Chapter 307: Proposal
Athena was at a loss for words. She was overwhelmed by Vladimir’s sincere words. She thought after her failed marriage with Dominique, she couldn’t open her heart once again to someone.
But now, Vladimir was doing his best, showing her the importance of loving someone again. It might be different from her feelings toward Dominique, but at least she was willing to try again with Vladimir.
’Dominique is only part of my past. Now, I can finally move forward and accept Vladimir wholeheartedly.’ Athena thought to herself, her eyes tearing up.
She accepted the flowers from Vladimir and brought them close to her nose.
"Thank you, V... for patiently waiting for me. I was so focused on my revenge that I tried to ignore your feelings. But now, I have no reason to avoid it. I’m so grateful for your love. You made me feel so special."
Athena turned around to face him. She reached out, cupping his face.
"V, I will do my best to reciprocate your feelings," Athena softly said before hugging him, burying her face on his sturdy chest.
Vladimir could only smile as he hugged her back. He gently stroked her hair, planting soft kisses on her head.
He couldn’t ask for more. Her words were enough to give him courage. He was so determined to be with her, making her happy for the rest of their lives.
"Come. Let’s go to the backyard of the cabin. We can watch the beautiful sunset there." Vladimir grabbed her hand, guiding her to the backyard.
They sat on the bench while they admired the picturesque view of the valley. The sun was about to set. They waited for the golden sun, looking at the horizon.
Vladimir wrapped his arm around her shoulders while Athena rested her head on his chest. She was still holding the red roses Vladimir had picked up for her.
He held her like a precious gem he wanted to cherish.
"V... Aren’t you afraid of the consequences of going against your father and cutting ties with him because of me?" Athena couldn’t help but voice her concern. It’s been troubling her for the past few days.
"You don’t have to worry, Athena. I’m not afraid of him. I am more afraid of losing you. Just trust me. I will fight for you no matter what. Besides, cutting ties with him is for your own sake. You don’t have to be involved in our organization’s dark side. This is also my way of starting over," Vladimir said, reassuring her.
Athena fell silent. She just smiled, pushing her worries to the back of her mind. They remained on their spot until sunset.
"Look..." She gasped, pointing her finger at the horizon, her eyes gleaming with hope.
"So beautiful," she mumbled as she watched the hues of deep orange and crimson blending together across the horizon.
Vladimir smiled faintly and whispered to her. "You are more beautiful than the sunset."
His gaze fixed on her, watching her every reaction. When he could no longer restrain himself, Vladimir turned to her side, his hand lifting her chin.
"I have something to show you. But it’s a surprise. Let me cover your eyes with a blindfold," Vladimir said, picking up his handkerchief.
Athena could only giggle before nodding. She didn’t expect that Vladimir could be so romantic.
Without further ado, Vladimir covered her eyes. Then he guided her inside the cabin. She didn’t know what kind of surprise he had prepared for her. But her heart pounded faster.
She slowly stepped inside the cabin door while Vladimir was guiding her. They walked several steps before they stopped. He grabbed her shoulders, turning her body to the other side.
Vladimir stood behind her and said, "Count one to five before removing your blindfold."
Athena bobbed her head with a smile. Soon, she felt Vladimir step forward as if he had moved a few distances from her.
She counted in her mind inwardly. After five seconds, Athena finally removed her blindfold.
She gasped in surprise to see Vladimir standing in front of her. There were balloons, scented candles, and flowers scattered around the cabin.
Her eyes widened when she saw the words hanging on the wall behind Vladimir. Before she could absorb everything, the man standing before her suddenly dropped to one knee and grabbed her hand.
Vladimir gazed up with a nervous smile. Then, with a lot of courage, he presented a jewelry box with a diamond ring inside.
"Athena, will you be my wife? Will you marry me?" Vladimir proposed to her with eyes filled with love and admiration.
Athena’s mind went blank for a moment. She didn’t know what to say. Things happened so fast. She thought this was just their first date as a couple. But who would have thought that Vladimir would also propose to her?
She was caught off guard. Her mind was filled with conflicting thoughts.
’What should I say? Am I ready for this?’ Athena gulped hard, trying her best to calm her beating heart.
Vladimir remained kneeling on the floor, waiting for her response. Anxiety and fear were visible in his eyes. Her silence made him more nervous.
’Is she going to reject me?’
Vladimir thought to himself. His grip on the rectangular box tightened, and his body broke into cold sweats.He held his breath while waiting for her response. His heart raced even faster when Athena’s hand reached out, caressing his face.
"Yes. I’ll marry you," Athena responded, breaking the silence.
It was a sudden leap in her life, making this major decision on the spot. She felt like she didn’t have the heart to reject Vladimir.
Meanwhile, Vladimir froze for a few seconds when her words registered in his mind.
’What?! Did I hear it right? She said yes! She will marry me.’
The fear and anxiety in his eyes were replaced with instant joy. He wanted to jump. He wanted to scream. But all he could do was stand up and hug her tightly.
"Oh, Athena! I–" Vladimir didn’t know what to say. He just hugged her tightly.
"Did I hear it right? Did you agree to marry me?!" He asked her again for confirmation.
Athena bobbed her head. "Yes, V. I did."
Vladimir couldn’t contain his happiness. Despite his excitement, he made sure to put the ring on her finger. His hand trembled, and his eyes were tearing up.
Athena could only watch him as he put the ring on her finger. She was glad to see him happy. She knew Vladimir deserved to be loved and be happy.
Vladimir stood before her, lifting her chin. Without further ado, he leaned closer to her, his lips sealing her in a passionate kiss.
The moment his lips touched hers, an overwhelming joy surged up in his heart. He had waited for this to happen. It felt like a dream. He finally kissed her, and she didn’t resist. He proposed, and she accepted.
Just when he was about to deepen the kiss, the sound of a ringtone interrupted them. Athena gently pushed him away as she picked up her phone.
After seeing Aaron’s caller ID, she immediately answered the call. Aaron’s crying voice was heard from the other line.
"Mommy, help!"