Chapter 246

“What do you have to say?” I leaned against the railing.

Christian reached for something behind his back and showed me a small red box while I was still confused about what was happening. Was he going to propose to me…again?

He opened the box, revealing a rose gold diamond ring that suited my taste.

Wasn’t this the part where he was supposed to get down on one knee?

“You should keep the one you have now because it meant a lot to my dad—but I also thought you should have something you like.”

“So you are asking me to marry you again?” I kept my hand to myself, unsure of what to do.

Christian, who didn’t miss my odd behavior, nodded.

“I can do the ‘going on my knees, I love you, you’re the only one for me’, crap again—but I don’t think you want to hear that.”

I didn’t. That would only be a waste of breath because the last time he said that, everything went downhill.

“I know you’ve been holding back on the wedding talks because you might think I’m not ready for this—but I am,” Christian spoke. “I do want to be with you, and I do not plan on leaving you ever.”

“Obviously.” I joked, flipping my hair. “There’s clearly no better option.”

“I’m glad we agree.” Christian told me. “I know I’m not perfect, and I know I suck at keeping my word—so I’ll be honest with you.”

“Yes?”

“Remember what I had once told you about changing the family business?”

“Yes.”

Christian took a breath as I anticipated his following words. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to do that.”

He spoke. “Although dad respected my decision, it’s not what he would’ve wanted.”

I appreciated his honesty. Regardless of him changing the business or not, the ties would always be there because I was an Alfonzo. I knew what I would be getting myself and my children into.

“I understand.” I was willing to sacrifice my freedom if that meant I got to spend the rest of my life with him.

“What I can promise you is that I won’t force our children to do something they don’t want to do, and I’ll let them decide for themselves.”

“I can live with that.” I nodded, thinking it would be for the best. Christian was born into this, forced into this—and I didn’t want the same for my babies. They should always be allowed to have a choice.

“Although I do hope Siena will be a successful businesswoman and a hotel owner,” I whispered my dream. Her having the opportunity and the resources to do something I never got to do was a gift and a privilege.

“I named a hotel after her and bragged to everyone about how amazing she’ll be. When it comes to Siena…I don’t really think she got a choice.” Christian joked.

“We’ll discuss that in the future, but for now—“ He pulled out the ring and grabbed my hand, smiling.

“Will you stay by my side, and will you still marry me?”

“Yes, I will!” I said, permitting him to slip the ring around my finger. “You won’t get rid of me that easily.”

“I know, and I’m glad,” Christian exhaled. I could sense there was more to come.

“So when do you want to get married?” He had finally dropped the bomb.

He was a person who didn’t like wasting time and felt the need to tie the knot. Christian would even do it today if it was capable.

I plucked up some courage, hoping my true feelings wouldn’t change the way he felt about me. “We should wait till after the pregnancy—and I believe we’re still in desperate need of therapy—so that’s something I want to look into.”

Christian raised a brow. “Is that still necessary?”

“Yes.”

He shifted uncomfortably. “Fine, sure. I get that.” He spoke, but deep down, I knew that was not the way he wanted it. I felt terrible for breaking his heart, but it would all be necessary for a long and healthy marriage, and in the end, it would all be worth it.

“But if we do not get married within three years, we’ll just run to Vegas and do it there.” I tried making him smile, not knowing it would backfire.

“Three years?” He spoke, quickly covering up his sad frown with a flirtatious smirk. “That works for me. I can wait a hundred years for you.”

“Stop being so corny.” My cheeks flushed, cringing at his words.

“It’s true, though.” He smiled sadly. “Are you…happy?”

“Of course I am.” I smacked his hand. I couldn’t believe he even dared to ask me that question. He hadn’t always been the best, and I wasn’t either—but we made it work.

We loved each other, and we loved Siena. In our own way, we were a perfect little family. Many disagreed with our relationship, but that didn’t changed our feelings towards each other.

“Thank you for everything.” I figured it was about time to show my appreciation for once. “You’ll make a good husband.”

“Then why won’t you marry me?”

“I will.” I whispered, glancing at the two diamond rings on my finger. “Eventually.”

“Well, don’t thank me for doing the bare minimum.” Christian was unable to meet my eyes. “I know I’m still lacking. You shouldn’t just say anything to please me.”

“I’m not.” I stepped aside, making him have no choice but to look at me. “I will marry you.”

“Are you sure?” Christian’s eyes lightened up. In his head, he must’ve thought he was the absolute worst. The same man that used to have the biggest ego and believed the world should bow down to him had lost his confidence.

Was it good?

Was it bad?

I couldn’t tell. Maybe a bit of both, but we would find out in the future.

“Positive.” I stated. “After I first moved in, you promised to take care of Siena and me, and I’ve never thanked you for that…so thank you.”

“For doing what I’m supposed to be doing?”

“No. For keeping your promise.”