Chapter 312 Chapter 312

Chapter 312 Chapter 312
Chapter 312

The morning at the Castellan villa was a whirlwind of activity. Delivery trucks lined the long cobblestone driveway as team members carefully hauled out bulky pieces of dark mahogany furniture, replacing them with light oak tables, soft cream sofas, and plush rugs. Isabelle was completely in her element, clipboard in hand, laughing as she directed the movers where to place the new pieces in the grand living hall.

Ethan watched her from the doorway for a moment, a fond smile gracing his features. Taking advantage of her distraction, he quietly slipped out to the garage, taking the keys to his SUV and heading out toward the coast.

Twenty minutes later, Ethan pulled up to a serene waterfront restaurant tucked along the rocky Monterey coastline. Ocean waves crashed softly against the cliffs below, and large glass windows provided a panoramic view of the deep blue horizon. Inside, tucked in a private corner booth overlooking the water, sat Maria and Ariana.

As Ethan walked over, two steaming cups of hot matcha sat on the wooden table in front of them, their rich green color rising with faint wisps of warm steam.

"Ethan," Maria said, her soft eyes lighting up as she gestured for him to take a seat beside them. A server quickly appeared, placing a third cup of hot matcha right in front of him.

Maria pulled her cup closer, taking a slow sip before looking across at her son with a gentle, inquisitive expression. "Hope all is well, son? You sounded so urgent when you asked us to meet you here on such short notice."

Ariana leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm as her eyes searched his face. "Yeah, Ethan. Is everything alright with the estate renovations? Or is this about the legal proceedings?"

"Everything is fine," Ethan said smoothly, leaning his elbows on the polished wooden table. He looked between the two of them, taking a quiet breath to steady the sudden flutter in his chest. "In fact, everything is better than fine. But I asked you both here because I need your help."

Maria and Ariana exchanged a quick glance, both waiting attentively.

"Well, ladies... I'm planning to propose to Isabelle," Ethan spilled out, the words carrying a deep, unshakeable certainty. "I want her to be my wife. And frankly, I don't know how to pull off something this important without the two wisest women in my life."

For a brief second, silence fell over the table. Then, Ariana’s face broke into a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with pure, unbridled joy. She let out a soft gasp, bringing her hands up to cover her mouth. "Oh, Ethan! Are you serious? That is incredible news!"

Maria closed her eyes for a moment, a breath of pure relief and happiness escaping her lips as a warm smile spread across her face. When she opened her eyes, they were shining with unshed tears of joy. She reached across the table, covering Ethan’s hands with her own.

"Ethan... my sweet boy," Maria said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "You couldn't have made a better decision. Isabelle is a blessing to this family, and to see the two of you step into this next chapter... it fills my heart completely."

"I knew it!" Ariana beamed, nudging Ethan's shoulder playfully. "I knew the moment you two moved back into the estate that this was coming! So, tell us everything. What's the plan? Have you thought about the ring yet?"

Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, laughing softly. "That's exactly why I called you two. I want this ring to be absolute perfection, but I don't just want any store-bought diamond. I want something timeless, something that truly matches who she is."

Maria leaned back, a classic, knowledgeable gleam entering her eye as she took a thoughtful sip of her matcha. "Leave the ring to me, Ethan. Over the years, I've kept personal connections with one of the most prestigious master jewelers in the country. They handle custom, heirloom-grade cuts that aren't available to the general public. I'll call them personally today. I know exactly the kind of diamond piece that will suit Isabelle—elegant, radiant, and completely unique. I'll have them send over a select piece specifically for this engagement ring by tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Mom," Ethan said, feeling an overwhelming wave of gratitude. "That means more than you know."

"And leave the setup and decoration to me!" Ariana chimed in eagerly, already pulling out her phone to take notes. "We need to make this unforgettable for Isabelle. It has to be intimate, romantic, and somewhere she feels completely safe."

Ariana turned her head, gesturing toward the sweeping glass windows of the restaurant, pointing out at the vast ocean horizon.

"Look at that view right there, Ethan," Ariana suggested, her eyes bright with creative ideas. "You two have survived so much chaos and dark history. Water has always been a constant backdrop in your story.

We should set up the proposal outdoors, on a private view right close to the water. Somewhere on the cliffside terrace at the estate at sunset."

Ethan looked out the window, watching the golden light reflect off the gentle ocean waves. Ariana’s words resonated deeply within him. The private terrace at the main estate overlooked the ocean, high above the rocks, surrounded by open sky.

"The cliffside terrace," Ethan repeated softly, the vision taking shape in his mind. "It's quiet. It's private. And it's part of the home we're rebuilding together."

"Exactly," Maria agreed, smiling tenderly at her son. "We can set up soft candlelight, white florals, and delicate archways overlooking the waves. Nothing overly flashy—just pure elegance and warmth, matching the love you two share."

"Ariana, can you coordinate with the estate staff to get the terrace decorated discreetly tomorrow evening without Isabelle noticing?" Ethan asked, looking back at Ariana 

"Consider it done," Ariana said with a proud wink. "I'll handle the florists, the lighting, and the arrangements. All you have to worry about is holding onto that ring and speaking from your heart."

Ethan took a deep sip of his hot matcha, feeling the warmth spread through his chest. For the first time in years, the future didn't feel uncertain or heavy. It felt bright, beautiful, and entirely within reach.

"She has no idea, does she?" Maria asked gently, watching the gentle focus on her son's face.

"None at all," Ethan replied with a quiet, handsome smile. "She thinks I'm just out running errands for the house."

"Then let's keep it that way," Maria smiled, raising her cup of matcha into the center of the table. "To new beginnings, to healing, and to the future Mrs. Castellan."

Ariana and Ethan raised their cups, clinking them softly together over the table.

As they finalized the delicate details of the surprise over the next hour, Ethan looked out at the rolling waves one last time. Everything was set. The jeweler was contacted, the decorations were planned, and the location was chosen. All that remained was waiting for the sun to set tomorrow evening—when he would finally drop to one knee and ask the woman who saved his heart to stay by his side forever.