130

130
Chapter 130
The Proposal 

Katy walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder. “You will be okay, Cassy. You both will. You’ve already come this far.”

I smiled faintly. “Thank you, Katy.”

She grinned. “Now come on, let’s get you ready for lunch before your husband comes storming in here to carry you again.”

I laughed, covering my face. “He would, wouldn’t he?”

“Oh, he definitely would,” she said, laughing too.

As she finished the last touches on my hair, I caught her smiling at me through the mirror.

“What?” I asked, laughing.

“Nothing,” she said. “You just… look like a bride tonight.”

I looked down, smiling to myself.

“Maybe that’s because I finally feel like one,” I said softly.

Katy smiled and nodded slowly, her eyes warm as she looked at me.

“Thank you, Katy…” I said softly, holding her hands tight.

She smiled even wider, her eyes glistening a little. “You don’t have to thank me, Cassy. I’m just happy seeing you this way.”

I didn’t know what else to say, so I just pulled her into a hug. She hugged me back tightly, patting my back like an older sister would.

After a moment, I drew back, smiling. “Alright… time to go!” I said, trying to sound cheerful.

She grinned and followed me as we both stepped out of the room. My heart was calm yet expectant. I didn’t even know why, it was just this strange feeling in my chest.

When we got downstairs, I looked around the dining area. 

The table was empty, no food, no trays, no sign of anything being served. The room looked too quiet, almost suspiciously quiet.

“Where is Nikolas?” I asked, looking at the clock and then back at the doorway.

Dre was standing near the hallway, his hands clasped in front of him as usual, trying not to look suspicious but failing terribly.

I frowned a little. “Dre, where is Nikolas?”

He cleared his throat quickly, almost looking nervous. “Uh… Mr. Nikolas asked me to bring you to the lobby…”

“Lobby?” I repeated, blinking. “What lobby?”

“Well…” he said, scratching the back of his neck, “he’s waiting for you there. He said you’d understand.”

I looked around again, still puzzled. “I thought we were going to have lunch?”

“Yes, yes. You will,” Dre said quickly, nodding too many times. “It’s just… over there. He’s waiting.”

I narrowed my eyes a little at him. “You’re acting strange, Dre.”

He smiled awkwardly. “Me? No, not at all.”

Katy looked at me, biting her lower lip like she was holding back a laugh.

I sighed. “Okay then,” I said. “Let’s go.”

Dre exhaled in relief and gestured toward the hallway. I followed behind him, my heels clicking softly.

Katy followed quietly, but I noticed she had her phone out, trying to look casual.

We walked through the corridor that led to the main foyer. I thought maybe he had arranged the meal there or wanted to surprise me with something fancy. 

But when we reached the end of the hallway, I froze completely.

The entire place looked… magical.

The grand entrance was decorated with soft white and pink flowers, petals scattered all over the floor. There were candles glowing on both sides, forming a path that led to the center of the room. 

And right in the middle, standing in a black suit that fit him perfectly, was Nikolas.

On one knee.

Holding a small box.

For a few seconds, I couldn’t breathe. My hands flew to my mouth instantly.

“Nik…” I whispered, my voice trembling a little.

He smiled softly, his eyes locked on mine. There was something different in them, something deeper, gentler.

I took a step closer, my heart pounding like I had just run miles.

He looked so calm, so sure, yet I could see the slight tension in his jaw, the way his fingers gripped the velvet box a little tighter.

When I finally reached him, he looked up at me and spoke, his voice steady but full of emotion.

“I didn’t propose properly,” he said softly, his tone carrying that little bit of regret. “Everything happened so fast between us. So, I had to do this. To make it right.”

I stared at him, my heart melting with every word.

He continued, “Cassandra… from the first day I met you, my life changed. I didn’t even realize how much until the day I almost lost you. You’ve brought peace where I had chaos, and warmth where I had nothing but cold. So…”

He took a small breath, then looked straight into my eyes.

“Will you marry me, Cassy?”

My hand covered my mouth again as tears filled my eyes. 

I looked at Katy, who was standing at the far end of the doorway, her hands clasped tightly together. Her eyes were wide with excitement, and she mouthed, say yes!

I looked back at Nikolas. His eyes were glistening slightly too, though he was trying hard to hide it.

“Oh my God…” I whispered, my voice trembling.

He smiled faintly, still on his knee, waiting.

“Yes!” I said finally, my voice breaking with joy. “Yes! I’ll marry you!!”

He exhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing, and that smile, oh, that smile, lit up his whole face.

He stood up and took my hand gently, sliding the ring onto my finger.

The moment it touched my skin, I gasped.

“It’s a diamond ring!!” I said, my voice half shocked, half delighted.

I lifted my hand immediately, letting the light catch on the stone. It sparkled beautifully, almost blindingly, and I turned to show Katy.

“Look!” I called out, laughing through my tears. “It’s diamond!”

Katy rushed over at once, her eyes wide as she covered her mouth. “Oh my God, Cassy!! It’s beautiful!!”

I laughed and looked back at Nikolas. He was smiling at both of us, shaking his head slightly at Katy’s excitement.

Katy leaned close to me, whispering, “Do you know how expensive that is?”

I whispered back, “I don’t even want to think about it.”

Nikolas chuckled under his breath. “You two are unbelievable,” he said softly, though there was amusement in his tone.

Katy giggled and stepped back, giving us space.

Nikolas took my hands again, his thumb brushing over the ring. “It looks perfect on you,” he said quietly.

“It’s beautiful,” I said, looking at it, still unable to believe what just happened.

He smiled and leaned closer, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “Not as beautiful as you.”

My cheeks heated instantly, and I nudged him playfully. “Nik…”

Katy clapped her hands suddenly. “Wait, wait, wait! I need a picture!”

“Katy…” I started, but she was already pulling out her phone and directing us like a professional photographer.

“Okay, Cassy, stand still. Sir, hold her waist. Yes! Perfect!” she said, clicking away.

Nikolas looked down at me with a smirk. “Katy is worse than the paparazzi.”

I laughed. “I know.”

After a few more shots, Katy lowered her phone and sighed dramatically. “Okay, that’s enough. I think I just took the cover photo for your wedding invitation.”

Nikolas raised a brow. “Wedding invitation?”

Katy grinned mischievously. “Well, duh. We’re going to need one now.”

I covered my face, laughing. “Katy?!”

Nikolas smiled at me, then turned to Dre, who was standing at the back pretending to look disinterested but obviously watching everything.

“Dre,” Nikolas said.

“Yes, boss?”

“Make sure the chef prepares lunch now.”

Dre nodded quickly. “Yes, sir.”

“And make sure it’s something light for Cassy,” he added.

Dre smiled faintly. “Of course, sir.”

As soon as Dre left, Nikolas turned back to me, still holding my hand.

“Cassy…” he said softly.

“Yeah?”

“Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to do this?”

I blinked. “Really?”

He nodded. “I was planning it since the day you came back from the hospital. But I wanted it to be right. I didn’t want it rushed or forced.”

I looked up at him quietly. “You didn’t have to do all this, Nik.”

He shook his head. “Yes, I did. You deserve it. You deserve everything.”

I smiled faintly, squeezing his hand. “You’re getting too sweet these days.”

He chuckled. “Maybe you bring that side out of me.”

Katy fake coughed loudly from behind us. “Ahem!”

I turned to her with a playful glare. “Go help them set the table, Katy.”

She grinned. “Gladly.”

As she walked away, she turned around once more, whispering loudly, “Cassy.. don't be in a rush..”

“Katy!” I said, my face flushing red.

Nikolas laughed quietly, shaking his head. “She’s something else.”

“She is,” I said, smiling. “But she’s my friend. She’s been there for me through everything.”

He nodded. “I think it's time she took her full roll as a friend and not some maid. What do you think?!”

“Oh my!!” I said and quickly hugged him. “Thank you… you're the best husband anyone could ask of..” I said.

He drew out, “did you call me husband just now?!!” He asked and I nodded.