Chapter 10 - A FORTRESS FOR THE INNOCENT
The transition from a housekeeper living in the basement to the lady of the estate was jarring, but Grace navigated it with a quiet, steely grace that earned her the absolute loyalty of the staff. The same maids and butlers who had once worked alongside her now treated her with deep respect, not because Nathaniel commanded it, but because she treated them with the kindness she had always craved.
Nathaniel proved to be a fiercely devoted father. He canceled international trips, moved his board meetings to the estate, and spent hours sitting on the floor of Lily's massive playroom, building blocks and drinking imaginary tea out of tiny plastic cups.
One evening, six months after the disastrous ballroom incident, Grace was sitting on the terrace overlooking the gardens. The sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant shades of gold and purple.
Nathaniel walked out, carrying two glasses of wine. He handed one to her and leaned against the stone balustrade.
"She's finally asleep," he chuckled, loosening his tie. "She demanded three bedtime stories tonight. She's a tyrant."
"She gets it from her father," Grace smiled, taking a sip of her wine.
Nathaniel looked at her, his expression turning serious, tender. "Are you happy, Grace? Truly? I know this world is overwhelming. I know I am overwhelming."
Grace put her glass down. She stepped closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest. She listened to the steady, strong beat of his heart.
"For the first time in my life, Nathaniel, I don't feel like I'm running," she whispered. "I'm not scared of the rent. I'm not scared of the cold. I'm not scared of powerful people. Because the most powerful man in the world loves us."
Nathaniel wrapped his arms tightly around her, burying his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of vanilla that had haunted his dreams for four years. "I do love you," he murmured fiercely. "More than my empire. More than my life."
He pulled back slightly, reaching into his pocket.
"Grace," he said, his voice dropping to a gravelly, emotional whisper. He dropped to one knee, right there on the stone terrace.
Grace gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
May you like
He pulled out a small velvet box and opened it, revealing a stunning, flawless diamond ring. "Four years ago, you saved me in the dark. Six months ago, you and Lily brought me into the light. Will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife? Will you be an Ashford?"
Tears streamed down Grace's face. "Yes," she choked out, nodding frantically. "Yes, Nathaniel. A thousand times, yes."
