Put Me in Jail and He Came Begging

Chapter 28: Proposal

The night was calm, the stars glittering in the velvet sky like scattered diamonds. Leonardo had always believed that such nights held a certain magic, a sense of possibility that seemed to linger in the air. As he stood on the balcony of his penthouse, overlooking the city that never slept, he felt a nervous excitement bubbling within him. Tonight was the night he would propose to Alina.

Their journey had been tumultuous, marked by betrayal, heartache, and ultimately, redemption. Alina had emerged from her struggles stronger, more determined, and undeniably captivating. Her resilience had not only won Leonardo's respect but had also deepened his love for her. She was no longer the timid woman haunted by her past; she was a formidable force, a partner who matched his strength and passion.

Leonardo had spent weeks planning the perfect proposal. It had to be special, a moment that would reflect their unique bond and the trials they had overcome together. He wanted every detail to be flawless, from the setting to the words he would speak. He had arranged for a private dinner on the rooftop of his skyscraper, a secluded paradise adorned with fairy lights and elegant floral arrangements.

As he adjusted his suit and took a deep breath, his thoughts drifted to Alina. She was downstairs, getting ready in the suite he had reserved for her. He imagined her standing in front of the mirror, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She had no idea what was about to happen, and the thought filled him with a thrilling sense of anticipation.

Downstairs, Alina was indeed preparing for what she believed to be a simple, romantic dinner. She had chosen a deep red dress that accentuated her curves and brought out the warmth in her complexion. As she applied the finishing touches to her makeup, her mind wandered to Leonardo. He had been acting mysterious all day, his usual confidence tinged with an endearing nervousness. She smiled to herself, wondering what he had planned.

When she was finally ready, she took a moment to look at her reflection. She hardly recognized the woman staring back at her. Gone was the girl who had once been broken by love and betrayal. In her place stood a woman who had fought for her happiness, who had learned to value herself and the love she deserved. She owed much of her transformation to Leonardo, but she also knew that the strength had always been within her, waiting to be unleashed.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She opened it to find Leonardo standing there, his expression a mix of awe and admiration. "You look breathtaking," he said, his voice filled with genuine emotion.

Alina blushed, her heart fluttering at the intensity of his gaze. "Thank you," she replied softly. "You look quite handsome yourself."

Leonardo offered his arm, and she took it, feeling a rush of warmth at the contact. He led her to the elevator, which whisked them up to the rooftop. As the doors opened, Alina gasped at the sight before her. The rooftop had been transformed into a fairy-tale setting, with twinkling lights, fragrant blooms, and a table set for two under a canopy of stars.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Not as beautiful as you," Leonardo replied, leading her to the table. He pulled out her chair and waited until she was seated before taking his place across from her.

They enjoyed a sumptuous meal, the conversation flowing easily between them. Leonardo had arranged for a string quartet to play softly in the background, their melodies weaving a romantic tapestry around the couple. As the evening progressed, Alina felt a growing sense of anticipation. There was something in Leonardo's eyes, a spark that hinted at something more than just a dinner.

Finally, as dessert was being served, Leonardo took a deep breath and reached across the table to take Alina's hand. "Alina," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "there's something I need to tell you."