Chapter 15 - The Proposal
Julian flipped the box open. Inside was not a gaudy, massive diamond meant to show off wealth. It was a stunning, elegant emerald-cut sapphire, surrounded by a halo of small, flawless diamonds.
"I took a ring off in front of you once," Julian said, his dark eyes locking onto hers, vulnerable and entirely sincere. "Because I realized I was marrying a woman who loved the power I had, not the man I am. You took a burn for me. You fixed my empire. You looked down the barrel of a gun and told my enemies I would kill them."
Sophia stared at the ring, tears welling in her eyes. "Julian..."
"I don't want you to work for me, Sophia," Julian whispered, lifting his hand to gently trace the fading scar on her arm. "I want you to stand beside me. I want you to rule this empire with me. As my equal. As my wife."
Sophia looked up at the terrifying, beautiful man who had torn the city apart to save her. She didn't hesitate.
May you like
"Yes," she breathed.
Julian slipped the sapphire onto her finger. It fit perfectly. He didn't smile; he just pulled her flush against his chest and kissed her—a deep, consuming, desperate kiss that sealed her fate to his forever.
