King of Deception: A Secret Billionaire Romance (Billionaire Kings of New York Book 1)

Epilogue

Ella Rose

“For a year, we’ve been preparing for the restructure, here and in our sister companies,” Mr. Engelbert’s voice rang through the microphone. “And we’re proud of all the work that each and every one of you has done during this tough time. Long hours at the office. Conference calls on Saturday mornings. Workshops, training, and evaluations… I am proud to call you my team.”

Holding my breath, I listened to the speech where the next step of my professional future was expected to be made official. As he recited the names, one after the other with their new titles, my heart skipped several beats.

“Ella Rose Boraine; Financial Manager,” he finally announced.

All around me, I heard my team’s applause and couldn’t help but laugh when Mr. Johnson gave me a pat on the back. At last, I’d earned my new title—and God, did I truly deserve it.

Reaching for the phone in my pocket, I quickly texted… I got it!

Celebratory drinks rotated at the office party while colleagues and supervisors congratulated me. Feeling empowered, I was proud of myself. The sleepless nights through the last two quarters had finally paid off, and I couldn’t wait to go home and celebrate with everyone I loved.

My parents were visiting since my mom adored New York in the summer. It was the perfect opportunity.

Making a mental list, I began to count the things I needed to buy for tonight.

When the party was over, I left the premises and got into my car, immediately calling Alex.

“Hey, new boss!” he cheered. “Check this; I got red, white, snacks, and plenty of light beers for your dad.”

“What? I was about to do that.”

“It’s your day, babe. Besides, I had a little help.”

“Where are you now?”

“At your place, actually. We’re almost done setting up.”

“Aww, you guys didn’t have to.”

“We want to.”

“You want me to owe you.”

“Hell, yeah. When I’m made editor, you’ll return the favor.”

“You got it. Anything missing that I can grab on the way?”

“Only your pretty little ass. Oh, wait. That came out wrong.”

“Bye, Lexi!”

A minute later, I received a voice message from Vanessa on the ladies’ group chat. “Congratulations!” she squealed. “We’re so excited and partially… already drunk. We’re on our way!”

Giggling to myself, I drove home, overwhelmed with excitement.

The last time I felt so accomplished was when I got myself that job without help or recommendation from anyone. And here I was again, building a promising career all on my own.

When I stepped into my apartment, it was nearly unrecognizable. The furniture has been rearranged to accommodate more people somehow, and elegant decorations adorned every nook and corner. A giant balloon read, ‘You’re the Boss’ floated over the kitchen counter.

Turning around, I searched for Alex. He was standing by the counter, helping James with the mixers.

I widened my eyes. “What did you guys do to the place?”

“Well, that wasn’t entirely us,” James gestured with his chin behind me, and I spun on my heel to find Abel standing right there.

“Hello, boss,” he grinned before planting a quick kiss on my lips. “Congratulations, babe. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Leaping up to hug him, I encircled his neck with my arms and let out a girlish yelp, “I did it! I really did it!”

“I had no doubt that you would.”

My parents soon arrived, and as soon as mom laid eyes on Abel, she pulled me back out the door before he saw her. “Oh my God, is that Abel?”

“Yeah, I sent you our picture.”

“Gosh, he looks even better in real life,” she winked, coyly giggling. “You weren’t wrong about him.”

“Mom!”

“What? I’ve got eyes. Now, introduce us.” Going in, she pulled me by the hand and, on the other side, dragged Dad along.

I was beyond happy, mingling and talking to my friends with Abel by my side. But then, when a moment of quiet surrounded the two of us together, he took my hand and said with a low voice, “Come with me.”

“Where?”

“The balcony,” he explained as he led me toward the glass door.

Outside, the night was warm, and the moon was showing off its full glory. Silver light covered the city, and the horizon was breathtaking.

“What’s going on?” I watched his face switch expressions by the second.

Holding both hands in the air, he quickly said, “Look, I tried… but I’m not really good at this.”

My eyebrows met in a knot. “What is it? What are you talking about?”

“Last week was Lily’s wedding anniversary.”

“Okay? Yeah…” I nodded, “Yeah, it was.”

Pulling out his phone, he swiped and pressed something before placing it down on the little table beside us. Time in a Bottle started to play, and the smooth guitar strums accompanied Jim Croce’s tender voice.

“And this morning…” Abel’s chest rose a little, “I realized that I wished I could somehow keep the time we spent together safe… perfectly preserved… sealed in a bottle.”

“Abel,” I tittered. “How much did you have to drink?”

“I’ve never been more lucid in my life,” his tone grew even more serious.

Dipping my head, I clasped both of his hands in mine, pressing lightly. “Abel?”

“Marry me?” he blurted out.

As if a strike of lightning had bolted straight to my heart, I froze with my lips apart. In disbelief, I watched him pull out a small velvet box from his pocket, opening it between us, revealing the biggest, shiniest diamond I had ever seen.

“Till eternity passes away?” he quoted the song, and I felt my eyes instantly well up.

“Yes. Yes,” I whispered through my breath as my fingers reached for his. “I’ll spend eternity with you.”

As he placed the ring around my finger, I heard laughter inside. Someone must have made a joke, and the expressions of joy were perfectly timed.

For how much I loved Abel, eternity didn’t seem long enough.

And we kissed. And I knew that he would love me and keep me safe… eternally.

THE END