Chapter 9 - A New Declaration
"Change how?" Grace asked, setting her tea cup down.
Adrian reached across the sheets, placing his broad hand over Grace’s fingers. His skin was warm, firm, and steady.
"For three years, Grace," Adrian said gently, "you’ve lived in the east wing of my main estate as my housekeeper. You cleaned my house, managed my staff, and raised Lily in the shadows of my world."
He looked toward Lily, who was busy playing with the silver rabbit necklace around her neck.
"Last night," Adrian continued, "your daughter saved my life. And on that causeway, when I thought I might lose both of you, I realized something I should have told you two years ago."
Grace’s breath caught in her throat. "Adrian..."
"I don't want you to be my housekeeper anymore, Grace," Adrian said, his dark eyes fixed on hers with complete honesty. "I want you to be my partner. I want you and Lily to be my family—officially, legally, and permanently."
Grace stared at him, tears welling up in her eyes. "Adrian... your world is dangerous. You saw what happened last night."
"My world is dangerous because I fought it alone," Adrian replied softly. "With you by my side, Grace, this empire isn't just about territory or money anymore. It's about protecting our home."
He pulled a small velvet ring box from beneath his pillow—a ring he had carried in his desk for six months, waiting for the right moment. He opened it, revealing a magnificent oval-cut diamond set in platinum.
"Grace Miller," Adrian said, his voice deep and sincere. "Will you marry me?"
Grace looked from the gleaming diamond to Adrian’s dark, hopeful eyes. She thought about the man who had fed her when she was starving, the man who had protected her daughter with his life, the man who had fought through bullet wounds and fire just to keep them safe.
She smiled, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.
"Yes," Grace whispered, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. "Yes, Adrian. Of course."
Lily clapped her small hands together happily, wriggling up between them on the bed.
"Does this mean Uncle Adrian is my daddy now?" Lily asked, looking up at them with big, innocent eyes.
May you like
Adrian picked up the little girl with his uninjured arm, pulling her close against his chest as Grace leaned into his side.
"Yes, little rabbit," Adrian whispered, kissing the top of her head. "I'm your daddy now. And nobody is ever going to change that."
