CHAPTER 24
A month had passed since the arrest of Julian Vance,
and the city was finally returning to normal.
The news headlines were filled with the scandal,
as corrupt officials were exposed across the globe.
Apex's stock had not only recovered,
but it reached an all-time high due to our integrity.
The company was now recognized worldwide,
as a symbol of ethical business and human rights.
I sat in my office,
looking at a clean desk for the first time in months.
The leather journal of my father sat in a glass case,
a reminder of the sacrifices that brought us here.
Natalie walked in,
carrying a bouquet of fresh yellow roses.
"These just arrived for you,"
she said with a bright smile,
placing them in a crystal vase.
"There is a card attached."
I opened the small envelope,
recognizing Liam's neat handwriting.
"Meet me where the story began,
tonight at seven."
I smiled,
knowing exactly where he meant.
It was the small coffee shop near Riverside Hospital,
where we had our very first conversation.
Back then,
I was a broken woman hiding from Ethan's shadow.
Now,
I was the master of my own destiny.
I left the headquarters early,
walking through the streets without security guards.
For the first time,
I didn't look over my shoulder.
I didn't fear the shadows or the crowd.
The air felt cool and crisp,
the evening sun casting a golden glow.
I entered the cozy coffee shop,
the scent of roasted beans warming my heart.
Liam was sitting at a corner table,
wearing a casual sweater and a warm smile.
He stood up as I approached,
pulling out my chair with old-fashioned charm.
"You look beautiful,"
he whispered,
kissing my cheek gently.
"Thank you for coming,
Emily."
"I would follow you anywhere,
Liam,"
I replied honestly,
taking his hands across the table.
"You saved my life,
more than once."
"We saved each other,"
he corrected softly,
his eyes filled with deep affection.
"And now that the storm is over,
I want to build a future with you."
He reached into his pocket,
pulling out a small velvet box.
My breath hitched in my throat,
as he opened it to reveal a simple diamond ring.
"Emily Morgan,"
he said,
his voice filled with emotion.
May you like
"Will you do me the honor,
of becoming my wife?"
