Page 22 of Forbidden Kiss
It’s him. Ethan.
We lock eyes, and he strides toward me. Brianna whips around and flashes a nervous look at me. “Um, I’ll leave you guys to it,” she blurts, before scurrying back to her desk.
Ethan stops in front of me, and for a few moments, we’re both silent. With the office noise fading into the background, all that can be heard is the sound of our breathing in the charged air.
“These are for you,” he finally speaks, holding out the flowers. “I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting. I—”
Thrusting my hand in the air to halt Ethan’s words, I interrupt him. “No, don’t apologize. It’s my fault for allowing my father to manipulate me for so long. But he’s gone now, and I won’t let him linger over my life any longer.”
“Ava.” Ethan raises an eyebrow and gives me a playful smile. “Didn’t you get the memo?”
My eyes flick to the paper in my hand, but I still can’t believe the words I’d read earlier. “Yeah, but what about Jonathan?”
He shrugs. “That’s something the Lane family will iron out, in time. But for now, you’re running the show.”
Biting my lip, I shake my head.
He takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “Yes. Lane Entertainment Group is now with its rightful owners and you’re in charge. You are the heart and soul of this company, Ava. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
His words hit me with the force of a tidal wave, washing away all doubt and fear.
“Ethan.” My heart races while I struggle to find the words. “But …”
My sentence trails off. Truth is, it’s the most beautiful thing anyone has ever done for me.
Every fiber of my being tingles with overwhelming emotion, his presence filling me with a sense of deep and intense love.
With a deliberate hand, Ethan reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small black velvet box.
A rush of adrenaline courses through my veins when he drops down on one knee.
Brianna’s screeches echo in the background, her excitement on full display.
“Ava,” Ethan begins, his voice thick with emotion. “From the moment you walked into my life, you turned my world upside down. Your beauty, your talent, your grace… they have all left me awestruck every single day.”
The office falls silent while everyone gathers around us, forming a semicircle of curious and smiling faces.
“I can’t imagine spending another day without you by my side. So, I have to ask… will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears well in my eyes as I try to compose myself. The diamond ring glitters in its box, reflecting the fluorescent lights and the bright Nevada sun. Love, fear, and hope swirl within me like a kaleidoscope of emotion.
“Ethan… we’ve been through so much in a short time. We’ve faced storms that would have torn most people apart. But through it all… you’re still here.”
When our gazes meet, his eyes are glistening. In just a few days, we formed a powerful bond that I know will last a lifetime. His unwavering heart holds steadfast onto our love, his firm hand never letting go of mine.
With quivering lips, I nod. “Yes, Ethan. A million times, yes. I would be honored to be your wife.”
The room erupts into cheers and applause when Ethan rises to his feet. He slips the sparkling ring onto my finger before leaning into my ear. “They say love makes you do crazy things… and we are in Vegas. Will you marry metonight?”
As my heart swells, I press my lips together to conceal my huge smile. “Yes, but only if you make me howl afterwards, Mr. Wolfe. Tonight.”
Ethan throws his head back and laughs, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Deal.”
As we embrace, I know our legacy has already begun. It started the day our paths crossed, and it will continue with strength, passion, and the promise of forever in our hearts.
Epilogue
One Month Later