Chapter 10 - THE PROMISE AT DAWN
Six months later, the spring sun bathed Blackwood Estate in warm, radiant light. The gardens, once rigid and imposing, were now blooming with wild roses and lavender, designed under Ivy's direction to welcome underprivileged children and scholarship recipients every weekend.
Ivy stood on the balcony overlooking the grounds, holding the finalized deed for the Thomas Lancaster Research Center—a state-of-the-art medical institute fully funded by the merged Blackwood-Lancaster Foundation.
A pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped gently around her waist from behind. Ronan rested his chin against her shoulder, breathing in the scent of jasmine in her hair.
"The board approved the free cancer therapy distribution program this morning," Ronan whispered, his tone filled with boundless pride. "Your father's life's work will save millions of lives, Ivy."
Ivy turned in his embrace, placing her hands on his chest. "We did it together, Ronan."
Ronan looked into her eyes with an intensity that took her breath away. "When you first worked in this house, people saw only your uniform. But from the moment I saw you protect that frightened child in the ballroom, I knew you were the strongest person I had ever met."
He stepped back and slowly dropped to one knee on the sunlit stone terrace.
From his pocket, he drew a velvet box. Inside rested a magnificent ring—not the cold, ostentatious diamond he had once given to Vivian, but a brilliant sapphire set in intertwined platinum bands, symbolizing strength, loyalty, and enduring love.
"Ivy Lancaster, you taught me what true nobility means," Ronan said, his voice rich with emotion. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, my partner, and the queen of my heart?"
Tears of pure happiness glistened in Ivy’s eyes. A radiant smile touched her lips as she nodded.
"Yes, Ronan. With all my heart, yes."
May you like
Ronan slid the ring onto her finger, rose to his feet, and pulled her into a passionate, long-awaited kiss as the morning breeze carried the sweet fragrance of blossoms across the estate.
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