Chapter 28 - THE RING
Ethan paused, a sudden nervousness flickering across his features as he reached slowly into his shirt pocket.
He pulled out a small, simple silver band inlaid with a tiny, glowing amber stone that caught the candlelight.
Chloe's breath hitched in her throat as she stared at the ring, her eyes widening in stunned surprise.
"Ethan... what is this?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the refrigerator.
"I bought it with my first freelance research paycheck two weeks ago, waiting for the right moment," Ethan admitted, his voice shaking slightly.
He stood up from his chair, walking around the table and dropping gently onto one knee beside her wooden seat.
"We survived my father, federal agents, and national media circuses," Ethan said, looking up into her tear-filled eyes.
"I don't have a multi-million-dollar trust fund or a corporate empire to offer you, Chloe."
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"I have my integrity, my degree, and a lifetime of love that no amount of money can ever buy."
"Will you marry me?" Ethan asked, his voice steady and filled with raw, unvarnished devotion.
