My name is Evelyn Parker, and invisibility had kept me alive. At Vale Holdings, I wore charcoal slacks, beige cardigans, low black shoes, and my hair pinned into the same plain knot every morning. People thought I was nervous.

The kiss was explosive—years of repressed tension, hidden glances, and unspoken respect igniting all at once.

Adrian cupped the back of my neck, pulling me closer against his chest as he kissed me deeply, passionately. I let out a soft sigh, my hands sliding up his broad shoulders, burying my fingers in his soft dark hair. For the first time in ten years, I wasn't running. I wasn't hiding behind a fake name or a grey cardigan. I was completely, unapologetically myself, safe in the arms of a man who saw me clearly.

When he finally pulled back, both of us were breathless. Adrian rested his forehead against mine, his arms wrapped securely around my waist.

"Marry me," he whispered smoothly.

I broke into a genuine laugh, pushing his chest lightly. "We've been officially dating for thirty seconds, Adrian!"

"I've been in love with you for two years, Parker," he replied with absolute sincerity, his hands smoothing down my back. "I just didn't realize it until you walked into that ballroom in black silk and ruined my life."

"I didn't ruin your life," I smiled, looking up into his eyes. "I saved it."

"You did," he agreed softly, kissing my nose. "So give me a chance to build a real one with you. No secrets. No fake invoices. Just us."

I looked out at the glittering lights of the Manhattan skyline. Ten years ago, my life was shattered into bloody pieces on the floor of my father's estate. I had built a fortress of isolation around my heart to survive. But standing here with Adrian, feeling his warmth and solid strength, I knew the fortress was no longer needed.

"One condition," I said, looking back at him with a mischievous tilt of my head.

"Anything," Adrian swore instantly.