The scream sliced through the Moretti dining room and climbed all the way up to the crystal

The grand ballroom seemed to fall away into complete silence around them.

Gabriel dropped slowly to one knee on the polished marble floor—the very same marble floor where six months ago, hot tea had been spilled, porcelain had shattered, and a terrifying revelation had taken place.

Elena gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs.

Gabriel opened the velvet box.

Inside sat a stunning, custom-designed ring. A brilliant, emerald-cut yellow diamond sparkled at its center, set atop a band of polished black titanium—a quiet, beautiful blending of her warmth and his strength.

“Elena,” Gabriel said, his deep voice thick with an emotion he no longer tried to hide. “Six months ago, I took off a ring in this room because I realized I was living a lie. Today, I kneel before you asking for the truth. You brought light into my dark house. You taught me how to love.”

He looked up into her tear-filled brown eyes with absolute, unwavering devotion.

“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Tears spilled freely over Elena’s eyelashes. She looked at the man kneeling before her—a man who held the power of an empire, but offered his heart to her with complete humility.

“Yes,” Elena whispered, her voice cracking with pure joy. “Yes, Gabriel! A thousand times yes!”

The ballroom erupted into deafening applause and cheers. Leo cheered loudly, throwing his arms around Marco’s shoulders, while the guests toasted the newly engaged couple.

Gabriel stood up, sliding the black titanium and diamond ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. He pulled her into his broad arms, dipping her slightly as he pressed his lips to hers in a passionate, breathtaking kiss that sealed their future forever.

When they finally pulled back, resting their foreheads together, Elena looked down at the glittering ring on her hand.