Unlocking my Boss’s Heart (Romance in Sweet Comedy #4)

30. Anton

Chapter thirty

Anton

M y gaze fixed on Celia’s as she came down the stairs, a blend of worry and determination that mirrored mine on her face.

“Good morning,” I greeted, my tone betraying a hint of nervousness.

“Morning,” she replied dully.

She was as striking as ever in simple capri pants and a T-shirt. The sight of her brought me a small measure of relief, though the tight set of my jaw spoke of anything but ease.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she turned to her parents, who were seated at the dining table. “Can you please excuse us? We’ll talk in the back.”

“Honey, what’s going on? If you’re in trouble—”

“Dad, it’s okay. I’ll be fine. I promise I’ll update you and Mom soon.”

Her dad looked between us, then said, “If you insist. We’ll be right here if you need us.”

She led the way out to the backyard and stopped under a tree with a wooden bench. Then, she faced me.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, brows furrowed.

“I couldn’t let you face everything that transpired alone,” I replied, stepping toward her. My tone was firm yet soft, letting her know how worried I’d been. “I went to your apartment as soon as I saw the article in the newspaper. But you were already gone.”

She crossed her arms, straightening her back. “Everything? You mean the lies spread across the papers? That’s not everything, Anton. Everything is my life turning into a scandal overnight.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. We knew Reeva’s threats of consequences, but this?” I spoke calmly, but I was sure she could see the anger etched on my face and the turmoil reflected in my eyes. “What she did was cruel.”

I’d built my law firm into one of the best in New York, despite my father’s criticism of my choice of career choice. And now, this.

Celia sighed, walking past me to sit on the bench.

“My parents don’t even know why I’m here yet…. You didn’t have to come. I’m realizing maybe I’m not cut out for your elite world.”

“My world?” I frowned, following her to sit by her, carefully keeping a respectful distance. “Celia, my world is better with you in it. You don’t have to be part of any elite to be important to me.”

“That’s just it, isn’t it? Your world has these...expectations. I’m just a girl from Texas, Anton, look around you.” She gestured with her hand. “My mom is a teacher, and my dad builds houses. Yesterday, that foundation crumbled when I became the center of a gossip piece because I was dating someone out of my league.”

Her use of the past tense while talking about us didn’t escape me. It wasn’t too surprising. The fact that she’d taken off without reaching out to me told me she wanted me out of her life. But I planned to do the exact opposite.

I took her hand. “Celia, you aren’t just dating someone . You’re dating me. And I’m in love with you. I came here to ask you something important.” My voice was soft, and I hoped the depth of my sincerity was clear in my hushed tone.

Confusion, and perhaps a glimmer of hope, edged across her face. “What are you asking?” she said.

“I want you to marry me, Celia. Not because of the gossip or as a reaction to it, but because last night, when I thought I might lose you, nothing else mattered. Not the firm, not New York, not any socialite’s drama—just you.”

She stopped breathing for a moment, but I could see her heart beating on the side of her neck. She looked into my eyes, her own softening as they filled with a tentative hope. Her breath hitched, and she blinked rapidly, as if trying to process the depth of my words. Her lips parted slightly, a flicker of something unspoken crossing her face, before her brows drew together, and a flash of uncertainty clouded her expression

“Marriage? Amidst all the chaos swirling around us, this is as unexpected as it can be—the furthest thing I thought of.”

“I know,” I simply said. I waited, letting her ponder on my proposal.

“Anton, do you know what you’re saying?”

Wasn’t this what she wanted when she was at my parents’ dinner? Now, I wanted the same thing. I thought, regardless of the situation, she would jump up and throw her arms around my neck, completely happy.

I could see the wheels turning in her head, probably weighing the pros and cons. The very thing I’d detested not finding in other women I dated was going against me now: her intelligence.

“Last night, I thought that I couldn’t live life the way I did since meeting you, with a nonstop whirlwind of emotional ups and downs, plus office drama….” she finally said.

I caressed her hand.

“The past six months haven’t been an easy sail, I admit. But believe me, my life has never been this chaotic. Ever.” I paused and scratched my chin. “About the office drama and stress…that can be eliminated if you—”

“I know. I’d thought before that I could work in another firm.”

That wasn’t what I had in mind. I wanted to ask her if she could stop practicing law and just be my wife. Seeing the long hours I worked, I couldn’t imagine us both doing that.

“But this isn’t just fixing something. Marriage is.... It’s big,” she continued.

“I know it’s big. I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.” My voice was sincere, my gaze locked with hers. “Look, I know I’m not perfect. I have fears about marriage and all that, but I know I want you permanently in my life. I’m willing to face those fears if it means I can be with you every day, learning how to be better together.”

It hit me just then that here I was, confessing my love to Celia and pleading my case to become her husband. She had certainly humbled me.

The emotional weight of the moment was unlike anything I could have imagined. My eyes misted, and my heart tugged loudly in my chest. I took several breaths to calm myself.

A tear slipped down Celia’s cheeks. “But your family…your reputation….”

“My family loves you, Celia. And as far as my reputation goes, it means nothing unless I have you,” I was as loving as I could. She needed to know that I truly and completely loved her. With the gentlest of touches, I wiped away her tears with my thumb. “Remember the words you said as we explored my parents’ gardens? A partner, a confidant, standing by each other. Isn’t that what marriage is about?”

As I spoke those words, a small smile formed on her face. Hope rose in me amidst the chaos as her smile brought a little ray of sunshine. The love I had for her was overflowing, threatening to burst out of my chest. I watched every movement of her face expectantly, even as fear and uncertainty nagged at me again.

“I loved you too, Anton.”

Instantaneous relief washed over me, though I was acutely aware that she left out the marriage part. Pulling her up with me, I picked her up by the waist, her feet dangling. She raked her fingers through my hair as I linked my mouth to hers and kissed her until we were breathless. When we pulled apart, I set her down.

“I love you,” I murmured and held her tight.

The quiet of our surroundings enveloped us, a stark contrast to the noisy tumult of New York, which neither of us desperately wanted to return to.

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 the ring 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.

She lifted her left hand, looking at the ring. “Anton, this is too much.”

“Nothing is too good for you.”

Her parents came around the table and congratulated us.

The moment transformed. We each got a glass of wine to celebrate, the sound of laughter mingling with clinking glasses diffusing all the worries that had plagued us since yesterday. As the conversation drew to a close, the initial chill thawed somewhat, replaced by a cautious hope. Together, we began to discuss practical steps forward, forming a united front against the storm brewing beyond the walls of the Adams’ home.

“I don’t know how much we can help except by being a listening ear. Those legal dealings you’ll be doing are foreign to us.”

“Mr. Adams, being a listening ear is the most important thing I need. As a lawyer who knows what is required, and how it’s done, I’ll be bombarded with advice from people who have no idea what they are talking about.”

Celia chuckled.

“Call me Wyatt, Anton. We are practically family.”

I took a hotel room in town last evening. Celia and I planned to return to New York today after lunch with her parents. We’d just finished eating and were getting ready to head to the airport.

We hugged them and promised to see each other soon.

Arriving in New York, Celia and I took a cab to my parents’ house.

“What a busy weekend. Sorry I have to drag you with me,” I told Celia.

“I understand, handsome.” She smoothed out my hair.

I took her hand and kissed it. “Two of four explanations, coming up. It’s considerate that I tell my family my version of the story before the press conference tomorrow, you know.”

“I do.”

I felt such peace I couldn’t describe, all because this woman had agreed to marry me. I pulled my fiancée to my chest in the back of the cab. “Mine,” I murmured in her ear and kissed her hair. “How do you feel about coming to work tomorrow?” I asked her.

She scrunched her nose. “I'd rather not…if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind. Better for you to wait out for the eye of the storm to pass,” I told her. “And, love, thank you for everything.”

“I haven’t done anything.” She snuggled closer.

“Accepting me with my ‘elite’ problems is everything you could have done.”

“In that case, you’re welcome.” She went on to give me a kiss on my cheek, but I turned and captured her mouth.

“Anton!” she scolded quietly. “We’re in the cab.”

“I know,” I replied in an equally hushed tone.

She gently elbowed me. “That’s how we got into deeper trouble with a public display of affection, and our picture was taken.”

“The more reason to give those photographers a picture-worthy scene, you know. I’m thinking…Times Square stroll; then, I pick you up and sit you on my shoulders…. That would do very well.”

She chuckled. “You’re pulling my leg.”

“Nope. It will happen.”

“Are you serious?” Her eyes widened, and she stared at me, searching my face for any sign of a joke. When I remained stoic, her mouth parted slightly, and her hand instinctively reached for her chest as if to steady herself.

“Yes. I would rather tell you now, so you can prepare yourself.”

By the time we got out of the cab at my parents’ house, Celia looked like she might take the plane back to Texas just to avoid sitting on my shoulders on Time Square. It made me chuckle quietly—a happy chuckle. I was in the spotlight because of who I was, but I never sought publicity. It pleased me deeply that she didn’t seek publicity, either.

We found my family hanging out in the living room, waiting for me. I’d texted my brothers to meet here for a quick meeting.

“Celia! What a surprise!” My mother hugged Celia. Then pulled away, holding both Celia’s hands. “How are you handling all of this, my dear?”

“It’s…it’s hard, and it’s going to get harder before it gets better. But—”

“What’s this?” my mother asked, lifting Celia’s hand. “Oh, you got engaged!”

Celia flushed bright red as all eyes turned to her.

“Yes. I asked, and she said “yes,” making me the happiest man alive,” I said.

My mother teared up and hugged Celia again. “Welcome to the family!”

“Congratulations,” echoed the rest of the family.

Someone opened a bottle of champagne, and within twenty-four hours, we found ourselves in the middle of a second engagement celebration. The true reason for our visit was placed on the back burner until I reminded everyone, and we sat down.

I told them what they already knew from Johan.

“What will you do about your ex-girlfriend?” my father asked. “It seems she would rather destroy you in her fall and damn the consequences.”

I glanced at Celia. “Love, we haven’t discussed this yet.”

All eyes turned to her again, she blew out a breath. “I think we should focus on clearing our names and the firm’s, keeping her out of our lives.”

“My thoughts exactly.” I was a happy man, being on the same page with my love.

Later, as I exited the bathroom, my mother caught me in the hall. “Honey, a word please,” she said, opening the door to one of the first-floor bedrooms. We stepped inside, and she closed the door behind us. “Sweetheart, I’m so happy for you and Celia. You knew what was best for you and when it was. I feel bad that I pushed you to get back with Reeva.”

“It’s okay Mother,” I hugged her. “We’ll get through everything she’s throwing at us and move on with our lives without another thought of her.”

“Celia is solid—any lawyer is solid. You two will do well together.”

“Thanks Mother.”

Soon after, Celia and I said our goodbyes.

The cab dropped Celia at Maddison’s before taking me to my place.

When I got home around nine o’clock, I went directly to my study to work on my notes for the press release the following day.

Monday came quickly. I’d emailed Olivia on my way to Texas, asking her to call an emergency staff meeting this morning before the press conference.

In the staff meeting room, I briefed everyone on what to expect from the media regarding Celia and me. Most were already aware of Reeva’s statement. Some senior attorneys patted me on the back for encouragement, the others expressed their support, and a few quietly listened and left.

I appreciated every type of support. This firm’s team had to stick together in these challenging times.

The press conference went really well, in my opinion. Afterward, reporters bombarded me with questions. I lingered around to answer them, wanting to be as transparent as possible. However, the questions quickly shifted to Celia—whether they could meet her, learn more about her. I felt very protective of her and left the post-press conference Q I plunged over and grabbed her at the waist. She squealed, and I laughed. I crouched down and prompted her, she sat on my shoulders, and I stood up.

“The practice for when we do it in Times Square?” she asked.

“And for when we have children?” I asked back.

She looked down, I looked up.

“I love you, Love,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. As the words left my lips, I realized just how deeply I meant them. It wasn’t just a declaration; it was a promise. A vow that I would cherish her, protect her, and hold onto this feeling for as long as I lived. Being with her made me feel whole in a way I had never imagined possible.

“I love you, handsome.”

As she looked down at me from her perch spot on my shoulders, a playful glint in her eyes, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us. My heart swelled, the way she called me “handsome,” with that soft, affectionate tone, made me feel like I was more than just a man. I was her man.