Chapter 10 - A Beautiful Sunrise
That evening, Leo took Bella down to the private beach below the estate's cliffs. The storm clouds that had dominated the city for months had completely vanished, replaced by a breathtaking, clear twilight sky filled with millions of sparkling stars. The gentle waves lapped softly against the white sand.
A small path of glowing lanterns led to a beautifully set table with a single plate of fresh lemon ricotta cake in the center.
Bella laughed, turning to look at Leo, who was dressed in a simple, casual linen shirt and trousers, looking relaxed and incredibly handsome. "Did you bake this yourself?"
"I had some help from the chef, but I did the zesting," Leo admitted with a soft laugh. He took her hands, his eyes reflecting the soft light of the lanterns.
The playful demeanor faded, replaced by a profound, intense gravity that made Bella's breath hitch. Leo reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. He opened it to reveal a magnificent, vintage ring made of platinum, set with a flawless, brilliant-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of tiny, rare pink sapphires.
"Bella, my life was nothing but darkness and survival before I met you," Leo said, his voice dropping to a tender, emotional whisper. "You showed me that the world still has kindness, purity, and hope. You didn't care about my money, my power, or my name. You just cared about a lonely old woman in the rain, and then you cared about a broken man in a dark study."
He dropped to one knee on the soft sand, looking up at her with his whole soul in his eyes. "I promise to spend the rest of my life protecting your smile, your kindness, and your dreams. I will tear down the world before I let anything hurt you again. Bella Marino, will you marry me and become the true queen of my heart?"
Tears of pure happiness streamed down Bella’s face. She didn't hesitate for a single second. She threw herself into his arms, sending both of them tumbling onto the warm sand as she kissed him fiercely.
"Yes! Yes, Leo! A thousand times yes!" she cried through her laughter.
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Leo slid the ring onto her finger, holding her close as the sound of distant applause echoed from the top of the cliff—where Francesca, Marco, and the other bodyguards were watching with bright smiles.
The poor café girl who had simply stopped to pick up falling oranges had found her fortress, her family, and a love that would protect her for eternity. As the sun began to rise over the peaceful ocean, casting a brilliant orange glow across the horizon, Bella knew her storm had finally cleared, leaving behind a beautiful, endless dawn.
