Chapter 9 - THE PROPOSAL ON THE LAKE
That evening, Dominic took Beatrice to the top deck of his private yacht, floating gently on the calm waters of Lake Michigan.
The city sky outline glowed like millions of fallen stars against the dark horizon. The chill of late autumn was in the air, but the heated deck and the warm cashmere blanket wrapped around them kept them comfortable.
Soft jazz played in the background, and a bottle of vintage champagne rested on ice beside them.
Dominic stood at the railing, looking out at the city that he had ruled for decades—a city that had once felt cold and ruthless to both of them.
Beatrice walked up beside him, leaning her arm against his.
"You've been quiet tonight," she teased softly. "Is the great Dominic Vance nervous?"
Dominic laughed—a deep, rich sound. "I haven't been nervous since I was twenty-two years old, standing in front of a firing squad in Eastern Europe."
"And tonight?"
Dominic turned to face her. He took both of her hands in his.
"Tonight, my heart is beating faster than the night you saved me in Trauma Bay 4," he said honestly.
He reached into his pocket and brought out the velvet box once again.
He didn't make a grand, theatrical spectacle. He didn't call the news cameras or invite fifty billionaire investors. It was just the two of them, under the vast Chicago sky.
Dominic dropped down onto one knee.
Beatrice gasped, covering her mouth with her hands.
"Beatrice Gallagher," Dominic said, opening the box to reveal a stunning, flawless six-carat yellow diamond ring that caught the starlight. "Three years ago, you knelt on a cold floor to save my life. A few months ago, you knelt on marble floor while cowards laughed at you."
His pale blue eyes swam with deep, unconditional devotion.
"I want to spend the rest of my life making sure you never have to kneel for anyone again—except when you choose to fall into my arms. Will you marry me?"
Tears of pure happiness overflowed Beatrice’s eyes. She didn't hesitate for a single second.
"Yes," she sobbed softly, pulling him up. "Yes, Dominic! A thousand times yes!"
May you like
Dominic slipped the ring onto her finger and lifted her into his arms, spinning her around on the deck while the warm yellow light of the yacht illuminated the night.
The city of Chicago, which had once felt like a cage of cold concrete and cruelty, now felt like their kingdom.
