Chapter 9 - Vincent Finally Asked Instead of Ordered
Vincent proposed on a rainy evening.
Of course it rained.
Mave accused him of arranging the weather.
He denied having that level of corruption remaining.
They stood outside the old Plaza Hotel after a charity dinner.
Same entrance.
Same city lights.
Years earlier, he had said:
Take my arm.
Now he held out his hand.
“May I?”
Mave smiled.
“You’re asking?”
“I’ve evolved.”
“Barely.”
She placed her hand in his.
They walked beneath the awning.
No gray sedan.
No assassins.
No shadow network.
Just rain.
Then Vincent stopped.
“Mave.”
She turned.
He took out a ring.
Simple.
Elegant.
Not absurdly large.
She raised an eyebrow.
“Who helped you?”
“Leo.”
“That explains the restraint.”
Vincent looked offended.
Then became serious.
“I spent most of my life thinking love was another word for leverage.”
Mave’s throat tightened.
“My father taught me that everyone close enough to touch you was close enough to betray you.”
Rain struck the pavement.
“You taught me something else.”
“What?”
“That protecting someone doesn’t mean owning their choices.”
Her eyes filled.
Vincent held the ring.
“So I’m not ordering you.”
“Good.”
“I’m asking.”
He took a breath.
“Will you marry me?”
Mave smiled.
“Yes.”
May you like
For once, Vincent Costa received exactly what he wanted without commanding anyone.
He later admitted it felt better.
