Chapter 8
I sat on the edge of a massive four-poster bed,
staring blankly at the silk sheets.
The bedroom was bigger than my entire old apartment,
decorated in elegant shades of cream and gold.
Married.
Tomorrow.
The words echoed in my mind,
spinning endlessly like a broken record.
I had just signed divorce papers twenty-four hours ago,
and now I was engaged to a billionaire.
A soft knock on the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts,
and a maid entered quietly.
"Excuse me, ma'am,"
she said softly,
carrying a large velvet box.
"Mr. Blackwood asked me to deliver this to you."
She placed the box on the bed,
bowed gracefully,
and left the room without another word.
I reached out with trembling hands,
slowly lifting the lid of the box.
Inside sat a stunning diamond necklace,
flanked by matching earrings that sparkled fiercely.
Tucked beneath the jewelry was a small,
handwritten note on heavy cardstock.
"Wear these to dinner tonight,
I have something to ask you properly."
My heart did a strange flutter,
a feeling I had not experienced in years.
Nathan never bought me gifts,
he always claimed our money was tied up in investments.
Meanwhile,
he was buying designer bags for Chloe.
I pushed the bitter memories away,
focusing on the beautiful diamonds in front of me.
I walked into the adjoining bathroom,
which featured a massive marble tub overlooking the mountains.
After a long,
hot soak,
I slipped into a maternity dress that had been left in the closet.
It fit perfectly,
draping elegantly over my baby bump.
I fastened the diamond necklace around my neck,
feeling like a completely different woman.
When I walked down the grand staircase,
Lucian was waiting in the foyer.
He wore a dark tuxedo,
looking devastatingly handsome and dangerously powerful.
His eyes darkened as he looked up at me,
a possessive fire burning in his gaze.
"You look breathtaking,"
he murmured,
stepping forward to offer his arm.
"Thank you,"
I blushed,
placing my hand on his solid bicep.
He led me into a private dining room,
lit entirely by hundreds of flickering candles.
A romantic dinner for two was set,
complete with red roses and silver cloches.
He pulled out my chair,
waiting until I was seated before taking his own place.
"We need to discuss the details of tomorrow,"
he began,
pouring me a glass of sparkling water.
"It will be a private ceremony,
just a judge and my closest staff."
I nodded slowly,
tracing the rim of my glass.
"Are you sure about this, Lucian?
It is a huge commitment to make just to protect me."
He reached into his jacket,
pulling out a small velvet box.
He opened it,
revealing a ring with a diamond so large it caught every flicker of candlelight.
"It is not just for protection, Ava,"
May you like
he said softly,
"I have waited five years for this."
