Page 71 of The Bonus

“Ariana?” I call, confused. As I keep walking, more rose petals. “Ariana?” I turn the corner and see a huge love heart on the floor made of rose petals with flickering candles and music and Ariana is on one knee.

No.

“What…”

“I love you.” She smiles up at me. “I know you’re supposed to be the one to ask, but I can’t wait any longer.”

No.

“Sweetheart…I just.”

“Will you marry me, Gabriel?” she asks hopefully as she looks up at me.

My heart sinks. The very last thing I want to do is hurt this beautiful woman.

“I love you so much,” she whispers through tears. “Make me the happiest woman alive and become my husband.”

And this is it, the moment where I have to choose what I know is good for me. I drop to my knees in front of her, torn between begging for forgiveness that she has to put up with me and the need to run as far away as I physically can. “Yes.” I softly kiss her lips.

“Yes what?”

“Yes, I’ll marry you.”

10

Gabriel

Seven years to the day after Grace left Ferrara Media.

I glance up at the sign hanging over the door.

E L E V E N

M A D I S O N P A R K

I push through the door and walk right on in. “Good afternoon, Mr. Ferrara, your table is this way, sir.” The waiter nods with a smile.

“Thank you.” I follow him through the restaurant and see my brother Alessio sitting with my mother at her regular table by the window.

She breaks into a broad smile as she sees me.

“Mama.” I kiss her two cheeks.

“Ciao, mio caro Gabriel.” (“Hello, my darling Gabriel.”) She smiles.

“Ales.” I pat my brother on the shoulder before sitting at the table.

Alessio pours me a glass of wine and passes it over. “Glad you’re here, Mom can lecture you now.” He raises his wineglass before taking a huge gulp.

My eyes flick up to my mother. “Che succede, mamma? Qualcosa non va?” (“What’s wrong, Mama?”)

“He canceled his date with Arabella.” She scowls.

Alessio looks over at me, deadpan, and I chuckle.

“If you like Arabella so much, you should date her yourself,” he replies dryly.

“She is the ultimate woman,” she replies.

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