Chapter 9 - The Balcony Proposal
The funeral was a massive, highly secured affair.
Hundreds of people attended to pay their respects to the Costa matriarch.
Politicians, business moguls, and rival bosses all came to bow to Damian.
Tessa stood by his side the entire time.
She wore a beautiful, tailored black dress that Damian had bought for her.
She looked absolutely stunning, radiating a quiet, unshakeable strength.
People whispered about her constantly.
They wondered who this mysterious, beautiful woman was.
They wondered how she had captured the heart of the ruthless monster.
Damian ignored all of them.
He kept his hand firmly on the small of her back.
He introduced her simply as his partner.
No one dared to ask any further questions.
After the lengthy service, they returned to the empty, quiet estate.
The house felt incredibly different without Beatrice's chaotic energy.
Damian poured them both a glass of expensive whiskey.
He handed her a crystal tumbler and walked out onto the massive balcony.
Tessa followed him, shivering slightly in the cool evening air.
Damian took off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
He leaned against the stone railing and looked out over the city.
It is finally over, he said quietly.
Tessa took a sip of the burning liquid and nodded.
What happens now? she asked.
Damian turned to look at her.
The moonlight caught the sharp angles of his handsome face.
I want to marry you, he stated simply.
Tessa nearly choked on her whiskey.
She stared at him, her eyes wide with shock.
Damian walked over to her and took the glass from her trembling hand.
He set it down on a nearby patio table.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box.
I have trusted no one my entire life.
He opened the box to reveal a massive, flawless diamond ring.
Then I watched a girl with scuffed shoes fight for my mother's life.
He dropped down onto one knee.
You saved my mother, and then you saved my soul.
Tessa felt tears streaming down her face.
She did not hesitate for a single second.
May you like
Yes, she whispered, pulling him up by his lapels.
I will marry you.
