Page 303 of The Devil's Fire

A hush settled over us as Damiano released his arms from around me. I turned, wondering why he had gone quiet, only for my heart to thump faster.

There, before me, Damiano knelt on one knee, a box clasped in his hands. His eyes, brimming with an abundance of affection, met mine.

The world stood still, encapsulated by this moment.

ninety-six

Althaia

Damiano’s beautiful smile illuminated his face, his golden-brown eyes sparkling with boundless affection.

“Althaia, your presence in my life has touched me on a level that words alone cannot capture. It’s more than you may ever realize. The first time I saw you, you took my breath away. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and that sentiment hasn’t changed; every time I look at you, I’m captivated and hypnotized by your beautiful green eyes.”

Tears welled up in my eyes. I was stunned and speechless, hardly able to believe that this was happening.

“You, my love, are and forever will be the most enchanting woman my eyes have laid upon. You, my love, are the fire who warms the coldest corners of my soul. You, my love, are the very heartbeat of my soul, the melody in every breath I take. Althaia, will you marry me?”

My heart raced uncontrollably, and tears streamed down my face.

There was no one else I would rather be with.

There was no one else I would choose to share my life with.

He showed me the true essence of love, and in his arms, I found my place where I truly belonged.

“Yes…” I breathed out in a whisper. “Yes, yes, yes!” I exclaimed, leaping forward and wrapping my arms around his neck. Damiano, caught off guard, laughed as we tumbled, with me ending up on top of him.

I looked into his alluring golden-brown eyes as I placed my hands on either side of his face, gently caressing his stubbly cheeks.

“You will marry me, piccola?” He asked once more.

“Of course, I will marry you. I don’t want to spend my life with anyone else but you.” I whispered.

Damiano responded with a breathtaking smile, placing a hand behind my neck until our lips met in a kiss that made my heart flutter and my body tingle.

The way his lips met mine was a symphony of sweetness and passion, an intensity that lifted me higher and higher, as if I were soaring through the air with the hum of the world around us. In his arms, I held him closer, surrendering completely to the perfection of this moment, melting into the embrace that felt like an exquisite dance of souls.

“I love you. Words alone can never express just how much.” I told him, struggling to hold back tears.

“And I love you, my Althaia.” The softness in his eyes, brimming with affection, brought fresh tears to my eyes. “Don’t cry.” Damiano chuckled, sitting up with me straddling his lap.

“I can’t help it. It’s more than anything I could ever imagine.” I half-sobbed.

The moment felt like a magical dream; one I wish to never wake up from.

“I thought I would step up my game, and at least make sure you were dressed when I asked. Unlike last time.” He said, a playful glint in his eyes, earning a laugh from me.

“You did well.” I replied, sealing my words with a small, tender kiss.

“Here, let me see it on you.” Damiano reached for the ring box and opened it. My eyes widened in awe as I saw the extraordinary, yet exquisitely beautiful oval-shaped cushion diamond ring.

The centerpiece, an immense diamond, possessed a captivating brilliance that seemed to dance with the play of light; the band was adorned with a delicate row of meticulously set tiny diamonds, forming a sparkling halo.

Its breathtaking beauty left me speechless, and under the gentle glow of the lantern lights, the ring took on a truly magnificent allure.

“Damiano.” I gasped.

“Do you like it? I selected each diamond and had it handcrafted.”

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