Chapter 225: Final Chapter

A week later, at Rosewood City Private Hospital.

The doctor removed Ethan's stitches, gave him a few reminders about what to watch out for, and discharged him.

During that week, Diana had been mostly painting, finishing all her artwork just in time for Ethan's discharge.

Three days later, at Rosewood City's largest art center.

Diana's solo exhibition officially opened.

The exhibition hall was packed with people.

Ethan wore a sharp black suit, one hand in his pocket, the other tightly holding Diana's hand.

Their fingers intertwined, they walked through the crowd without hiding anything.

Camera flashes went off constantly.

Reporters swarmed forward, cameras pointed at them.

"Miss Parker, what's your relationship with Mr. Grant now?"

Before Diana could answer, Ethan pulled her into his arms, blocking the cameras that were practically in her face.

"Can't you tell?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Mrs. Grant is getting back to her career, and of course I'm here as her family to support her."

One sentence made their relationship crystal clear.

In a corner not far away, Isabelle held Joe's arm, rolling her eyes repeatedly.

"This Grant guy is getting more and more shameless. I never noticed he was so good at taking advantage of situations."

Joe clicked his tongue and rubbed his chin.

"What do you know? This is called being reborn from desperate circumstances. Ethan's finally figured it out."

On the other side, old Mrs. Brown was supported by Sebastian, with old Mr. Grant walking beside them with his cane.

The elders watched the couple surrounded by the crowd, nodding in approval.

The exhibition ended successfully.

That evening, Diana had just removed her makeup and come out of the bathroom when Ethan suddenly swept her up in his arms.

Diana jumped, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck.

"What are you doing! Your stitches were just removed!"

Ethan placed her on the bed and leaned over her, kissing her lips lightly.

"I'm all healed. We're leaving tomorrow."

"Where to?"

"Honeymoon." Ethan pinched her cheek. "Tickets are booked, luggage is packed. Early morning flight tomorrow."

Diana froze and pushed against his chest.

"What about Liv? Did you get her excused from school?"

Ethan paused, his tone matter-of-fact.

"Excused from what? She needs to go to kindergarten, so obviously she's staying home with Sebastian."

The next morning.

Olivia stood in the middle of the living room in her bear pajamas, barefoot, blocking the couple who were about to leave.

The little girl had her hands on her hips, her cheeks puffed out.

"Deadbeat dad! Where are you taking my mommy! Why aren't you taking me!"

Ethan handed his suitcase to the butler and crouched down in front of Olivia.

"Adult business. Kids shouldn't ask so many questions."

"No way!" Olivia ran over and hugged Diana's leg. "I want to go too! Otherwise neither of you is leaving!"

Diana softened, bending down to pick her up.

"Maybe we should change our tickets..."

Before she could finish, Ethan stood up and lifted Olivia by the back of her collar.

"Come with me."

Ethan carried Olivia into the first-floor study and closed the door behind them.

Diana stood outside, looking worried.

Less than five minutes later, the study door opened.

Olivia had completely changed from her earlier tantrum and walked obediently to Diana, pushing her legs toward the door.

"Mommy, you should go! Have fun, don't worry about me!"

Diana was confused and looked at Ethan following behind.

Ethan had one hand in his pocket, a satisfied smile on his lips.

"Let's go, Mrs. Grant."

On the way to the airport.

Diana kept turning to look at the man beside her.

"What exactly did you say to Liv? Why did she suddenly change her mind?"

Ethan leaned back in his seat and turned to meet her eyes.

"Secret."

Diana frowned and reached out to pinch his arm.

"Did you threaten her with something?"

Ethan caught her hand and pressed it against his leg, his fingertips gently rubbing the back of her hand.

"What could I threaten her with?" Ethan's tone was serious. "I just told her I wanted alone time with you. These four years, I've missed too much. There's plenty of time ahead to take her places. But right now, I just want to be with you."

His voice was low, without a hint of joking.

Diana's heart skipped a beat.

She didn't ask any more questions, leaning back in her seat, unable to stop the corners of her mouth from turning up.

Over the next month.

They went to many places.

The Northern Lights in Scandinavia, islands in the Southern Hemisphere, castles in Europe.

No work interruptions, no outsiders interfering.

Ethan handled all the travel arrangements, taking care of Diana perfectly.

A month later, they returned to River City.

The car stopped outside the Bayview Apartments villa.

This was their former marital home.

Diana opened the car door and looked at the familiar iron gate, her steps hesitating.

Ethan walked over and took her hand.

"Let's go in and look around."

Opening the front door, the living room was quiet.

"Liv?" Diana called out.

No response.

The furnishings in the house were exactly the same as four years ago, even her old easel was in its original spot.

"Let's check the backyard." Ethan pulled her inside.

Opening the glass door to the backyard.

Diana froze in place.

The once empty lawn was now filled with masses of red roses, transformed into a sea of brilliant flowers.

In the center of the flower sea was a red carpet.

On both sides of the carpet stood many people.

Old Mrs. Brown, Sebastian, Roman, Nathan.

Old Mr. Grant leaned on his cane, grinning from ear to ear.

Isabelle and Joe stood together, holding confetti poppers.

Olivia wore a custom white dress, holding a velvet box in her hands.

Diana's nose tingled, her eyes instantly reddening.

The next second, a soft white veil fell on top of her head.

Diana turned around.

Ethan stepped back half a step and knelt on one knee on the red carpet.

He took the velvet box from Olivia and opened it.

Inside lay a perfectly cut pink diamond ring.

The man looked up, gazing into her eyes.

"Diana." Ethan's voice was slightly hoarse, with a barely noticeable nervousness. "Our marriage started too hastily. I owe you a proper proposal, I owe you a wedding, I owe you so much."

He held her left hand.

"These four years, I've regretted it every single day."

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed, each word clear.

"Diana, will you marry me again? This time, I'll spend the rest of my life taking care of you."

The surroundings were completely quiet.

Everyone was watching them.

Diana's tears fell on the back of her hand.

She looked at this man who had once hurt her deeply but whom she loved to her core.

Diana sniffed and smiled brilliantly.

"Yes."

Ethan's hand trembled as he quickly slipped the ring onto her ring finger.

He stood up abruptly, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her.