His name was Nathaniel

106

The next few years passed in a blur—challenging, exhausting, but also deeply fulfilling.

Adaliya graduated with top honors, stepping into the workforce with the same determination that had always defined her. She climbed the corporate ladder, proving herself in an industry that wasn't always welcoming to women like her. But she never let the challenges deter her. Step by step, promotion by promotion, she built the career she had always dreamed of.

Nathaniel, on the other hand, took on a battle of his own.

Edward Donovan finally stepped down from the company, and the weight of the family empire officially fell onto Nathaniel's shoulders. The transition wasn't easy, but under his leadership, Donovan Enterprises thrived. He made bold, strategic decisions, expanding their reach globally. Investors trusted him, the media admired him, and competitors feared him. The business world saw a powerful, composed CEO. But behind closed doors, Nathaniel still carried the remnants of his past—his father's expectations, the pressure of the Donovan legacy, and a lingering fear he never voiced out loud.

Through all of it, Nathaniel and Adaliya stayed by each other's sides.

They traveled often, making memories across different countries. A weekend in Paris. A month in Tokyo. Spontaneous trips to the Caribbean, where they could escape from the world and just be. Nathaniel always made sure to spoil her, and Adaliya, despite her initial protests, secretly loved it. They moved around a lot—sometimes for work, sometimes for a change of scenery—but no matter where they went, they always found their way back to each other.

And then, one evening, in the city where it all began, Nathaniel finally made the decision he had been holding onto for years.

They were in their private villa overlooking the lake. The sun had set, leaving behind a soft, golden glow on the horizon. Adaliya stood on the balcony, arms resting against the railing as she took in the peaceful view. Nathaniel had been quiet all evening, something she had noticed but hadn't questioned yet.

When she turned around, he was there, standing a few feet away, hands tucked into his pockets.

"Nathaniel?" she called, tilting her head.

He took a breath. Then, slowly, he walked toward her.

"I've been thinking about this moment for a long time," he admitted, stopping just in front of her. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it—something deeper, something vulnerable.

Adaliya frowned slightly. "What are you talking about?"

Nathaniel pulled his hand out of his pocket.

And then, he got down on one knee.

Adaliya's breath caught in her throat.

"I never needed a timeline to know that I wanted to spend my life with you," he said softly. "And I know we've spent years making sure this happens at the right time, in the right way. But Adaliya..." His fingers tightened around the small velvet box in his hand. "I don't want to wait anymore."

He opened the box, revealing a ring—simple, elegant, but breathtakingly beautiful.

Adaliya's eyes welled up instantly.

Nathaniel's lips twitched into a small, nervous smile. "Saying no is not an option, by the way."

Adaliya let out a shaky laugh, covering her mouth with her hands. Her heart pounded as she stared at him, at the man she had loved for so long. The boy who had once been trapped under his father's control was now here, kneeling before her, choosing her—always choosing her.

She lowered her hands, exhaling shakily.

"Yes," she whispered.

Nathaniel stilled. "Yes?"

"Yes," she repeated, a tear slipping down her cheek. "A hundred times yes."

A breath of relief left him, and in one swift motion, he slipped the ring onto her finger before pulling her into his arms.

The years of waiting, the fights, the struggles—it had all led to this moment.

And it had been worth every second.

A/N: yeah u guessed right honey, the book is slowly coming to an end😭 but dw this ain't the last chapter yet