Natalie Sullivan stared at the dazzling pink diamond ring on her left ring finger, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a dreamy halo as it refracted through the gemstone.

She blinked rapidly, half-afraid this was all a dream.

Alexander Valentine had been kneeling on one knee for several minutes, the fabric of his tailored suit trousers creased from the position.

"Don't you like it?" His voice held an uncharacteristic tightness.

Natalie shook her head vehemently, making the pink diamond catch fire in the light. "I love it! I absolutely adore it!"

She suddenly launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck with enough force to nearly topple them both.

Alexander steadied himself, gently stroking her back. "When I saw this diamond at Sotheby's auction last year, I knew it was meant for you."

Pulling away, Natalie held up her left hand to admire the ring in the sunlight. "How did you know pink was my color?"

"You painted your entire bedroom pink for your eighteenth birthday." Amusement danced in Alexander's eyes. "And got grounded by your father for it."

Natalie stuck out her tongue playfully, then suddenly noticed something unusual about the ring's design.

"Wait, this is..."

Alexander took the ring and pressed a hidden mechanism, separating the main diamond from its setting.

"It converts into a pendant, or you can wear the diamond alone." He slid it back onto her finger. "Three functions in one."

Natalie burst into giggles. "Don't tell me you've already got the necklace ready too?"

From his inner suit pocket, Alexander produced a velvet box. "Custom platinum chain from the same collection."

"Alex!" Natalie's eyes grew misty as she snatched the box. "Put it on me right now!"

She turned around, exposing the delicate curve of her neck.

His fingers brushed against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Once the necklace was secured, Natalie turned back with a pout. "Something's still missing."

"The proposal ceremony." Alexander looked genuinely remorseful. "I should have made it more formal."

Natalie's eyes lit up as she grabbed her phone and dialed Audrey Sullivan.

"Mom! I want a proper proposal ceremony!"

Audrey's light laughter came through the receiver. "Perfect timing—we're already on the yacht preparing for a fashion show."

Hanging up, Natalie threw herself at Alexander with renewed excitement.

She straddled his lap, nimble fingers already working at his necktie.

"Natalie..." Alexander caught her mischievous hands.

"We're getting married!" she protested with an exaggerated pout.

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed. "At least wait until we're in our..."

Natalie sprang off his lap. "Always waiting!"

She stormed toward the door but was intercepted by Alexander's arms wrapping around her from behind.

"The bed is custom-made," he murmured against her ear. "Soundproofed to perfection."

The tips of Natalie's ears turned scarlet.

Whirling around, she poked his chest. "You've gotten wicked!"

Alexander captured her finger and pressed a kiss to it. "Only for you."

Their shared laughter was interrupted when Natalie suddenly remembered something. "I lost my ID—how are we going to register the marriage?"

"We'll get you a new one." He pinched her cheek affectionately. "The entire Valentine Group is already yours."

Warmth bubbled in Natalie's chest, though she deliberately maintained a stern expression. "I'm going to see Sophia now. If I stay any longer, you'll have me..."

She made a silly face before practically skipping out of the room.

Sophia Laurent had just finished her porridge when Natalie burst in like a whirlwind.

"Sophia!" Natalie waved her left hand dramatically. "What do you think?"

Only then did Sophia notice the eye-catching pink diamond. "Alexander proposed?"

"Mhm!" Natalie preened. "He even said he'd choose me over the baby if it came to that!"

Ethan Sullivan choked on his water.

Sophia laughed while transferring money via phone. "Congratulations to the happy couple."

At the payment notification, Natalie whooped and threw her arms around Sophia, planting several kisses on her cheeks.

"Natalie Sullivan!" Ethan pulled her away, his expression thunderous.

"Jealous much?" Natalie stuck out her tongue. "Sophia doesn't mind!"

Wiping lipstick marks from her face, Sophia couldn't suppress her amusement.

Ethan watched the scene unfold like a farmer witnessing his prized cabbage being devoured by a wild boar.