Chapter 14 - The Sapphire RingOne quiet evening, Leo asked Alivia to meet him near the old lighthouse.
The sun was sinking.
The sky was painted gold.
Alivia smiled when she saw him.
“You look nervous.”
“I am.”
“Why?”
Leo reached into his jacket.
A small velvet box appeared.
Alivia's breath caught.
Inside was a simple sapphire ring.
Not enormous.
Not designed for headlines.
It belonged to Leo's grandmother.
He took her hand.
“No hotels.”
Alivia smiled through sudden tears.
“No photographers.”
Her smile grew.
“No business deals.”
Leo nodded.
“No secrets.”
He looked directly into her eyes.
“I can't promise you that life will never hurt again.”
Alivia's eyes filled.
“But I can promise you that you will never have to face it alone.”
He knelt.
“Alivia Vance, will you marry me?”
May you like
She didn't hesitate.
“Yes.”
Related Stories
Chapter 15 - A Different Kind of WeddingThe second wedding was nothing like the first.
Chapter 16 - The Woman Who SurvivedMonths passed.
Chapter 17 - The LetterOne winter morning, a letter arrived.
Chapter 18 - The Next GenerationYears later, the Vance Foundation opened its largest center in Manhattan.
Chapter 19 - The Open DoorOne evening, Alivia and Leo returned to Newport.
Chapter 20 - The Future Has No ContractYears earlier, Alivia had walked toward an altar believing she was walking toward the end of her freedom.
