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Thomas stood frozen in the shadow of the arched entryway, his fingers gripping the box of the limited-edition Italian toy car so tightly the cardboard began to crease. The expensive gadget felt heavy and dead in his palm, completely useless against the vibrant, chaotic warmth still lingering in the air. / Chapter 18 / 20

Chapter 18 - The Ring in the GardenLater that evening, after the crowds had dispersed and the foundation center was quiet, Thomas drove them back to the grand estate.

The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of violet, orange, and gold.

"Go wash up for dinner, buddy, I'll be inside in a minute," Thomas told Lucas as they stepped out of the car in the mansion's cobblestone driveway.

Lucas nodded happily and scampered inside through the front doors, leaving Thomas and Clara standing alone in the twilight gardens near the stone fountain where they had shared their first quiet moments.

Clara turned to Thomas, a playful smile on her lips. "You gave an incredible speech today, Mr. Caldwell. Almost made me shed a tear."

Thomas smiled, stepping closer to her. He reached into his jacket pocket, his fingers wrapping around a small, velvet ring box.

"You know," Thomas said softly, his voice dropping into a tender murmur, "our contract says you're supposed to be my partner in everything—not just running the foundation, but running this entire crazy life."

Clara’s breath hitched slightly as Thomas dropped gracefully onto one knee on the cobblestone path.

The evening breeze rustled the oak trees overhead, and the soft amber lights of the mansion glowed in the background.

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"Clara Miller," Thomas said, looking up into her eyes with raw, absolute devotion. "You saved my son. You saved my soul. Will you marry me, and make this house a real home forever?"

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