Anna felt her heart race. There was something different in David’s voice, an intensity she had never heard before. «David?»
«Let me finish,» he said, taking a deep breath. «All my life, I thought I knew what success meant: money, power, recognition. But when I almost lost everything, I realized none of that matters without the right person by your side.» David let go of her hands and, to Anna’s surprise, knelt down in the sand in front of her.
«Anna Santos,» his voice was emotional but steady. «You came into my life as a brave cleaning lady and became my savior, my partner, my best friend, and the love of my life.» Anna brought her hands to her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. «You taught me that a person’s true worth isn’t in the job they hold, but in the character they show.»
David pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. «You taught me that sometimes the most important people in our lives are the ones who have the courage to tell us the hard truths.» He opened the box, revealing a simple yet elegant ring with a single diamond sparkling in the golden light of the setting sun. «Anna, I can’t imagine building a future without you. Will you marry me?»
Tears were now streaming down Anna’s face. She looked at the man kneeling in front of her—the same man who once chose a false friendship over defending her, but who had grown and become one truly worthy of her love.
«David,» her voice trembled. «Yes. Of course, yes.»
David stood quickly and slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. «How did you know my size?» Anna asked, admiring the ring.
«I asked Maria for help.» David smiled. «Actually, I asked for her blessing first. I told her you’re the most important person in her life and that I needed to promise to take care of both of you.»
«And what did you promise?»
«That I’d dedicate my life to making you happy,» David said, kissing her gently. «And that our family would always come first.»
Anna kissed him back, feeling like her heart might burst from happiness. In the background, the waves of Lake Michigan rolled gently onto the shore, and the first stars began to appear in the Chicago sky. «I love you, David Miller,» she whispered.
«And I love you, future Mrs. Anna Miller.»
Three months later, autumn in Chicago had painted the trees in Millennium Park with golden and red tones. Anna stood in front of the mirror in her new apartment, adjusting the simple but elegant wedding dress she had chosen. She and David had moved in together the month before.
«You look absolutely radiant,» Maria said as she entered the room. Her heart surgery had been a complete success, and she looked healthier and more vibrant than ever.
«Nervous,» Anna admitted. «It’s strange. When David proposed, I was so sure. But now, on the day…»
«Now you’re realizing you’re marrying the man you love and becoming part of a beautiful family,» Maria said, straightening her sister’s veil. «Anna, you deserve all this happiness.» Dr. Rodriguez arrived with Maria’s latest test results: perfect heart function, excellent outlook. The sisters hugged, crying with relief and joy.
An hour later, Anna walked down the glass aisle at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The tropical greenery created a magical setting, and about 50 guests waited among palm trees and orchids. David stood at the altar, glowing with happiness. When he saw Anna, his face lit up with that smile that always made her heart race.
«You look stunning,» he whispered when she reached him.
«And you look perfect,» Anna whispered back.
Reverend Williams began the ceremony, speaking about love, courage, and second chances. When it was time for the vows, David spoke first. «Anna, you came into my life whispering a truth I didn’t want to hear. You taught me that real strength comes from integrity, and that true love is built on trust and mutual respect. I promise to be worthy of your courage every day of our lives.»
Anna wiped away a tear before speaking. «David, you’ve shown me that some people really do change, that some men truly keep their promises. I promise to stand by your side as your partner in everything, through joy and hardship.»
When they exchanged rings and kissed as husband and wife, the conservatory erupted in applause. At the reception, Don Roberto gave a toast to the company’s success. In the three months since Anna had become vice president, Miller Technologies had grown by 30% and secured major partnerships.
«So what’s next for the future?» asked Martha from HR.
Anna looked at David, then at Maria, who was happily dancing. «Well,» Anna said with a mysterious smile, «there’s actually one surprise we haven’t shared with anyone yet.» David looked at her, curious. «David, I’m pregnant,» Anna said, gently touching her stomach. «Six weeks.»
Silence gave way to an explosion of joy. David lifted her into his arms and spun her around as everyone clapped and cheered. Later, on the rooftop of the hotel where they would spend their honeymoon, David and Anna stood holding each other, looking out at the lights of Chicago below.
«From janitor and CEO to husband and wife expecting a child,» Anna said. «What an incredible journey.»
«The best part,» David said, kissing the top of her head, «is that our story is just beginning.»
«David?» Anna turned in his arms.
«Yes?»
«Thank you for becoming the man I always knew you could be.»
«Thank you for never giving up on me.» They kissed under the stars of Chicago.
