Page 82 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

She lifted her head from my chest. “Let’s talk about the marriage issue again after we talk to my parents. Telling them about all of this is looming over my head, making me nervous.”

“Let’s do that,” I replied.

Her hand trembled in mine. “It’s going to be a bitter announcement. They’ll be so disappointed at the scandal.”

I gave her a peck, squeezing her hand. “I know. And we have to do the explaining a few more times, including with my parents.”

We found her parents in the living room where we left them, concern etched on their faces. Celia and I sat next to each other, facing them across from us. I believed my presence was a silent pillar of strength, reminding her that no matter the outcome, she wasn’t alone.

She took a steady breath.

“Mom, Dad…I-I…” she trailed off, getting stuck.

I grasped her hand and took over, telling her parents about all that had happened until yesterday’s article. I didn’t mention our engagement. It wasn’t the time to throw that in like a cover-up. There would be time for that.

Celia sat stiffly beside me. Her parents looked understandably lost as to the scandal that erupted in New York. The room was silent, the air thick with tension, and only the faint tick of the grandfather clock in the hallway disturbed the quiet.

Finally, Celia’s father, Wyatt, cleared his throat. “Anton, though not true, this is quite a serious accusation to have tied to your name. And now, it’s tied to our daughter’s. How do you intend to handle this scandal?”

“I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the baby being lost…” her mother added.

I’d been dreading this. That was exactly what Reeva wanted: to grab people’s compassion with such a drastic story.

I pumped my fist in and out on my free hand to remain calm. “Mr. and Mrs. Adams, I understand your concerns completely. We’re in the process of addressing these false claims legally. I want to protect not only my integrity but especially Celia’s. She has nothing to do with this, yet she’s suffering the consequences alongside me.”

“Celia, honey, why didn’t you tell us that you and Anton were dating?” Eleanor, Celia’s mother’s brows knitted together as her eyes darted over Celia's face, her lips pressing into a thin line. She tilted her head slightly, as if struggling to reconcile what she was hearing with what she knew.

Celia reached out, taking her mother’s hands. “I was going to. I was just waiting for the right time, but this scandal pulled the rug from under me.”

“Well, that concern is now overshadowed by the serious accusations that could affect both of your lives profoundly.” She squeezed her daughter’s hand.

Wyatt nodded in agreement, then turned his attention back to me. “It sounds like the press is having a field day with this.”

“They are,” I admitted, my jaw tightening at the memory of the headlines. “My legal team is already working on a press release to tell our side of the story. We want to be as transparent as possible.”

“Transparency is good, but it won’t necessarily clear your names,” Wyatt said critically. “This kind of scandal sticks, whether it’s true or not. Anton, you seem like a decent young man, but we are concerned about Celia’s future. How can you assure us that this won’t escalate further?”

I held Wyatt’s gaze, “I care deeply for Celia, and I would never want to put her in a situation that could harm her or her future.”

“This is challenging dad,” Celia added, “but Anton is working very hard to manage it.” She gave an encouraging nod. “This whole thing made me realize how much I can rely on him and how strong our relationship can be if we put our effort together.”

A burst of love exploded in my chest as she defended me.

Wyatt features softening slightly. “We trust your judgment, Celia, but we also want to ensure you’re protected.”

Nerves made my hand tremble, and I grasped hers tighter.

“Mr. Adams, I would like to have a private conversation with you at some point while I'm here, but I want you to know I’m in love with your daughter,” I said.

Turning to Celia, she smiled for the first since I walked into this house. I knew it was time.

Keeping her hand in my grasp, I went down on one knee. She turned sideways to face me, covering her mouth with her free hand. I reached into my pants pocket and pulled out a red velvet box. When it opened, I was nearly blinded by the beauty of thering glistening against the dark fabric. But it wasn’t as sparkling as the woman in front of me.

Voice trembling, I said, “I’ve loved you from the moment we met, even if I didn’t know it. You’re my world, my everything. I promise to cherish you, to stand by you through all life’s storms. Give me a chance to be your husband. Celia, will you be my wife?”

She nodded, overwhelmed with emotions. Tears fell. “Yes, Anton, I’ll marry you.”

Her answer ignited cheers from her parents. I slid the ring onto her finger, then, I gave her a brief kiss.

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