Chapter 56
Elliot
I expected panic to set in once I returned to my office, but as I wait for Grandpa's lawyer to finish with the vote, a profound calm settles over me.
I've accepted my fate, whatever the committee decides. If I don't receive my shares of the company, I can still remain director of Wondervale. My brothers will be furious, especially Adrian, because of the repercussions with Malcolm. I understand that, but I truly did everything I could.
Instead of using my original presentation, which contained the best ideas from the Alpha and Beta teams, I followed my instincts.
It was a fairly stressful last-minute change. Fortunately, Diane helped me get through it. And good God, I didn't expect my secretary to be on the committee. I can't believe she hid it from me while helping me finalize the presentation.
At least I have one guaranteed vote.
And maybe two.
Mira seemed moved, but I wouldn't blame her if she decided I don't deserve the position or the power attached to the company shares. Although I'm annoyed that my father revealed that secret, I think it was his way of letting me know he understands what's at stake for us. His letter from Grandpa must have revealed more than we thought.
There's a knock at the door. Diane's head appears in the doorway.
"Your father would like a word with you."
"Send him in."
I might as well get it over with.
When Malcolm Vale enters my office, I invite him to sit.
"I don't plan to stay long," he says, remaining on his feet.
"Did you come to gloat over my defeat?"
"No. I wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you."
I wait for him to finish the sentence. Silence settles between us as I realize that was all he wanted to say.
"Why?"
He ignores my question.
"I wish you the best of luck running this place. I expect you at the next board meeting, prepared to present a more concise budget for your major projects."
Did I truly win the committee's approval, or is this another trick meant to manipulate me?
"What do you mean?"
"Your grandfather would have been proud of the man you've become."
With that, my father leaves my office with a slight nod. I keep staring at the spot where he stood a few seconds ago, wondering how the hell I managed to succeed.
The lawyer enters my office shortly after my father to confirm what I already know: the committee approved the changes I proposed. He'll contact me within the next week to discuss my finances. Finally putting all this behind me feels surreal. I can't wait to take action instead of spending all my time discussing what needs to be done.
After the lawyer leaves, I text my brothers to let them know I received my shares. It's their turn now.
Then I text Mira, hoping she'll finally give me a chance to convince her I'm serious about us.
Me: Will you come to my house tonight and listen to what I have to say?
Me: Please.
Mira: All right. Only because you asked nicely.
Mira: But don't get your hopes up.
Too late. For the first time in weeks, I genuinely smile.
I pace the front porch. The floorboards creak beneath my shoes. A branch snaps, and I look up. Mira approaches along the drive, wearing the same white dress as earlier. The colors of the sunset form a perfect backdrop for her. I'm captivated by her beauty.
The only thing missing from the picture is her smile. From now on, I swear she'll always be happy in my presence. Even if it seems like an impossible goal, I like a challenge. It's what I do.
Mira climbs the steps, her face impassive. I guide her to the porch swing I've come to appreciate since the day I tried to take it down. I hope it gives me the courage to survive everything I'm about to set in motion.
Now would be a good time to wish me luck, Mom.
Mira shifts back and forth, setting the swing into a gentle motion.
"When my grandfather sent me here, I never imagined I would meet someone as extraordinary as you. I should have known things wouldn't go according to plan the moment you fell on me,literally. It was as if life kept putting you in my path, hoping I would get the message. I was too stubborn to realize you were meant to be mine forever, Mira. And because of that stubbornness, I made mistakes. I lied about my identity. I refused to trust you, even though deep down, I knew I could. Worst of all, I pushed you away when all you did was open your heart to me without receiving anything in return. I took your love for granted when I should have cherished it. Because being loved by you is a true gift. A gift I threw away because I was too stupid and selfish to give you that kind of power over me."
Her gaze softens, and Mira takes my hand in her lap.
"You were right when you told me you deserved better," I continue. "You have always deserved better, and you always will. But I refuse to let you go. I can't, because you're the only person in this world who makes me want to smile, and I'm far too selfish to let the best thing in my life slip away simply because I'm afraid."
Her eyes fill with tears, but she holds them back. I squeeze her hand in mine.
"The truth is, I'm terrified of falling in love. Even so, I would rather entrust you with my heart and risk you breaking it than live one more day without you. I want to be the kind of man who deserves a woman as beautiful, selfless, and kind as you. It may take my entire life to reach that goal, but as long as you're beside me, I'll consider it a life worth living. And even though I know I don't deserve you, I'll spend every day proving how much I love you."
A tear rolls down her cheek. I wipe it away with my thumb.
"What about your move to Chicago?"
"I don't give a damn about Chicago. There is nothing I want more than to build a life here with you."
"A kiss in exchange for a secret?"
I nod.
Her mouth presses against mine. I sigh and place a hand on the back of her neck to draw her closer. I pour all my feelings into the kiss, hoping she understands how much I care for her. And that I never want to be separated from her again.
Mira pulls away, her breathing rough.
"Elliot, I love you too. And I would be more than happy to protect your heart from this cruel world, because you make me want to be a little selfish too."
Her smile is so dazzling that it eclipses everything else.
Mira is everything to me. I know it in the deepest part of my being, and my instincts have never been wrong. There is nothing in the world I could find more beautiful than her. Neither the sun, the moon, nor the entire galaxy can compare to the light she casts wherever she goes.