Everyone stood and bowed their heads, honoring Don Salvatore in prayer. After a moment, Ms. Rossi handed me the microphone, and I accepted it gratefully. I walked to the center of the stage, carefully watched over by a few guards to help with my large gown. After all, this was a grand debut, and every detail was magnificent.
Facing the crowd of luxury and prestige before me, I took a breath, cleared my throat, and raised the microphone to my lips.
"Thank you all so much for coming to my party," I began. "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Rossi Family for hosting this celebration. Without them, I really don’t know where I’d be after my father’s death."
I felt my cheeks flush slightly as the room fell into a curious silence, all eyes now on me. Memories flooded my mind—moments spent with Enzo, always the charming one, his laughter filling every corner, and Marco, calm and steadfast, his quiet presence somehow grounding me in ways I couldn’t explain.
"To answer your question Ms. Rossi, yes," I finally replied, my voice soft yet firm. "I believe I have."
Ms. Rossi’s expression brightened, and she gestured for her sons to come forward. Enzo and Marco stepped onto the stage, their postures confident yet somehow tense. I looked first at Enzo, who smiled encouragingly, and then at Marco, whose gaze remained steady, watching me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.
I took a deep breath, letting my emotions settle before speaking again. Turning to Marco, I asked, "Marco… will you marry me?"
The hall held its breath, waiting for his response.
Elena’s POV
Marco walked over to me, while Enzo… he extended his hand, looking genuinely relieved. His smile was unrestrained, almost as if he’d finally relaxed when I didn’t choose him. Maybe I was the only one who noticed.
As Marco came closer, his face was serious, without a hint of a smile. Without a word, he took the microphone from me. And then, he dropped a bombshell that would change my life in ways I’d never expected.
"I’m sorry, Elena," he began, his tone unwavering. "I know this is your birthday party, a big day for you and the family, but… I need to say this. I don’t want to marry you."
The entire hall gasped, shocked and unable to believe what they’d just heard. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as I stood there, speechless, blinking in disbelief. I finally managed to whisper, "W-What?"