Chapter 31 - A Toast to Tomorrow
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The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was packed with over five hundred journalists, scientists, and world leaders.
Camera flashes illuminated the stage like a thousand falling stars as Ethan and I stood side-by-side at the podium, officially announcing the launch of the Vance-Carter Neural Foundation—a non-profit organization dedicated to using advanced brain-mapping technology to cure neurodegenerative diseases worldwide.
"For years," I said into the microphone, my voice steady and clear, no longer trembling with the fear of the past, "technology has been used by powerful men to control, deceive, and destroy. Today, we choose a different path. Today, we give that power back to the people."
The room erupted into deafening applause. Standing ovations echoed off the gold-leaf ceilings as reporters scrambled to take photos of us.
Later that evening, after the press conference had ended, Ethan and I slipped away from the roaring crowd, walking out onto the private rooftop terrace overlooking the illuminated skyline of Manhattan.
The night air was cool and crisp, carrying the sweet scent of blooming spring flowers.
Ethan handed me a glass of vintage champagne, raising his own glass in a silent toast.
"To new beginnings," Ethan said softly, his eyes reflecting the city lights.
"To new beginnings," I repeated, clinking my glass against his.
We drank, enjoying the quiet serenity of the night. For the first time in three years, I felt no fear, no anxiety, no shadow creeping up behind me. The past was buried in the dark, and the future was brighter than the stars above us.
Ethan set his glass down on the stone balustrade. He stepped closer to me, taking my champagne glass and setting it aside as well.
He took a slow, deep breath, his hands trembling slightly—a rare sight for a man who had faced down assassins without blinking.
"Ava," Ethan said, his voice dropping to a nervous whisper.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box.
May you like
My heart stopped in my chest.
Ethan dropped gracefully onto one knee on the rooftop terrace, holding up the open box. Inside sat an exquisite, flawless emerald-cut diamond ring, sparkling radiantly under the moonlight.
