Page 27 of Mafia Don's Twisted Union

“Mia,” I say, holding out a hand. “May I have a moment?”

She hesitates, glancing around the bustling terrace, but then she nods, slipping her hand into mine. “Of course.”

I lead her away from the crowd, toward the farthest edge of the terrace where the city stretches out in a glittering expanse below.The noise of the gala fades into the background, replaced by the soft murmur of the wind.

Mia pulls her hand back gently once we stop, her expression curious but cautious. “What’s this about?”

I turn to face her fully, the weight of the moment settling over me. “I wanted to speak with you. Alone. As I said earlier, I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Her brows knit together, but she nods. “Alright.”

I take a step closer, my voice quieter now. “This gala—it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your talent, your vision, your determination. You’ve done more than I ever imagined.”

Her cheeks flush slightly, and she looks down, clearly unaccustomed to the praise. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“It’s more than that,” I continue, my gaze steady on her. “You’ve earned my respect, Mia. My trust.”

Her hazel eyes lift to meet mine, and for a moment, the world seems to pause.

I take a breath, steadying the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. This isn’t how I pictured myself—a man known for control and strategy—standing here, vulnerable under the stars.

“Mia,” I say, her name carrying more weight than I intend. “I need you to understand something. This isn’t just about tonight. It’s not just about the gala.”

Her brows knit together, confusion flickering across her face. “What do you mean?”

I step closer, closing the space between us. Her eyes search mine, and I can see the mix of curiosity and wariness in their depths.

“You’ve become more than I expected,” I admit, my voice low. “You’re not just someone I respect professionally. You’ve shown me something I didn’t think I could have—trust. Admiration. A reason to believe in more than just business.”

Her lips part slightly, but no words come. I press on before the weight of my confession can stop me.

“When Bianca brought you into this world, I saw potential in you,” I continue. “But now… I see so much more. I see someone I want by my side, not just for this night, but for every night.”

Her breath catches, and I take the opportunity to reach into my jacket pocket. The small box feels heavier than it should as I pull it out and open it, revealing a gleaming diamond engagement ring that catches the light like a fragment of the city skyline.

Mia’s eyes widen, her hand flying to her mouth.

“Marry me,” I say, my voice steady but laced with vulnerability. “Not because it’s expected or about business. Marry me because I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

She stares at me, her chest rising and falling as if the words have knocked the wind out of her. For a long moment, she doesn’t say anything, her emotions flickering too quickly for me to decipher.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” she finally whispers, her voice trembling.

I take a step closer, my hand still holding the ring aloft. “Say yes, Mia. I know this is sudden, and I know it’s overwhelming. But trust me, just as I trust you.”

Her hazel eyes search mine, and I can see the turmoil in her expression. She’s weighing the enormity of the moment, the risks, the unknowns.

The quiet stretches on, the city lights sparkling around us like witnesses to this pivotal moment.

Mia takes a shaky breath, her gaze flickering between the ring and my face. Her lips part again, and for a moment, I brace myself for rejection.

“Yes,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The word hits me like a jolt of electricity. Relief, pride, and something deeper—something I don’t dare name—rush through me all at once. I take her hand, sliding the ring onto her finger with a precision that feels almost ceremonial.

The engagement ring glints in the moonlight, a stark contrast to her trembling hand. She looks at it, then at me, her expression a mix of wonder and disbelief.

“Yes,” she repeats, this time louder, as though she’s convincing herself.

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