CHAPTER 2 The Proposal No One Expected
The aircraft door slowly opened as photographers crowded closer to the runway. Daniel Carter appeared at the top of the stairs before confidently making his way toward the waiting guests.
Vanessa stepped forward immediately.
"Daniel!"
She opened her arms, expecting him to greet her in front of everyone.
Instead...
Daniel walked straight past her.
Without even slowing down.
Vanessa stood frozen while whispers spread through the crowd.
Daniel continued walking until he reached Emily.
Lucas instantly let go of Emily's hand and ran toward him.
"Dad!"
Daniel lifted his son into his arms before turning toward Emily with a warmth no one had ever seen him show in public.
Then, to everyone's astonishment, he reached into his pocket, removed a small velvet ring box, and dropped to one knee.
The entire airport gasped.
Vanessa's hopeful smile briefly returned.
Surely this proposal had to be for her.
But Daniel never looked in her direction.
He looked only at Emily.
"After everything we've been through..."
His voice softened.
"Will you finally let me introduce you to the world as my wife?"
Lucas laughed happily.
"Say yes, Mommy!"
Silence swept across the airport.
Vanessa's handbag slipped from her fingers and landed heavily on the concrete.
May you like
No one noticed.
Every eye remained fixed on the quiet woman everyone had mistaken for nothing more than the family's nanny.
