Forsaking the Years of Longing
Forsaking Billionaire 119

Chapter 43

Daphne covered her mouth in shock, unable to speak as Calvin stepped out of the car and walked to her side.

Opening her door, he offered his hand. Daphne placed hers in his, letting him lead her to the back of the car.

With a press of the key fob, the trunk popped open, releasing a cascade of balloons that floated into the night sky, creating a mesmerizing display. Inside the trunk, an abundance of Juliet roses captured Daphne's attention, their delicate beauty illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Calvin, her voice trembling with emotion.

"You planned this all along, didn't you?"

Calvin took her hands in his, his own trembling slightly, his eyes rimmed with redness.

"I found out you were meeting your ex-husband last night, and I was terrified.

I thought you might go back to him, that you might not be mine anymore," he confessed, his voice breaking.

"So I spent the night putting together this proposal. It's rushed and not as grand as I wanted, but I couldn't wait. I was scared you'd come downstairs and tell me you chose someone else..." Shaking her head, Daphne covered her mouth with her hand, tears streaming down her face. "How could I ever leave you? I care about you more than anyone else..."

Calvin continued, his voice soft yet earnest.

"From the moment I met you, when you cared whether I was hurt, I felt something I'd never felt before.

My parents passed away when I was young, and no one had ever cared about me. You were the first. From then on, I couldn't help but fall for you."

Daphne, overwhelmed, sobbed quietly as Calvin knelt down on one knee and pulled a ring box from his pocket.

Opening it, he revealed a sparkling diamond ring, his eyes glistening with tears as he looked up at her.

"Ms. Walker, will you marry me?"

Daphne nodded vigorously, her voice lost in her tears, as she extended her hand. Calvin slipped the ring onto her finger, the gemstone catching the light like a beacon of promise. They embraced tightly, their shadows illuminated by the gentle glow of the streetlights and moonlight, enveloped in an unspoken vow to cherish each other forever.

The next day.

Calvin arrived early at the Walker home, impeccably dressed and carrying an assortment of health supplements.

Unaware of his visit, Daphne, still in her pajamas, yawned as she descended the stairs.

When she spotted Calvin in the living room, she froze in place, her face flushed with surprise.

She turned on her heel, ready to retreat upstairs, but Bob's voice stopped her.

"Daphne, your boyfriend is here. Come down and chat with us!"

Daphne, usually composed as the Vice President of Walker Group, found herself at a rare loss for words. Blushing, she reluctantly sat beside Calvin.

"I truly care for Daphne, and I hope you'll entrust her to me,"

Calvin said earnestly, looking directly at Bob and Gracie.

Daphne's eyes widened in disbelief. Daph? Since when did Calvin come up with such a cheesy nickname for her?

Just then, Jonathan descended the stairs, overhearing Calvin's bold declaration. His expression darkened.

"No. I don't agree!"

Calvin stood and greeted Jonathan with a polite smile. "You must be Daphne's brother. I suppose I should call you 'Brother' as well."

Jonathan was visibly fuming. Who asked you to call me Jonathan?

Taking advantage of everyone's presence, Calvin addressed the room.

"I'd like you all to witness my sincerity. I truly wish to marry Daphne," he said, his gaze steady and filled with determination.

Jonathan hurried down the stairs, sizing up Calvin. Though he begrudgingly admitted Calvin had a certain charm, he refused to acknowledge him.

"Daphne, where did you find this boyfriend? How did we jump straight to marriage?" he demanded.

Daphne avoided his gaze, thinking to herself, Technically, he found me first.

Noticing the ring on Daphne's finger, Gracie's expression softened with understanding.

"Daphne, do you truly love him?" she asked gently.

Daphne didn't hesitate. She nodded firmly, and Bob and Gracie exchanged a knowing look.

Turning to Calvin, Gracie's tone

became serious. "You must know what Daphne has been through. Can you promise to protect her, never abandon her, and ensure she is never hurt again?"

Taking Daphne's hand, Calvin responded resolutely, "I promise to treasure Daphne for the rest of my life, to hold her as the most precious thing in my world, and to protect her always."

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Gracie nodded but added solemnly, "If you ever stop loving her, don't hurt her. Bring her home. We'll always love her."

Tears streamed down Daphne's face as she listened, unable to hold back her emotions. Jonathan, feeling like his world was crumbling, quietly left the room. Though it pained him, he knew his role was to remain her brother, to protect her from the sidelines.

Seven years later.

Daphne and Calvin strolled hand-in-hand through a park with their young son. As they walked, Daphne's thoughts drifted to the day Calvin proposed. "There's something I've always wanted to ask you," she said, glancing up at him.

"What is it?" he replied, curious.

"On our first date and when you

proposed you gave me Juliet roses. Back then, I hadn't regained my memory and never told you liked

them. How did you know?"

"I didn't know you liked them. I just heard they were the most expensive roses in the world. And like you, they're precious,"

Calvin said with a smile.

"I figured only flowers like that would be worthy of you."