Page 69 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

“This doesn’t compare to the magnificent sight before me. I can’t believe that I almost lost you because of my foolish decision. I wish never to have a repeat of that.” He leans close to me, his cologne filling my nostrils. I pull him closer by the collar, kissing him deeply.

“No, never.” I take a bite of the appetizer, bringing it to his mouth. He eats it, licking his lips with a glint in his eyes.

We dig into the meal, feeding each other while flirting. I have so much fun with him, and in no time, the sun has begun to set. However, what surprises me is that the golden tureen has been left untouched. “Let me.” he says, noticing my gaze. He rises from my side and places his hand on the cover.

With dramatic slowness, he takes the cover off the vessel. Under it is a beautiful small black box. He sets the cover aside, takes the box, and opens it. Inside is a ring with a diamond glittering in the center. I place a hand over my lips. He drips on one knee in front of me. My heart pounds. I can’t believe the scene in front of me, and my heart leaps with joy. The answer is already on my tongue, ready to ring out when he asks the question. Seeing him on his knees, so handsome and earnest, takes my breath away.

“Chasmin, my love. We’ve come this far. It’s funny to lookback on how our relationship had started: from just an intern you have become the woman you are right now. We’ve grown so much together. I can’t measure how hard and deep I have fallen for you. I want to have you in my life as my wife. I have no doubt in my mind about this. So, baby, will you marry me?”

“Yes, yes.” I say breathlessly, going to my knees. I wrap my hands around his neck, kissing him passionately. He tightens his arms around me, smiling into the kiss.

When I have my emotions under control, he puts the ring on for me. “This looks beautiful, baby. I can’t wait to be your wife for real.”

“We don’t have to wait too long. How does next week sound?”

“Are you Santa Claus? Because you’re making all my wishes come true.” I brush his cheeks with my fingers.

“I’m yours …your man. Your wish is my joy,” he says, kissing me tenderly.

Chapter 36

LANCE

Wereturnhomethatnight, Joy filling my heart. We seem to have rediscovered our love as we hold our hands and enter the house. Bringing her into the house seems like I’m returning a missing part of my heart. When we enter the house, I hear Eric shout as he runs down the stairs, heading to us with a huge grin on his face.

“Chasmin! Chasmin! I’ve missed you!” He jumps up and Chasmin catches him. She staggers back from his weight, yet she doesn’t let go of him. She hugs him, laughing.

“I’ve missed you too, Eric. I’m back now, and I’m going nowhere,” she says, looking at me meaningfully. I smile, hugging them both. I kiss Eric’s forehead and her cheeks.

“Yes, Son. We’re stronger than ever. We’re getting married,” I inform him. He takes his face from the crook of Chasmin’s neck. she sets him down, not able to support his weight any longer.

He stares up at us, wide-eyed. “Really? Where’s the ring? I want to see.”

“See, it’s quite beautiful.” she says, showing the ring to Eric. He marvels at it and giggles.

“I like it. Don’t leave us again, okay? Dad and I weren’t happy.”

“Neither was I while away. My heart and love will always be with you guys,” she replies, pinching his cheek. When the novelty of the moment passes, we go to the sitting room, regaling Eric with the tale of me proposing. He falls asleep in my arms after a while.

We retire to our rooms for the night. Chasmin joins me in bed and sidles up for a hug. “In a week, I’ll officially be called Mrs. Rosii. It seems so far away.”

I touch her hair, squeezing her gently. “Our dreams will come to fruition, baby. We’re going forward, and I’m never leaving you behind.” I can’t imagine a world without her. She reveals dimensions of my life that I never knew existed.

She rests her head on my chest, and we doze off. Tonight, I go to sleep easily, knowing I have her, and no threats are forthcoming. Two days later, it’s Christmas. As a family, we go visiting family and friends. We return home to a feast, the décor reflecting the festive atmosphere. We settle down and enjoy our meal.

We finish our meal, and the servers clear the table. Eric moves about in his seat, looking at the living room. “Dad, when can we open our gifts?”

“We’ll open some, come on.” I rise from my seat, taking Chasmin’s soft hand in mind. We head to the living room with Eric in tow, resisting the urge to run. We reach the white Christmas tree, shining in all its glory with the presents underneath. The curtains behind the trees are open so the windows can show the clear sky with bright stars twinkling in the sky.

We sit around the Christmas tree and pick out different presents. They are beautifully-wrapped gifts from my brothers, sister, and friends. Eric is satisfied with the gifts; however, I still have my personal presents left.

“Hold on, I have something for you guys.” I want to see the joy on their faces when they see the gifts. I step away, heading to my study to get the gifts I have prepared for them. When I return, I see Chasmin coming down the stairs with two parcels in her arms. She smiles, glancing at the gifts in my hands.

“Do you think we got similar gifts for each other?” I mock, as she steps beside me.

“I don’t think so. I have something special for you, my love,” she says with pride in her eyes. I wonder what she got me.

We get to the living room. Sitting around the grand table, I hand a box to Eric. He opens it slowly with a hopeful look on his face. His gift is a collar for a pet dog I got him. He’s been asking nonstop for a pet; I guess it’s time he had one. “Thank you, Dad, thank you so much. Where’s my doggie?” He’s on his feet, looking about. The nanny brings over a pure white puppy. He squeals in excitement and hugs the dog, naming it Surprise.

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