Blessings
Ashley stared at him, her hands covering her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. She nodded frantically, her voice breaking as she cried, “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Demitri slipped the ring onto her finger, his smile radiant as he rose to his feet and pulled her into his arms. They kissed, a deep, passionate kiss that sealed their love and their future together.
In that moment, all the pain, fear, and doubt of the past weeks melted away. All that mattered was each other and the life they were about to build together.
Irene appeared in the doorway, her warm smile spreading as she opened her arms. "Ashley! Demitri!"
Ashley let out a joyful laugh, pulling away from Demitri just enough to embrace Irene.
“Irene,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s so good to see you.”
Irene held her tightly before pulling back to look at them both. “You two look like you’ve been through a storm and finally found the sunshine.” She glanced at Ashley’s tear-streaked but glowing face. “And that ring…” Irene’s smile widened. “Looks like I missed quite the moment.”
Ashley blushed, glancing at Demitri, who was grinning like a man who had just won the world.
Irene clapped her hands. “Well, no more standing around. Let’s celebrate! Lunch is ready. Come to the dining room.”
They followed her, hand in hand, to the dining room. The table was set with an assortment of dishes that made Ashley’s mouth water.
Irene had always been a fantastic cook, and the smell of roasted chicken, fresh salad, and warm bread filled the room with a comforting aroma.
As they sat down, Irene’s maid wasted no time filling their plates. “Now, let’s hear it. What’s the plan for the wedding?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Ashley chuckled nervously. “We’re still figuring it out. But we’ll keep it small—just family and close friends.”
Demitri leaned forward, his voice teasing. “Small, huh? Are you sure your parents can resist turning it into a grand event?”
Ashley smiled, but it faltered slightly at the mention of her parents. She quickly busied herself with her fork, pushing the salad around on her plate.
Irene noticed the shift immediately. “Ashley, what’s wrong?”
Demitri reached over and placed a hand on hers. “Is it the baby?” he asked softly, his brows knitting together in concern.
Ashley shook her head. “No, it’s not that. I’m just…” She hesitated, glancing between the two of them. “I’m worried about my parents. My father, especially.”
Demitri’s hand tightened around hers. “You don’t think he’ll bless our marriage?”
She sighed, looking down. “I don’t know. My father can be...difficult. He’s always been so protective, and after everything that’s happened, I don’t know what he’ll think of this.”
Irene leaned forward, her voice gentle yet firm. “Ashley, your father loves you. He may have his concerns, but no parent can resist the happiness of their child for long.”
Demitri nodded in agreement. “We’ll do whatever it takes to win his approval, Ashley. I promise.”
Ashley looked at both of them, the warmth in their eyes easing her worries slightly.
Irene clapped her hands again, her enthusiasm infectious. “Then let’s not waste time. Go to him now and ask for his blessing. The sooner, the better!”
Ashley blinked, caught off guard by Irene’s suggestion. “Now?”
“Yes, now!” Irene urged. “No point in delaying. Show him how serious you both are.”
Ashley glanced at Demitri, who was already standing up, his expression determined. “She’s right,” he said. “Let’s go.”
Excited, Ashley stood as well, her nerves momentarily forgotten. She barely made it two steps toward the door before Demitri grabbed her hand and pulled her back.
“Wait,” he said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone.
Ashley turned to him, puzzled. “What is it?”
Demitri looked into her eyes, his gaze full of sincerity. He took her other hand and held them both tightly. “Forgive me,” he said softly. “For all my sins. For every moment I hurt you, every second I doubted you, and every mistake I made.”
“Demitri—”
“No, let me finish,” he interrupted. “You are my everything, Ashley. You and our baby. I need you to know that I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”
Her heart swelled, tears brimming in her eyes. But before he could continue, she silenced him with a kiss—soft, lingering, and full of the love she couldn’t put into words.
When she pulled back, she smiled through her tears. “Let’s get the Almighty Harold’s approval first,” she teased, “then I’ll decide how to punish you afterward.”
Demitri chuckled, his grin mischievous. “Yes, Your Ladyship.”
Irene watched them with a soft smile. “Go on, you two lovebirds. I’ll be here when you get back. And don’t worry about Harold. He’ll come around.”
With renewed determination, Ashley and Demitri left the house and drove to her family’s estate.