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Yet I know Tatiana and the child need more. They deserve a world where there is no need to raze cities and crush enemies. Even before our child is born, I think to myself with sadness that I have failed to give him or her an ideal life.
I let my mind drift back to one of my last conversations with Father. We stood on the balcony, looking out over the city lights below. He put his hand on my shoulder.
"My son," he said gruffly, "I know you care for what we do here. But business will come and go. A woman, a child - that is forever. Do not let your judgment be clouded."
I shook my head firmly. "I don't want to marry, father."
Father scoffed. "Don't want to marry? You are still young and impulsive. There will be a perfect woman someday."
"No," I insisted. "Not for me."
We argued for a while. But finally, I said, "I cannot suppress how I feel. About the solitary future I see. You must understand."
Father stared at me silently for a long moment. Then he nodded once and left without another word.
I knew he disapproved. But it did not matter. My path was clear.
Now, if I could go back in time, how I would have loved to have told him that he was right. That I can no longer imagine life alone. I am just grateful that he was spared long enough to meet Tatiana still and hear her sing.
Unable to sleep, I quietly slip out of bed. With my bare feet, I walk across the cold floor. From the locker, I retrieve thering box. Inside glitters the five-carat pink diamond engagement ring. I imagine the joy on Tatiana's face when I present it to her.
This ring, which my father had once upon a time bought for my mother from a Sheikh in Abu Dhabi, will signal our new life together.
Nervously I carry the ring box back to the bedroom. I am afraid that the timing is wrong. Am I putting her under pressure, given the news she just shared?
Yet, I’ve wanted to do this for quite a while now, and in my heart, I know that she loves me. How can I forget her declaration when she told Martin so in as many words?
My doubts fade away as her face comes to mind. In my underground casino, with her eyes wide open, she motioned at me and told Martin, "But I love him, Martin."
She loves me. I love her. We're going to share a child. This is the right thing to do, the instinctive thing to do, the thing my blood is pounding to do.
Tatiana is still fast asleep. Moonlight filters in through the curtains, illuminating her peaceful features. She’s so beautiful lying there that it almost takes my breath away.
I set the ring box down and slid back under the covers beside her. She stirs slightly and mumbles something unintelligible before settling again. I brush a strand of hair from her face and kiss her forehead lightly.
"Soon, my love," I whisper. "This is only the beginning for us. Our lives are about to change forever."
She does not wake, but a slight smile touches her lips. My lips curve into a matching smile. Holding her close, I savor this quiet moment. The calm before the storm that will soon engulf us when news of our engagement spreads. I drift off, still holding her close, dreaming of the new day soon to dawn.
When the early morning sun glides in through the curtains, I gently unwrap myself from Tatiana's embrace, taking care not to disturb her. I pause for a moment, drinking in the sight of her serene beauty bathed in the soft dawn glow. A wave of emotion washes over me, and I realize that within hours, she could be my fiancé.
The word is delectable, delicious.
Quietly, I make my way to the kitchen and begin preparing a lavish breakfast spread for my sleeping beauty. Freshly squeezed orange juice, fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, crispy bacon, sliced fruit and piping hot tea. I arrange everything on a large silver tray, adding a single red rose in a small vase.
Next, I open the velvet box containing the dazzling five-carat pink diamond ring. The early morning light catches the facets, making it sparkle brilliantly. A small smile tugs at my lips as I imagine sliding it onto Tatiana's finger. I place the open ring box delicately atop the breakfast tray.
Tray in hand, I tiptoe back to the bedroom. Tatiana is still fast asleep, hair fanned out across the pillow. My heart swells, gazing at her peaceful beauty. I set the tray down and perched on the edge of the bed. Leaning down, I place a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Buongiorno, amore mio," – Good morning, my love – I whisper. "Ho una sorpresa per te,"– I have a surprise for you.
Her eyes flutter open and widen in delight and surprise. "What's all this?" she asks. I lean over and make her a plate.
She accepts the plate with gratitude and reaches for a slice of juicy watermelon. Her fingers brush against the velvet box nestled amongst the food. Her hand freezes mid-air, her gaze fixated on the box.
With bated breath, I watch as Tatiana delicately picks up the box, her eyes filled with curiosity. Her fingers glide over the smooth velvet surface, tracing the exquisite pattern etched into it. The room feels suspended in time as she slowly opens the box.
Tatiana's eyes go wide at the sight of the extravagant pink diamond ring. "Philippe, what is this?" she asks, her voice filled with delight.
