Chapter 9 - A New Dynasty
By June, the penthouse had become a true home. The sound of children's laughter echoed constantly through the grand hallways, replacing the cold, sterile quiet that had defined Richard’s life before we arrived.
On a sun-drenched Saturday morning, Richard gathered the girls in the living room while I was in the kitchen preparing breakfast.
Through the open archway, I watched him drop to one knee in front of Olivia, Grace, and Lily. He held a small, velvet-covered box in his hand.
"Girls," Richard said, his voice ringing with solemn, heartfelt sincerity. "You know how much I love you all. You’ve brought light and joy into my life in ways I never knew were possible. But today, I need to ask your permission for something very important."
Lily gasped, clapping her hands together. "Are you asking Mommy to be a princess?"
Richard chuckled, glancing toward the kitchen where I stood frozen, my hands gripping the edge of the counter.
"Something even better," Richard said, looking back at the girls. "I want to ask your mother to marry me. And I want to officially adopt all three of you as my daughters, to give you my name, my protection, and my love for the rest of my life. Will you accept me as your dad?"
Olivia, the eldest, didn't hesitate a second. She threw her arms around Richard’s neck, nearly knocking him over. "Yes! We already call you Dad when you're not looking!"
Grace and Lily chimed in immediately, piling on top of him in a tangle of giggles and hugs.
Richard looked up, his dark eyes locking onto mine across the kitchen island. Tears glistened in his eyes as he stood up, walking toward me with the velvet box open in his hand. Inside rested a magnificent diamond ring—not flashy or ostentatious, but classic, timeless, and glowing with warmth.
"Emily," Richard said softly, stopping just inches from me. "You came into my life like a storm, and you swept away every shadow I ever lived in. Will you marry me? Will you let us be a family—forever?"
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I didn't answer with words. I threw my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder as my tears soaked into his shirt.
"Yes," I choked out, my voice trembling with absolute joy. "Yes, Richard. A million times, yes."
