11 The Proposal
1242 Words
Harper’s POV
Bang!
The explosion echoed, and fireworks lit up the sky above the beach. My sense of reason snapped back into place, and I quickly pushed Marco away, putting some distance between us.
“Surprise!”
Cheering voices rang out from afar.
I suddenly understood. Turning around, I saw a group of people approaching, led by Angelo. He walked through the crowd, holding a bouquet of bright red roses, a big smile on his face.
But something felt surreal, as if the situation with Marco just now had shattered some kind of boundary.
Did I love Angelo? I wasn’t sure. We were dating, but did that mean we had to get married?
A strange feeling stirred within me, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint it. My mind wandered until I heard Angelo call my name: “Harper.” I realized I had been lost in thought.
I quickly pulled myself back, returning his smile. Seeing my expression, he visibly relaxed.
“Harper, from the moment I first saw you, I was captivated. You probably didn’t even notice me back then. You entered my world like a fairy, bringing passion and love to my life. I know you’re a slow-burn kind of girl, and it was God who gave me the chance to be with you. I treasure every day we’ve spent together. You might think my proposal is rushed, but I want to express my feelings for you at this moment. Dearest Harper, will you give me the chance to become your husband, to hold your hand and face whatever lies ahead together?”
The men and women surrounding us immediately began clapping.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe Angelo could be this sweet!”
“He really decided to propose!”
Some of the girls chimed in too, their voices full of envy. “She’s so lucky!”
“If someone proposed to me like this, I’d say yes in a heartbeat!”
Their words seemed to set the atmosphere on fire, and the people who had been drinking started chanting, “Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!”
It was already completely dark, with fireworks still lighting up the night sky, making the small area around us as bright as day.
Amid the cheering crowd, I felt strangely calm. The sea breeze slipped into my thin clothing, and goosebumps rose on my arms.
I didn’t understand myself anymore.
Angelo pursed his lips as the silence stretched on, and the people around us gradually quieted down, realizing something was off.
I had no intention of making things awkward. I hated awkward situations. Yet, I didn’t feel the joy of being proposed to, nor an overwhelming love for the man in front of me.
Was something wrong with me?
I felt like I was drowning again, suffocating. I avoided Angelo’s gaze, my eyes wandering until they locked onto a dark pair of eyes.
Marco’s eyes. They held a coldness, like ancient ice that had never melted, and I couldn’t decipher their meaning.
I didn’t need to understand. I knew that this marriage was a matter between two families. The thought of Marco's kiss, so punishing, lingered in my mind. Did he want me to say no, or was he counting on me to say yes for the sake of family?
The thought of that kiss made it hard to breathe. He was too dangerous. If saying yes meant staying away from him, I was willing to take the risk.
“I will.”
I walked over to Angelo, avoiding Marco’s gaze. “Why didn’t you tell me you were planning such a big surprise? You scared me!”
“Ohhhh!”
The crowd exhaled in relief, cheering and teasing us.
“Wow, you scared me! I thought you were going to reject my brother!” Sophia nudged me playfully, winking.
My mind was a mess. I didn’t know if this decision was the right one, but things had already reached this point—it was about the reputation of both families, and I couldn’t afford to regret it.
Pushing the thought aside actually made me feel a bit better. After we all had dinner at the villa, it was time to head home.
Angelo offered to take me home, but Marco stopped him, suggesting he take Sophia instead.
I knew Marco wanted to talk to me alone in the car, or maybe even punish me. I trembled a little at the thought, but then anger bubbled up. Why did I have to just submit to him and let him push me around? If he dared kiss me again, I’d bite his lips off.
Thinking this way gave me courage.
“Angelo, you go ahead. I’ll ride home with my brother.”
I deliberately emphasized the word “brother.”
I got into the back seat, sinking into the soft leather cushion and exhaling deeply.
Now, I feel oddly at ease. Facing so many people all day had left me drained.
I turned to look out the window, the streetlights passing by one after another. I realized I had become used to putting on a show for people.
Was this really me?
Lost in my thoughts, Marco stayed silent too. He sat beside me, his eyes closed.
His attire was always immaculate. The faint scent of cologne in the car couldn’t quite mask the smell of cigars that clung to him.
What was he thinking? Did he want me to marry? I had heard that Italian mafia families placed great importance on family interests, so I assumed he would want me to marry Angelo.
“We’re almost there.” The driver’s voice interrupted my thoughts. Only then did I realize I had been watching Marco the entire forty-minute ride.
Perhaps I was anxious about the uncertainty of this marriage. Truthfully, I was starting to regret my decision.
Marco heard the driver’s words and opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over me. “Once you park in the garage, head home. I have something to deal with,” he instructed.
The driver didn’t question him, pulling into the garage and parking before getting out.
Only Marco and I remained in the car.
Here we go again.
His gaze was the same as that night in the living room—cold yet burning me. I couldn’t stand the tension.
“I’m getting out.”
But I didn’t get far. He grabbed my arm, pinning me against the seat. I could feel the danger approaching as he leaned over me. His broad frame loomed over me, casting a shadow in the dimly lit car. The scent of cigars filled my nose, and though not overpowering, it made it hard to breathe.
Finally, he spoke. “We need to talk.”
What was his problem? Kiss me, and then want to talk?
I tried to push him away, looking for any space in the cramped car to catch my breath, but it was useless.
“Just sit down!” The words burst out of me, and I froze, realizing I had just yelled at him.
That wasn’t my intention. His proximity was throwing me into chaos, and I couldn’t control my behavior.
But my words had no effect. His hand slid from my elbow to my wrist, pushing me back until I was pressed against the seat. We are even closer now.
His other hand grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up into his eyes.
- Writer
