Daniel slid the ring onto her finger. The blue diamond sparkled, reflecting the emotion in the air. Once the ring was firmly in place, Daniel stood and kissed her with overwhelming passion, sealing their promise. This moment was theirs, and the "Ghost"'s complicity with his partner was etched in every touch, every look.
The instant the kiss deepened, the sky above the mansion exploded in a symphony of light and color.FireworksDisplays of epic proportions, carefully orchestrated for this very moment through coordinated technology and drones, lit up the dark Tokyo night. These weren't just fireworks; they were true pyrotechnic works of art. Cascading explosions of gold and silver fell like showers of stars, followed by fiery crimson flowers and vibrant blues that unfolded overhead. Complex shapes, like giant chrysanthemums and luminous dragons, danced in the air. The glow was so intense it seemed to turn night into day, bathing the garden and the astonished faces of the guests in a resplendent light.
Each explosion was accompanied by a distant roar and a slight tremor in the ground, a display of power and extravagance that surpassed any real display. The fireworks weren't random; they formed patterns, symbols, and, in one dazzling moment, drew the image of a giant heart pulsing with light across the sky. The spectacle lasted what seemed like an eternity, a gift from Daniel to his future wife, a reflection of the immense love he felt and the limitless world he could create for her.
Thomas and Akemi cried tears of joy, hugging each other. Kenji, who had recovered from his initial shock, shouted and applauded, completely forgetting his games, completely immersed in the grandeur of the moment.
Elara pulled away from Daniel, her eyes shining with tears and the reflection of the fireworks. "Daniel... this is... this is more than I could have dreamed!" Her voice was choked with emotion.
"Nothing less than you deserve, my princess," Daniel whispered, brushing a tear from her face with his thumb. "For my queen, the sky is the limit. And for us, Elara, there is a whole world to explore, together, in daylight or in shadow." The last sentence was spoken in a tone only she could hear, reinforcing the shared nature of their existence. He held her close again as the last and grandest of the fireworks exploded in a shower of golden light, covering the night sky and marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The brightness was so intense that, for a few moments, the Tokyo night transformed into a magical dawn.
The echoes of the fireworks display still lingered in the air, the scent of gunpowder and jasmine mingling, as the golden light of the artificial dawn glow began to fade, giving way to the soft illumination of the Japanese paper lanterns adorning the mansion's garden. The excitement was palpable on the terrace, Thomas and Akemi still embraced, tears of joy streaming down their faces, while Kenji, wide-eyed, jumped with excitement. Elara, the blue diamond ring glistening on her finger, lay in Daniel's arms, her heart still racing from the proposal and the enormity of the moment. The silence that followed the final explosion was filled only with sighs of admiration and murmurs of gratitude.
Daniel pulled away from Elara a little, but kept her firmly in his arms, turning to Thomas and Akemi, who still looked in shock. A warm, genuine smile formed on his lips, softening the intense features of his face. "My dear in-laws," he began, his voice filled with a sincerity that went beyond formality, "I know all of this has happened so quickly. Less than a month, to be exact, since life gave me the greatest gift I could ever wish for: Elara."
He paused, his eyes fixed on Thomas and Akemi, who watched him with a mixture of admiration and curiosity about this man who had so quickly appeared in their daughter's life and completely transformed her. Daniel continued, his voice weaving a tapestry of memories from that first meeting in New York. "I spotted her at a club, in a New York penthouse. A vibrant place, full of life, loud music, people seeking... well, the effervescence of the night, if you know what I mean, as young people seek it. But Elara wasn't like that. She was alone in one of the most secluded areas, a small nook with a soft leather sofa and a stunning view of the city lights stretching out like a carpet of stars. She wasn't there seeking that taste of 'nightlife,' like so many others. She was simply sitting, sipping red wine from an elegant glass, the light from theskylineof Manhattan reflected in his eyes."
Daniel looked at Elara, who was smiling, reliving the memory with him. The complicity between them was an invisible but strong golden thread. "In that moment, Thomas, Akemi, I saw her and said to myself: 'This will be my woman for the rest of my life.' And it wasn't because of her body, or the obvious beauty everyone could see. It was because of her eyes. The depth I saw there, the way she observed the world, how she didn't fit into the ordinary pursuits of that place. She was just there, in her own peace, savoring her wine and the moment."
Elara laughed softly, a melodious sound that mingled with the Japanese night breeze. Her eyes, now filled with happiness, met Daniel's. He turned to her, a glint of defiance and affection in his gaze. "And she had the audacity, Thomas, Akemi, the audacity to say that if I really wanted her company, I would have to find a way to get her ice cream. But it wasn't just any ice cream. It was the kind that only sells out a month in advance. Remember that, Elara?"
Elara nodded vigorously, a huge smile on her face. "I remember perfectly, Daniel. And you did it! In fact, I still have the VIP card from that ice cream shop! That night was... unforgettable." She squeezed Daniel's hand, confirming the story for her parents, who listened in fascination. Thomas and Akemi exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and admiration for the man their daughter had chosen.
Thomas, a man of few words but a big heart, finally found his voice, choked with emotion. "Daniel... we... we don't know what to say. It's all so... grand. And fast, yes, as you said. But our Elara's happiness is what matters. And she's never been happier." He extended his hand to Daniel, who shook it firmly and respectfully.
Akemi, her eyes red from crying but with a radiant smile, added, "Yes, Daniel. It's obvious how much she loves you, and how happy you make her. And knowing that she told you about... her essence in that place... it means a lot to us." She was referring to Elara's calmer, more contemplative nature, a contrast to the club's atmosphere, something Daniel had noticed and appreciated.
Daniel nodded, feeling the warmth and acceptance of Elara's family. He knew what he was about to say would seal their future even more deeply. He looked at Thomas and Akemi, his eyes conveying the sincerity of his words. "So, my father-in-law, my mother-in-law, with all this in mind, and with the certainty that Elara's happiness is my highest priority, I say to you: it's time for you to retire. It's time to truly enjoy life. Leave your worries behind. If you want to live with us, together, I'll love it, and I guarantee Elara will too. We can have the house here in Japan, the mansion in New York, the property in Dubai... the world is big. Let's explore it together? All the cultures, all the flavors, all the wonders it has to offer."
A wave of silence fell over the terrace again, this time a silence of pure amazement. Thomas and Akemi looked at each other; Daniel's proposal was so generous, so unexpected, that it seemed unreal. They had always lived a simple and dedicated life, and the idea of retiring and traveling the world, of being supported with such freedom and love, was something they had never even dreamed of.
"Daniel... are you... are you serious?" Thomas asked, his voice barely above a whisper, trying to process the enormity of the invitation.
"More serious than ever, Thomas," Daniel replied, his smile widening. "My life is complete with Elara. And her family is my family now. I want you to enjoy life to the fullest, without financial worries, without the responsibilities that have held you back for so many years. I have the resources to do so, and the greatest joy would be to share them with the people Elara loves most." He looked at Elara, who nodded, her eyes shining.