CHAPTER 54

But then there was a flicker of light, and the entire room was illuminated within seconds. There were scented candles lit up all over the place now. The scene was lovely; the scented candles formed a heart in the center of the room, so she walked over to it and stood in it.
The other candles were shining brightly in various locations. She then felt him right behind her and turned around to see him. Dylan stood directly in front of her, holding a large bouquet of her favorite white roses.
He was dressed in a casual but appropriate outfit. Dylan appeared mature at this point, and she found herself falling in love all over again. He gave her the flowers, which she gratefully accepted.
"What is all this, Dylan?" she asked shyly, her face flushed and a little worried about the situation.
Instead of responding, Dylan got down on one knee and she gasped. Was this real, or was she hallucinating in her illusion room?
"I've been thinking about the right words to say to you right now, but they just seem to vanish now that I'm here. But I do know one thing: I love you. Violet, I've had feelings for you for a long time.
You piqued my interest, made me fearful of you, and made me want to learn more about you from the moment I first saw you. The second time we met, you were so lovely that I assumed you were a bride, but then I had a thought. What if she ended up being my bride?
How fortunate would I be? We had dinner together the third time we met, and I realized you weren't all that scary, but you were a lovely woman. Despite my youth and all that I knew I had to have you; I was certain after my mother's case.
I fell in love with you, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. If I could go back in time, I would still do the same thing," he said, taking a deep breath.
Violet was crying quietly at the time, and he noticed it. Tears streamed down his beautiful cheeks, and he was both moved and troubled, prompting him to finish his speech quickly.
"I may disappoint you now or in the future, but I promise you that my love for you will never change," he said, taking out and opening the white box.
This rainbow ring was something special; it lit up the entire room, glittering everywhere.
"Will you marry this foolish and young boyfriend and become my wife, Violet Garbera?"
He waited for her to respond, but he couldn't read her face.
"Before I give you an answer, can I tell you something?" she wiped her tears away and looked at him.
"All right, sure."
To be honest, he was terrified at this point. What if, after saying everything she wants to say, she refuses to say yes?
"When I was thirteen, I was raped by five men, ended up in a coma, and when I awoke, they had removed my womb. Dylan, I won't be able to give you any children, so I adopted. Do you still want to marry me if I'm like this?"
He felt as if he had been struck by an invisible force. It didn't matter that she couldn't have children but being raped was heartbreaking. Was this why Anne always said not to inquire about the past?
Was this the reason she turned out the way she did? He was furious at those who had defiled her, but even if she had killed people before, his heart would not change.
"I don't care about any of that; it hurts me a lot, but my love for you will never fade. That is something I am certain of. We can adopt as many children as we want if it will compensate for the things you have lost. I will make you happy every day and make you forget all the bad things that happened to you when you were younger. Will you still marry me, Violet?"
"I will marry you, Dylan."
He slid the gleaming ring onto her finger, and it fit perfectly as if it had been custom-made for her. He stood up and embraced her, and he began to cry. He wanted to be strong for her despite not knowing what she had been through all this time.
"Are you upset that I said yes?"
"Of course, I'm pleased. Why would you say that?" he asked, looking at her face.
Violet wiped away his tears, making him feel a little embarrassed, saying, "Instead of being happy, you're crying."
"Joyful tears, my love. That's why I'm happy," he said, looking at her.
"I like the ring because it's colorful."
"It's made of five different types of gems. You wouldn't be satisfied with just one gem. After all, you are royalty. You are deserving of more.”
"Thank you for caring about me."
"I should be the one saying thank you. You must be tired now that we are halfway through. The water in your tub is still warm. Allow me to assist you."
“Sure, thanks.”
Dylan assisted her in undressing and carrying her to the restroom. Dylan assisted her in washing her body, drying her, and carrying her back to her bedroom. He sat her down on the bed and undressed himself.
"What are you up to?" she inquired.
"I'm with you, my lady. Are you sure you didn't miss me?"
"You already know I do."
"I don't think so."
"I did, indeed."
"Then show it."
“How?”
"Surrender yourself to me," he said as he passionately kissed her.
He was becoming increasingly astute. What was she talking about all this time? She was content and didn't mind proving it.
Exams were finally finished, and he was no longer required to study. He'd proposed to Violet more than a week before. Seeing her wear that ring every day reinforced his belief that she was his.
The thought of being so far away from her hurt him, but he had to see his own mother. He needed a huge favor from her.