Chapter 9 - The Proposal in the Blue Room
Adrien never believed he would love again.
He had been wrong.
Five years after Elena entered the house, he took her back into the blue room.
Sophie was twelve.
The room had become a place of memory.
Adrien held a small box.
Elena smiled.
“You're nervous.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because for once I can't negotiate my way out of this.”
She laughed.
He knelt.
“I don't want to erase Clare.”
“You won't.”
“I don't want you to feel like second choice.”
“I don't.”
“I don't want Sophie to feel like she's losing anything.”
“She won't.”
He opened the box.
Inside was a simple ring.
“Then I want to ask you one thing.”
Elena's eyes filled.
“Will you build the rest of your life with me?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
Sophie entered.
“You're late.”
They laughed.
She hugged both of them.
“I knew.”
“How?”
“Because Dad has been terrible at hiding things for weeks.”
Adrien smiled.
Elena cried.
The wedding was small.
Family only.
No business associates.
No reporters.
No cameras.
Just love.
Sophie carried the rings.
The blue room remained empty that day.
Because Clare's photograph stood at the front.
Adrien looked at it.
“I hope you're okay with this.”
The room felt warm.
May you like
Not haunted.
Blessed.
