The Royal Contract

He took her to this semi-fancy restaurant. It was an expensive restaurant but not the kind of establishment that would need a reservation before they could enter. They had a private corner. It was good enough for her. Besides, the food was good.

“I am going back home tomorrow.” Amelia casually told him as she drank her wine after the delicious dinner they shared.

Since he woke up that afternoon after falling asleep in his office chair, she had acted like nothing from the ordinary had occurred. She pretended that she did not remember the proposal and the ring.

She took that beautiful shining diamond ring off her fingers and hid it in her pocket. But she could tell that he was wondering about it. Yet, he had not voiced his concern either. As if both of them were waiting for someone to broach the topic.

“Why?” Evan suddenly asked as if he was surprised by her plan. “You don’t have to leave yet.” He abruptly extended his hand on the table and wrapped her hand with his warm one. “You know you can stay as long as you wish.”

What was he doing? He needed to ask her if she remembered anything about his proposal last night. But he was afraid that she had rejected him. Why else would she take the ring off her finger and not talk about it?

.....

She did say yes last night, but it sounded like she was not herself. After all, she was drunk and must be confused. He could not rely on that answer, but could he propose again for the third time, counting his first attempt, even if she did not see the ring?

“Because Eida and Angela must be worried about me. And I miss Luisa.” It was the truth. She only gave them a story about an abrupt problem with the foundation, so she had to be away for a few days.

“But you can always tell the truth that you are with me and planning to stay for a while.” He continued, hoping that he could read what was on her mind.

He was so sure now that she was the only woman he would ever want in his life. Yes, it took him a while to realize that, but he knew he could never survive without her. He needed her like he needed air to breathe.

“I can always come back to visit, or you can always see us.” She could tell that he was starting to get agitated. But she could not help but tease him some more. But she had a plan. She just had to stick with it.

“Amelia, I...” He was about to say something, but she stopped him. She feared that he might ruin everything.

“I am sorry, Evan, but do you mind if I go to the ladies’ room?” She gracefully stood from her seat with Evan following to assist her, just like a true gentleman.

“Ok.” He seemed stunned by her sudden interruption, but he knew he had no choice but to wait for her return.

She strode away from him in the direction of the bathroom. She tried not to take long, not wanting Evan to suspect anything. After dealing with her business, she returned to her seat, ready for his surprise.

“Sorry if I took so long.” She immediately said, throwing Evan out of his element. She needed to distract him until she could proceed with her plan. “Can you please order me some creamy custard cake?”

Of course, he quickly called a waiter and ordered her dessert. But before he could say another thing, her phone rang, silencing him until she finished her conversation to herself.

She could see his growing frustration. She could feel that he wanted so much to talk about last night. But not yet. She still had one or two more things she wished to do.

Then, the waiter returned to their table, carrying a cake with a candle on top, accompanied by a violinist. As soon as both stopped before their table, the musician started playing a romantic piece.

“I think you are making a mistake. It is not my birthday.” Evan quickly corrected the waiter as he placed the cake before him.

He did not understand why the waiter would make a mistake. But he did not like that they were making a spectacle in the restaurant as other diners started to look in their direction. He wanted their privacy because he wanted to discuss something with her.

But before he could say more, he felt her hands stopping him again. “Evan.” She called his name, making him shift his face in her direction. “I want us to celebrate this day before I leave tomorrow.”

She did not wish to leave, but she had to share this great news with the people she cared about most in her life. Besides, she knew she had taken most of Evan’s time away from his work. He had to concentrate on it for now while they figured this out.

“What do you mean?” Evan’s eyes stared at her, confusion written on his face.

“Please, indulge me.” Amelia requested as she leaned forward to the table, reaching for the cake.

Then, she opened a chocolate cone on the top and revealed something shining, a familiar object. It finally dawned on Evan what she was talking about, realizing where this was possibly going.

She pulled out the ring from her pocket and showed it to him. “Would you kneel and propose to me properly, so I can finally give you my answer.”

She spoke to him so softly, together with the soft music of the violin, serenading them. It felt like he was talking to an angel. He was beyond enchanted, transfixed in his place.

It took him a few seconds to remember that she had asked him to go on his knees. “Of course.” He immediately moved and changed position, kneeling before her as he took the ring from her hand.

He was still thinking of something profound to say to her as he raised the ring in his fingers before her when she smiled at him. He did not even get a chance to say a word when she finally said, “YES!” As tears rolled down her eyes, happy tears.