Chapter 265

Chapter 265

The spring evening cast a golden glow as Sophia finished her day at the office, preparing to return to Rivera Manor.

She had been staying at the manor recently to keep Victoria company. Though her grandmother's health had improved significantly, Sophia still couldn't bear the thought of leaving the elderly woman alone.

"Miss Sophia, the master asked me to inform you that there's a small gathering in the rose garden tonight. He requests your presence," the butler said respectfully.

Sophia looked puzzled. "What gathering? I wasn't aware of any plans."

"It was arranged by Mr. Augustus at the last minute. He mentioned it was to celebrate the corporation's quarterly performance."

Sophia nodded, though she found it somewhat odd. Still, she didn't think much of it.

After returning to her room to freshen up, Sophia changed into an elegant white dress and headed toward the garden.

When she pushed open the garden gate, the sight before her left her completely stunned.

The entire rose garden had been transformed into something from a fairy tale. Countless candles and fresh flowers adorned every corner. Rose petals carpeted the stone pathways, soft music drifted through the air, and hundreds of delicate lanterns hung from tree branches, casting a warm, ethereal glow.

"What is..." Sophia pressed her hand to her chest, her heart racing.

At that moment, Benjamin emerged from the garden's depths, wearing an impeccable black suit. He carried a magnificent bouquet of white roses, his eyes filled with profound love.

"Sophia." His voice was gentle yet unwavering.

Seeing everything before her, Sophia instantly understood what was happening. Tears welled in her eyes, but she couldn't suppress the smile spreading across her face.

"Benjamin, what is all this..."

"Sophia, from the moment we first met, you completely changed my life." Benjamin walked slowly toward her. "Your strength, your intelligence, your kindness—everything about you captivated me completely."

He stopped just a step away from her, offering the bouquet. Sophia's heart thundered as she recognized the magnitude of this moment—after everything they'd endured together, all the battles fought side by side, he was choosing to make their bond eternal.

"Through all these years, we've weathered so many storms together. You taught me what true love really means, what it means to have someone worth protecting with your life."

Sophia accepted the flowers, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. The weight of their journey—from their first tentative partnership to standing against Gerald's schemes, from discovering her true heritage to building their business empire together—all of it had led to this perfect moment.

Benjamin then knelt on one knee, producing an exquisite ring box from his pocket.

"Sophia Rivera, will you marry me?"

The diamond sparkled brilliantly in the candlelight—a flawless pink stone cut into a perfect heart shape.

Sophia covered her mouth, her vision blurred by tears. She had never imagined that this man, usually so composed and controlled, would create such a romantic proposal just for her.

"I..." her voice trembled with emotion.

Just then, Victoria appeared at the garden's far end, supported by Augustus's gentle arm.

"Dear child, say yes," Victoria said with loving warmth. "Benjamin is a good man. He'll take wonderful care of you."

Augustus nodded in agreement. "Sophia, I've witnessed your relationship from the beginning. Benjamin truly is the right man for you."

Robert also appeared in the garden, his face glowing with a warm smile. "Sister, you have my complete support."

Sophia looked around at all these people who cared for her, warmth flooding her heart. These were the family members who had stood by her through Gerald's deceptions, who had helped her reclaim her rightful place, who had become her anchor in a world that had once seemed so uncertain.

She looked down at Benjamin, still kneeling before her—the man who had been willing to sacrifice everything for her protection and happiness.

"Benjamin Williams," Sophia's voice shook but carried unwavering conviction, "yes, I will marry you."

Benjamin's face lit up with radiant joy as he slipped the ring onto her trembling finger with reverent care.

"Thank you, Sophia. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife."

They embraced tightly as enthusiastic applause erupted around them.

Victoria clapped her hands together, tears of joy streaming down her face. "Wonderful! How absolutely wonderful! Our family is gaining another precious member."

Augustus approached and clapped Benjamin on the shoulder. "Welcome to the Rivera family officially."

"Thank you, Augustus. I swear I'll protect Sophia with my life," Benjamin said solemnly.

At that moment, David entered through the garden gate. Seeing the radiant happiness on his daughter's face, this strong man's eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"Dad!" Sophia ran to David, throwing her arms around the man who had raised her with such devotion.

"My little princess is all grown up." David stroked her hair gently, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so incredibly proud of you."

Benjamin approached David and bowed deeply. "Mr. David, thank you for raising Sophia so beautifully. I promise to love and cherish her just as you have."

David placed a firm hand on Benjamin's shoulder. "I'm entrusting you with my most precious treasure. Take good care of her."

"I will. I give you my solemn word," Benjamin replied with absolute certainty.

Victoria grasped Sophia's hands, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Darling, we must begin planning the wedding immediately! This will be the most magnificent wedding of the century!"

"Grandmother, you don't need to go to such elaborate lengths..." Sophia protested modestly.

"How could we not?" Augustus interjected with a smile. "You're the Rivera family heir, and Benjamin leads the Williams family. Your wedding will represent the formal alliance of two great dynasties. The significance is extraordinary."

Benjamin squeezed Sophia's hand. "Sophia, I want to give you the perfect wedding. You deserve nothing less than the very best this world can offer."

Sophia gazed at all these people who loved her so deeply, her heart overflowing with gratitude. After years of uncertainty about her identity, of fighting battles she never should have had to fight, she was finally surrounded by unconditional love and acceptance.

"Then we'll do exactly as you suggest," she said with a radiant smile. "But I do have one request."

"Anything. What is it?" Benjamin asked immediately.

"I want Samuel to attend our wedding." Sophia thought of her devoted brother figure. "He's family to me."

"Of course," Benjamin agreed without hesitation. "Everyone you care about will be part of our celebration."

Victoria clapped her hands in delight. "Perfect! I'll begin preparations immediately. This will be the most important wedding in Rivera family history!"

As night fell, the garden lights grew even more enchanting.

Sophia nestled against Benjamin's chest, admiring the ring on her finger, experiencing happiness more profound than she'd ever imagined possible.

"Benjamin, thank you for all of this," she whispered.

"Don't be silly—this is exactly what you deserve," Benjamin murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "From now on, we're truly family."

Sophia nodded, her heart full of anticipation for their future together.

She was finally going to marry this man who loved her so completely, to walk hand in hand through every stage of life beside him.

This young woman who had once felt so alone and uncertain now possessed everything—a complete family, professional success, and most precious of all, a love that would last forever.

Life had finally become everything she had once dared to dream it could be.