POV: Lucian

It was late afternoon, and the golden sun cast warm light through the penthouse windows. I stood at the champagne bar, glass in hand, listening as Ares and my mother, Elise, debated proposal styles. Margaret, Siena’s mom, sat quietly on the sofa, sipping tea, a gentle smile on her face.

I took a slow breath, heart pounding with nerves I hadn’t felt in years. The ring sat heavy in my pocket—a simple platinum band with a single diamond, flawless. But its meaning felt massive: a lifetime with Siena.

“Something small, but unforgettable,” I said finally, my voice steady but earnest. “Just us, in a moment she’ll carry forever.”...