Chapter 17 - The Proposal At The Lakefront
In the autumn of 2026, one year after Ren first pushed through the revolving doors of Cole Logistics, Damian brought her back to Lake Michigan.
They walked along the quiet stone path near North Avenue Beach, the October wind kicking up small waves against the shore.
Ren was wearing a stylish beige trench coat, her arm looped tightly through Damian’s as they watched the gray sky above the skyline.
They paused near a quiet wooden bench overlooking the water—the exact spot where Ren used to sit when she only had $412 in her bank account.
Damian stopped, turning her to face him, taking both of her gloved hands into his own broad palms.
“One year ago today, you walked into my office on the twenty-second floor,” Damian began, his voice raspy with emotion.
“You were terrified, exhausted, and holding a folder like it was a shield against the world.”
“I thought you were just another temporary assistant who wouldn't last a week.”
Damian slowly dropped down onto one knee on the cold stone path, pulling a small velvet box from his coat pocket.
He flipped it open, revealing a breathtaking, flawless six-carat emerald-cut diamond ring that caught the autumn light.
“You proved me wrong about everything, Ren,” Damian whispered, looking up at her with tears in his dark grey eyes.
“You saved my company, you saved my heart, and you made me human again.”
“Will you marry me and be my partner for the rest of my life?”
Ren sobbed happily, dropping to her knees right in front of him on the path, throwing her arms around his neck.
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“Yes! Yes, Damian! A thousand times yes!” Ren cried out, kissing his face, his lips, his cheeks as tears of joy spilled down her face.
Damian slipped the magnificent diamond ring onto her finger, lifting her up into his arms and spinning her around on the beach path as the waves crashed against the shore.
