Marcus gently led Ava away from the crowd toward the quiet private lounge located behind the grand stage.
The heavy doors closed behind them, shutting out the loud noise of the ballroom and the drama outside instantly.
A assistant rushed over with warm cotton towels and a cup of hot tea, placing them on the table.
Ava wrapped the warm towel around her wet hair, taking a slow sip of the tea as her hands stopped trembling.
Marcus sat down on the soft leather sofa beside her, taking her small hand into his large, warm palms gently.
Marcus: I am so sorry I didn't arrive five minutes earlier to stop those cruel people from hurting you, Ava.
Ava: You don't have to apologize, Marcus. You saved me when nobody else in that room cared.
Marcus: I never wanted to hide my wealth from you, but I needed to know who loved me for me.
Ava looked into his honest eyes, seeing the deep sincerity that had made her fall for him months ago.
Ava: I loved you when I thought you were just a simple mechanic working late shifts downtown, Marcus.
Marcus: And I loved you because you treated everyone with kindness, no matter how much money they had.
He pulled a small black velvet box from his inner pocket and opened it slowly between them in the room.
Inside sat a brilliant diamond ring that caught the soft warm lights of the private room with breathtaking beauty.
Marcus: Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me for real, Ava?
Tears of pure joy filled Ava's eyes as she nodded her head, a soft smile finally breaking across her face.
Ava: Yes, Marcus! Yes, I will marry you!
He slid the stunning diamond ring onto her finger, sealing their promise with a soft, warm kiss on her forehead.
Outside the lounge, Julian was led away in handcuffs by local officers for instigating public disturbance and harassment charges.
His arrogance had cost him his money, his status, and his future, leaving him with nothing but deep regret.
Ava walked out of the hotel holding Marcus's hand tightly, leaving the cruelty of high society far behind her forever.
She had lost a liar, but she had gained a true partner who would love and protect her for life.