DARK SEDUCTION

Chapter 70

Then he did something most astonishing. With a small velvet case in his hand, he went down on one knee, his eyes fixed on hers with an intensity that made her heart race. The bustling hall, filled with their friends and colleagues, seemed to fade away as he spoke the words she never imagined would be directed at her.

"Anna Roberts," Max began, his voice steady yet soft, "will you be my wife?"

Anna stood there, completely stunned. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, swirling between disbelief and overwhelming joy. For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. The music, the chatter, the clinking glasses—all of it became background noise to the symphony of her thudding heart.

Her eyes filled with tears, a few spilling over her cheeks as the reality of the moment set in. "Yes," she whispered at first, her voice barely audible as her lips trembled. Then, louder, more certain, "Yes, Max, I will marry you."

A collective gasp swept through the room, followed by an eruption of cheers and applause. Max slipped the ring onto her finger—a delicate band with a brilliant diamond that sparkled like the love in his eyes. They stood, enveloped in a bubble of bliss, oblivious to everything but each other. When their lips met in a kiss to seal the promise, it felt as though the world had conspired to bring them to this very moment.

The celebration that followed was nothing short of a fairy tale. The entire hall was caught up in the joy of their engagement. Champagne flowed freely, and the music shifted to a lively tune that beckoned everyone to the dance floor. Max held Anna close, guiding her effortlessly across the polished wood. They moved as one, a perfect harmony of steps, spins, and dips, all while never taking their eyes off each other.

Emma watched from the sidelines, her heart swelling with happiness for her best friend. Everything had worked out perfectly, even better than she could have ever imagined. She turned to look at Henry, who was grinning as he watched the newly engaged couple twirl around the dance floor. The old saying, that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but time and chance happen to them all, echoed in her mind. Life had a way of surprising you when you least expected it.

Who would have thought Anna would be the first to get engaged? The thought lingered as she turned back to Henry, only to find him holding out a small box.

"What's this?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Henry smiled, his expression softening as he watched her. "Open it and see."

Emma's heart skipped a beat as she took the box from him. She knew how much she loved chocolates, and Henry, being the thoughtful man he was, had never failed to indulge her sweet tooth. She opened the box eagerly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her favorite treats nestled inside. Without hesitation, she picked up the first piece and savored its rich flavor. But as she reached for a second, her teeth hit something solid. Confused, she carefully pulled the object from her mouth.

Her breath caught as she stared at the small, sparkling ring now sitting in the palm of her hand. It was simple, elegant, and utterly beautiful. She looked up at Henry, her eyes wide with shock.

He took a deep breath, stepping closer to her. "Emma," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "We've been through so much together, and I can't imagine my life without you. I want to spend the rest of my days making you as happy as you've made me. Will you marry me?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at him, the man who had been her rock, her best friend, and now her future. "Yes, yes!" she cried, unable to contain her joy. She threw her arms around him, nearly knocking him over in the process.

Henry wasn't expecting the full force of her enthusiasm and stumbled backward, losing his balance. They both went down in a heap on the floor, with Emma landing on top of him. Laughter bubbled out of her as she looked down at his dazed expression, her heart soaring with happiness.