instructions to Sophie and Lucas, who both seemed annoyingly in on whatever he was planning.

Now, as the crisp evening air wrapped around me, I felt him before I saw him. The faint sound of his footsteps on the stone, the familiar warmth of his presence.

"Thought I'd find you here," Damien said, his voice carrying that deep, steady cadence that always made me feel safe.