Page 109 of From Rivals to I Do

The air is filled with the savory aroma of fried chicken and salad, mingling with the comforting scent of cheesecake and barbecued ribs.

Soft laughter and conversation fill the space. The room is tastefully decorated with photographs. Pictures of my father. None of us would have ever thought that we would honor my father this way. We all probably had a change of heart because of the good his death did—bringing us together, and leaving us with his hard-earned fortune.

Alex, our energetic little dynamo, has already made friends with the other children at the party. Their laughter and play add a youthful vitality to the atmosphere.

After a while of exchanging pleasantries, I walk up to Amber. She’s in an elegant, yet understated, blue dress. Her hair is tied up in a bun and she moves gracefully through the room. She turns to look at me and I give her a wink, then I take a glass and clink it with my key.

Everyone turns to me, and I raise my glass, asking everyone to cheer for my father.

“Also, I have something else to say.” Everywhere gets quiet and I continue. “So, over the years, I’ve struggled with turmoil in my heart. I’ve caged it in and channeled my pains into several things. I had been scarred for a long time. But then someone came into my life. And she came in with light. And just within a few months, I’m a totally different man.”

I turn to look at Amber, who’s staring at me, probably wondering what will happen next.

Chapter twenty

Chapter Twenty

Amid the mingling voices and laughter in the party hall, I find myself drawn into Derrick’s storytelling. His words are like an anchor, grounding me in the present moment, even as I reflect on the incredible journey we’ve taken together.

Suddenly, my focus sharpens as I realize Derrick is walking toward me. My heart quickens, and I’m caught between anticipation and curiosity. What is happening? I wonder. But nothing could have prepared me for the unexpected turn of events.

In the midst of the crowd’s increasing cheers and the excited jumping of Alex, Derrick drops down on one knee. A gasp escapes my lips, and I feel my cheeks flush with surprise and disbelief. I instinctively bring my hands to my mouth as my eyes widen.

Derrick’s voice breaks through the hushed and expectant room. “Amber,” he begins, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends my heart racing, “will you marry me?”

The world seems to pause for an eternal moment, and all I can hear is the sound of my own heartbeat. The question hangs in the air, leaving me breathless and filled with emotions. This is not how I had imagined this night. Not in the slightest.

With a rush of conflicting feelings, I turn away briefly, seeking a moment to collect my thoughts. What should I do? What do I feel? The room is filled with quiet tension as I turn back to Derrick, and I see the vulnerability in his eyes.

Holding his cheeks gently, I offer a trembling smile. “Thank you for everything,” I say with heartfelt gratitude. I watch as his shoulders tense ever so slightly, awaiting my response.

Then, I extend my hand toward him, nodding silently in affirmation. Derrick, his eyes shimmering with hope and anticipation, slips the ring off his fingers into mine. The delicate glint of the diamond captures the room’s warm light, and I feel a rush of love and gratitude for this man who has become such an essential part of my life.

*****

Amid the excitement and celebrations that follow Derrick’s unexpected proposal, friends and family shower us with congratulations and well-wishes. The party continues to be a lively affair, with laughter and music filling the air, and it feels like the perfect culmination of the day.

I’m in the midst of a heartwarming conversation with an elderly lady who came to extend her blessings. Just as soon as she walks off, I hear a voice from behind me. It carries a tone of sincerity and affection that’s familiar.

“Congratulations, Amber.”

I turn, my eyes widening in disbelief, and there she stands: my mother, dressed beautifully and beaming with a radiant smile. I can’t help but stare, feeling like I’m in a dream. My mouth opens, but no words escape. I’m shocked, surprised, and overwhelmed with a jumble of emotions.

Before I can even utter a question or reach out to her, my mother envelops me in a tight, heartfelt hug. Her embrace is so warm, so full of love and regret, that I can’t help but hold her back, my eyes welling up with tears.

She releases me and steps back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. With a shaky breath, she admits, “I’m so sorry, Amber. I don’t even know where to start, but I’m so, so sorry.”

A thousand questions and emotions are swirling within me, but the simple words of apology from my mother cut through all the confusion. I know there is much to be said, many questions to be answered, and numerous emotions to be processed.

My mother’s presence alone is overwhelming, and her apology touches my heart deeply. I can’t hold back my own tears as I whisper, “Mom.”

“How did, how. . . how did you get here?” I ask.

Just then, Derrick approaches us with a sense of satisfaction, and a triumphant smile. “The duchess is confused,” he says. He goes ahead to chuckle, a hint of mischief in his eyes, and announces, “Well, I pulled it off.”

“Oh, this man!” I exclaim with a mixture of amusement and affection. “How did you. . .”

“I know my ways,” he announces, still smiling.

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