Chapter 10 - The Unveiling
A year later, the Mercer estate was alive with a completely different kind of energy. The heavy iron gates were wide open, and the cold stone walls were covered in bright, blooming summer ivy.
It was the night of the annual Daniel Mercer Memorial Foundation Gala—a charity designed to provide housing and educational scholarships to underprivileged families in Philadelphia, managed entirely by Harper Dunn.
The grand hall was filled with music, laughter, and light.
Harper stood near the fireplace, looking up at the portrait of Daniel Mercer. The black ribbon was gone, replaced by a beautiful, bright wreath of fresh white roses.
"You did an amazing job, Harper," Willa said, walking up beside her sister. Willa was dressed in a beautiful evening gown, looking radiant and happy, currently attending one of the top universities in the state thanks to the foundation.
"We did it together," Harper said, hugging her sister tightly.
"Everyone is waiting for you in the ballroom," Willa smiled, winking. "Especially a certain handsome businessman."
Harper smiled and walked into the grand ballroom. The crowd parted for her, looking at her not with the arrogant snobbery of the past, but with deep respect and admiration.
Callum was standing near the center stage. When he saw her, his eyes lit up. He walked over, taking her hand and kissing the back of it seamlessly.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Callum said, his voice echoing through the microphone, commanding the attention of every powerful figure in the city. "Thank you all for coming tonight to honor my father's memory. But tonight is also a celebration of our future."
He turned to Harper, dropping to one knee on the polished marble floor. The entire ballroom gasped, followed by a wave of delighted whispers.
Callum pulled a small velvet box from his jacket, opening it to reveal a magnificent, brilliant-cut diamond ring surrounded by tiny, delicate gold roses.
"Harper Dunn," Callum said, his voice raw with emotion. "A year ago, you ran into this house to save my mother, and in doing so, you saved my soul. You brought light into the darkest corners of my life. I don't want to build a future without you. Will you marry me?"
Tears of pure, overwhelming joy filled Harper's eyes. She looked over at the front row, where Vivian Mercer was sitting, tears streaming down her smiling face, nodding vigorously.
May you like
"Yes," Harper whispered, her voice cracking. "Yes, Callum, a thousand times yes."
The ballroom erupted into deafening applause as Callum slid the ring onto her finger, standing up to pull her into a fierce, passionate embrace.
