Chapter 14 - REBUILDING THE FORTRESS|
Three weeks passed.
Vale House underwent massive restoration. The damaged east wing was completely torn down and redesigned into a brilliant, sunlit art gallery and studio space designed specifically for me.
The shadowy reputation of the Vale organization remained, but inside the gates, everything had changed.
I no longer lived in Adrian’s shadow. My name was officially added to the estate's deed, making me co-owner of Vale House.
On a warm, clear Tuesday evening, I stood on the newly paved terrace, watching the sunset over the forty-acre grounds.
Adrian stepped out behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me back against his warm chest. He rested his chin on my shoulder, breathing in the scent of my hair.
"The construction crew finishes the upper glass roof tomorrow," Adrian murmured softly into my ear.
"It looks beautiful," I smiled, resting my hands over his. "Much better than before."
"I have something for you," Adrian whispered, slipping his hand into his jacket pocket.
He pulled out a velvet box, opening it to reveal a magnificent ring—a flawless, emerald-cut diamond flanked by two sapphire stones, shining brilliantly under the evening light.
"I don't want you wearing my past, Elena," Adrian said, his gray eyes shining with rare, vulnerable warmth. "I want you to build my future. Will you marry me?"
May you like
I looked at the ring, then turned in his arms to look at the man who had torn down his own fortress just to keep me safe.
"Yes," I whispered, kissing him deeply. "Yes, Adrian."
