Page 93 of Use Me, Daddy

It was perfect, everything I knew she would love.

She turned to me, her expression soft.

“This place is beautiful,” she said.

“It reminded me of you,” I replied, guiding her toward the private room I’d reserved.

Her cheeks flushed as she let me lead her through the restaurant. When we reached the door to the private room, I paused, turning to her.

“Close your eyes,” I said.

She raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement. “Really?”

“Trust me, baby girl.”

She sighed but complied, closing her eyes as I opened the door and led her inside. The moment we stepped into the room, I felt my chest tighten. The painting hung on the far wall, illuminated by soft lighting that highlighted every detail. The colors seemed to glow, the brushstrokes capturing the warmth and strength I saw in her every day.

“All right,” I murmured. “You can open them.”

Amy’s eyes fluttered open, and I watched as they widened, her lips parting slightly in surprise. She stepped forward, her gaze locked on the painting.

“Aleksei,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Is that…?”

“It’s you,” I said, stepping up behind her. “Exactly as I see you. Strong. Beautiful. Unstoppable.”

She turned to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “You did this?”

I nodded, reaching into my pocket, and pulling out the small velvet box.

“It wasn’t enough,” I said softly. “Not for you.”

Her breath hitched as I dropped to one knee, the box opening to reveal the ring inside—a delicate design, elegant but understated, with a single brilliant round cut diamond at its center.

“Amy,” I began, my voice steady, but my chest felt tight with emotion. “From the moment you walked into my gallery, I knew you were different. You challenged me, fought me, and made me a better man without even realizing it. You’ve shown me what it means to trust, to love, and to give myself completely to someone.”

Her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide as she stared down at me.

“I don’t want to spend another day without you by my side,” I continued. “I don’t want to face another challenge without knowing you’re there, not just as my partner, but as my equal. My wife. My queen.”

I felt my throat tighten as I said the words I’d been holding back for so long.

“Marry me, Amy,” I said, my voice breaking slightly. “Be mine forever.”

For a moment, the room was silent except for the soft music playing in the background. Then she dropped to her knees in front of me, her hands cupping my face as she nodded.

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Yes, Aleksei. I’ll marry you.”

Relief and joy surged through me as I slipped the ring onto her finger, the flawless diamond glinting in the low light. I pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly as she laughed, her body warm and soft against mine.

“You’re mine now,” I murmured, my lips brushing her ear.

“I’ve always been yours, my Daddy,” she whispered back, her voice full of emotion.

And in that moment, I knew this was the start of everything.

Together, we could face anything.

Forever.

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