12. Carlito

Chapter 12

Carlito

The gala is a masterpiece. The Venetian Rooftop Terrace shimmers under the night sky, soft golden lights reflecting off polished stone and crystal glasses. The air hums with music and conversation, a perfect blend of elegance and power. Yet, as I stand at the edge of the crowd, my focus isn’t on the success of the event or the high-profile guests mingling under the stars. It’s on Mia.

She’s moving through the crowd with her usual grace, her hazel eyes scanning the terrace to ensure every detail is perfect. She’s in her element, but even now, I catch the tension in her posture, the way she checks her notes with just a little too much precision. She doesn’t see what I do—the quiet brilliance of her work, the way she’s already exceeded every expectation.

I take a deep breath, steadying the thoughts racing through my mind. This moment isn’t just about the gala. It’s about what comes next.

Leo appears at my side, his presence grounding. He speaks low, his voice cutting through the din. “The ring is ready. Are you?”

I glance at him, the weight of the question heavier than it should be. Am I ready? The idea of asking Mia to marry me started as just an idea—a way to boost my status. But somewhere along the way, it became something else.

“Yes,” I reply, my tone firmer than I feel.

Leo nods and steps back, melting into the crowd. My gaze finds Mia again, her chestnut hair catching the light as she laughs softly with Bianca. The sight tugs at something deep in my chest.

This isn’t just about business. It’s about her.

---

The music shifts, a quieter, more romantic tune weaving through the night air. I take it as my cue, striding toward Mia with purpose. She notices me as I approach, her laughter fading as her eyes meet mine.

“Carlito,” she greets, her tone a mix of surprise and warmth.

“Mia,” I say, holding out a hand. “May I have a moment?”

She hesitates, glancing around the bustling terrace, but then she nods, slipping her hand into mine. “Of course.”

I lead her away from the crowd, toward the farthest edge of the terrace where the city stretches out in a glittering expanse below. The noise of the gala fades into the background, replaced by the soft murmur of the wind.

Mia pulls her hand back gently once we stop, her expression curious but cautious. “What’s this about?”

I turn to face her fully, the weight of the moment settling over me. “I wanted to speak with you. Alone. As I said earlier, I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Her brows knit together, but she nods. “Alright.”

I take a step closer, my voice quieter now. “This gala—it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your talent, your vision, your determination. You’ve done more than I ever imagined.”

Her cheeks flush slightly, and she looks down, clearly unaccustomed to the praise. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“It’s more than that,” I continue, my gaze steady on her. “You’ve earned my respect, Mia. My trust.”

Her hazel eyes lift to meet mine, and for a moment, the world seems to pause.

I take a breath, steadying the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. This isn’t how I pictured myself—a man known for control and strategy—standing here, vulnerable under the stars.

“Mia,” I say, her name carrying more weight than I intend. “I need you to understand something. This isn’t just about tonight. It’s not just about the gala.”

Her brows knit together, confusion flickering across her face. “What do you mean?”

I step closer, closing the space between us. Her eyes search mine, and I can see the mix of curiosity and wariness in their depths.

“You’ve become more than I expected,” I admit, my voice low. “You’re not just someone I respect professionally. You’ve shown me something I didn’t think I could have—trust. Admiration. A reason to believe in more than just business.”

Her lips part slightly, but no words come. I press on before the weight of my confession can stop me.

“When Bianca brought you into this world, I saw potential in you,” I continue. “But now… I see so much more. I see someone I want by my side, not just for this night, but for every night.”

Her breath catches, and I take the opportunity to reach into my jacket pocket. The small box feels heavier than it should as I pull it out and open it, revealing a gleaming diamond engagement ring that catches the light like a fragment of the city skyline.

Mia’s eyes widen, her hand flying to her mouth.

“Marry me,” I say, my voice steady but laced with vulnerability. “Not because it’s expected or about business. Marry me because I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

She stares at me, her chest rising and falling as if the words have knocked the wind out of her. For a long moment, she doesn’t say anything, her emotions flickering too quickly for me to decipher.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” she finally whispers, her voice trembling.

I take a step closer, my hand still holding the ring aloft. “Say yes, Mia. I know this is sudden, and I know it’s overwhelming. But trust me, just as I trust you.”

Her hazel eyes search mine, and I can see the turmoil in her expression. She’s weighing the enormity of the moment, the risks, the unknowns.

The quiet stretches on, the city lights sparkling around us like witnesses to this pivotal moment.

Mia takes a shaky breath, her gaze flickering between the ring and my face. Her lips part again, and for a moment, I brace myself for rejection.

“Yes,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The word hits me like a jolt of electricity. Relief, pride, and something deeper—something I don’t dare name—rush through me all at once. I take her hand, sliding the ring onto her finger with a precision that feels almost ceremonial.

The engagement ring glints in the moonlight, a stark contrast to her trembling hand. She looks at it, then at me, her expression a mix of wonder and disbelief.

“Yes,” she repeats, this time louder, as though she’s convincing herself.

Before either of us can say more, a sudden cheer erupts from behind us. I glance over my shoulder to see the crowd of guests standing at the terrace’s edge, their applause filling the night air.

Mia’s cheeks flush a deep crimson as she turns toward the crowd, her hand still clasped in mine. “They were watching?” she whispers, her voice a mix of embarrassment and disbelief.

“Of course,” I reply, my tone steady. “This isn’t just for us. It’s for them too.”

She looks up at me, her brows furrowing slightly. I can see the question in her eyes, but she doesn’t voice it. Not yet. Instead, she turns back to the crowd, offering a polite, if somewhat dazed, smile.

The applause grows louder, and a few voices rise above the rest. “Congratulations!” “Beautiful couple!” “About time!”

Bianca is the first to break from the crowd, her laughter ringing out as she rushes toward us. “Mia!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around her. “You said yes! Welcome to the family!”

Mia laughs nervously, her hand brushing against Bianca’s shoulder as she hugs her back. “This is… a lot,” she says, her voice still tinged with disbelief.

Bianca pulls back, her green eyes sparkling. “A lot? This is amazing! You two are perfect for each other. I’ve been telling you that from the start!”

She turns to me, her smile bright and knowing. “Good move, Dad. Very good move.”

I smirk, the weight of the moment balanced by Bianca’s unrelenting enthusiasm. “Thank you, Bianca.”

The rest of the crowd begins to approach, offering their congratulations. Handshakes, hugs, and glasses of champagne are thrust our way, the terrace buzzing with celebration.

Mia stays close to me, her fingers occasionally brushing mine as she accepts the well-wishes. I can feel the tension in her, the weight of what she’s just agreed to.

As the crowd begins to disperse, returning to the gala’s festivities, I lean closer to her, lowering my voice so only she can hear.

“You won’t regret this,” I say, the words carrying both promise and certainty.

Her hazel eyes meet mine, wide and searching. She doesn’t respond, but the way her fingers tighten slightly around my hand tells me everything I need to know.