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Ana's eyebrows quirk in intrigue, her radiant smile never leaving her face.
"Ana," I begin, my voice thick with emotion. "From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were different. Not just because of your strength and resilience, but because of the fire you carry within you. You've faced down every challenge that’s come your way, and you've done it with grace, with fury, and with a heart full of passion."
I pause, my throat tightening with the weight of the moment. The din of the restaurant seems to fade, and all that exists is the woman in front of me, her sparkling eyes locked onto mine. "Every day with you feels like a blessing, a gift, a joy I never thought I'd find. I want every tomorrow to be ours, to face every challenge and cherish every triumph as a team. Together."
By now, the patrons at the neighboring tables have turned their attention toward us. The low murmur of conversation halts, replaced by an electric anticipation in the air. I take a deep breath, my heart pounding.
I hesitate for a heartbeat, then reach into my pocket, feeling the slight weight of the velvet box. Everything fades away as I pop it open. Inside, an exquisite ring gleams back at me. The central diamond, radiant-cut and flawless, is surrounded by a whirl of smaller stones, all set in a solid platinum band.
For a split second, I lose myself in its shimmer, hoping it conveys all the words I can't find right now. The room waits in baited anticipation, all eyes on Ana.
"Anastasia, will you marry me?"
The world seems to hold its breath. Then, with tears glistening in her eyes, she whispers the word that seals our fate.
"Yes."
The room erupts in applause, the joy of strangers celebrating in our happiness. I pull her close, sealing our promise with a fervent kiss.
As the din of the celebration recedes and the room returns to its usual hum, Ana's beaming face is replaced by a more contemplative expression. The change isn't drastic, but I've come to know every shade of emotion that plays across her face, every twitch and nuance. Her fingers trace the rim of her sparkling water glass, her thoughts seemingly far away.
My curiosity piqued, I lean in, pressing her. "Hey," I murmur, my voice low and intimate, "You seemed like you had something on your mind earlier. What was it?"
She takes a deep breath, a faint smile touching her lips. "Honestly, Samuil, it was just concern about our future. The steps we're taking, the life we're building. But," she adds quickly, her eyes darting to the ring now adorning her finger, "you've given a rather convincing argument about our path forward."
I chuckle, but there's an uneasiness gnawing at the back of my mind. "You sure that's all?"
Her eyes, always so open and expressive, meet mine. "Just the typical worries. But with you by my side, I know we can conquer anything."
I want to believe her, to trust that it's just the enormity of recent events causing her to be so reflective. Yet a part of me can't help but wonder if there’s something more. There's a depth to her gaze, a hesitancy I can't quite place. But I decide not topress further, not tonight. Tonight is about celebration, about the future we're forging together.
The evening proceeds with laughter and shared stories, the delectable cuisine a feast for the senses. Still, as we toast to our future and relish in the warmth of our engagement, a small part of me remains vigilant, wary of the possibility of lurking shadows beyond our horizon.
Chapter 32
Anastasia
Two months later…
Samuil’s large, rough hand envelops mine, his fingers warm and reassuring. "How does it feel, Ana?" he asks, his dark eyes searching my own.
The vastness of New York City stretches beneath us, the iconic skyline piercing the horizon like a jagged crown. Skyscrapers, cabs, vendors, the noise, the crowds of people… it’s all so overwhelming. I've seen pictures, of course, and movies that romanticize the city. But witnessing it in real time, with the sun casting long shadows over its buildings and streets, is something else entirely. It feels like I’m about to step into a dream.
The soft hum of the private jet surrounds us, luxury leather seats and champagne flutes, all markers of our new life. A life that feels both surreal and exciting.
I glance once more out of the window, taking in the vast urban sprawl below, and turn back to Samuil with a grin.
"Honestly? I feel like a queen ready to conquer."
His lips twitch into a pleased grin, and he pulls me close, planting a lingering kiss on my lips. "That's my girl," he murmurs against my mouth.
As the moment stretches, a flicker of thought nudges me. Hidden amongst our belongings, carefully packed in one of the moving boxes, is a secret. A cherished surprise that I’ve been holding for the past few weeks. The anticipation bubbles up inside me, and I can't help but imagine the perfect moment to share the news with Samuil. The joy, the expectations, the next part of our lives waiting to unfold.
But for now, I push the thought away, choosing to savor the present moment.
"We’re starting a new chapter here," I say, looking out the window again. "New challenges, new memories, new... everything."
He squeezes my hand. "We will overcome anything New York throws at us."
