Marry Me.

Chapter Seven.

The day before our long-awaited wedding, I found myself standing at a crossroads. The mansion was abuzz with activity—servants and maids scurrying around, preparing for the grand event. However, instead of immersing myself in the typical wedding preparations, I made a decision that defied convention. A decision that held the potential to either tear us apart or salvage our love.

I had given Nolan a final opportunity to prove his commitment, to demonstrate that he was ready to fight for our love. The stakes were high, and the path ahead uncertain, yet I couldn't ignore the profound connection that bound us. And so, on this day, we embarked on a date that would be the ultimate litmus test of our love and our resolve.

As Nolan arrived at the Laurier mansion, his face carried a mix of nerves and determination. I observed him closely, searching for the authenticity in his gaze, the glimmer of hope that would guide us. I had been clear—this was our make-or-break moment.

We stepped into the waiting car, and my heart fluttered with a blend of excitement and apprehension. I had no idea where Nolan was taking me, but I trusted that this date would reveal the depth of his devotion and his capacity to change.

The car carried us through the bustling city, eventually coming to a stop in front of an intimate, softly lit restaurant. Stepping inside, I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. The ambiance was perfect—an oasis of serenity amidst the chaos of our lives.

We settled into a cozy corner booth, our eyes locked in a silent exchange of emotions. The air was thick with unspoken words, and my determination solidified. This date would be our chance to rediscover each other, to delve into the recesses of our love free from the constraints of duty and expectation.

As we perused the menu, our conversation flowed effortlessly. Nolan bared his dreams and vulnerabilities, opening himself up to me. In turn, I spoke of my desires and fears, feeling the walls around my heart begin to crumble in the presence of his sincerity.

With each passing moment, I felt myself falling deeper, losing myself in the warmth of Nolan's gaze, the gentle touch of his hand in mine. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us dancing in an intimate, unspoken conversation of rediscovery.

As the evening unfolded, we swayed to the soft melodies that surrounded us. Nolan's touch was tender yet laced with a fervour that mirrored my own yearnings. Our bodies moved in perfect harmony, a dance that spoke volumes in the silence.

At that moment, amid the soft candlelight, I recognized the extent of Nolan's transformation. The coldness he had once exuded had given way to a fiery passion I had longed for. He had changed, evolved, and become the man I had hoped he could be.

As the night deepened, Nolan leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear. "Daphne, I love you beyond words," he whispered, his voice brimming with sincerity. "I'll spend my life making amends for the pain I've caused. Please, give me the chance to be the man you deserve."

His words ignited a fire within me, sending shivers down my spine. In that instant, I knew our love was worth the fight, that the path we were forging was the one our hearts truly desired.

With a resolute nod, I took Nolan's hand, leading him out of the restaurant and into the waiting car. The destination hardly mattered—it was the journey that counted, the shared future we were building.

As we returned to the Laurier mansion, a renewed sense of purpose washed over me. Wedding preparations took a backseat to the revival of our love. Dresses and tuxes could wait, for our union was being reconstructed on a foundation of trust, ardour, and unwavering commitment.

Turning to Nolan, my eyes reflected both desire and tenderness. "Tomorrow, as we stand before our loved ones, let's remember this night," I whispered. "Let's remember the redemption we found in each other's arms."

Nolan nodded, determination clear in his eyes. "I promise to spend my days showing you the depth of my love and proving the worthiness of the trust you've given me."