Chapter 10 - A New Beginning

The week after everything had settled down, Damon found himself standing at the door of Riley's family home, his hands nervously clutching a huge bouquet of flowers. He had thought about this moment a thousand times - imagining what it would feel like to walk in and ask for her hand, to formally ask for permission to marry her. Now that the moment was finally here, his heart was racing.

Damon had spent the past few days gathering the courage to speak to Riley's family, and today he had brought his own family along, determined to make this a serious and meaningful request. He wasn't just asking for her hand; he was asking to spend the rest of his life with her, and he wanted her family to know that he would take care of her, love her, and protect her for as long as they both lived.

He took a deep breath, knocked on the door, and stood there waiting. A few moments later, the door opened, and Riley's mother greeted him with a warm smile, but there was something in her eyes - a knowing look - that told him she had been expecting him.

"Damon," she said softly. "Come in, we've been waiting for you."

He stepped inside, his family following behind him. Riley's father, who was sitting in the living room, stood as they entered. There was an air of formality and respect in the room, but also warmth. It was clear they had accepted Damon as a part of their lives.

"Good to see you, son," Riley's father said with a firm handshake. "We've been hearing quite a bit about you lately."

Damon smiled, but his heart was thudding in his chest. He glanced at Riley's parents, his eyes meeting theirs as they motioned for him to sit down.

Once they were all seated, the room fell into a quiet anticipation. Damon's palms were sweating, but he kept his composure. His father gave him a reassuring nod, and with a deep breath, he stood up again, holding the bouquet of flowers out in front of him.

"Mr. and Mrs. Al-Fayed," Damon began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I'm here today to ask for your permission. I know I've made mistakes, and I know I've caused some worries, but I want you to know that my love for Riley is real. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She's everything to me."

He glanced down at the bouquet, then back up at her parents. "I'm here to ask for your blessing - to marry your daughter and make her my wife. I promise to love, honor, and cherish her for as long as we both shall live."

The room was silent for a moment as Riley's parents exchanged looks. Damon's heart raced in his chest, but he stood there, waiting patiently. Then, Riley's father leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening.

"Damon," he said, his voice low but kind. "You've come here today with respect, and that means something to us. We've seen how much you care for our daughter, and we can see the sincerity in your eyes. We have no doubt that you'll make her happy."

Riley's mother smiled gently, standing up to place a hand on his shoulder. "If you truly love her and you're ready to commit to her for the rest of your life, then we give you our blessing."

Damon felt a wave of relief wash over him. He smiled, unable to hide the joy that filled him. "Thank you," he whispered, feeling the weight of the moment sink in. "Thank you so much."

The room erupted in smiles and congratulations as Damon and Riley's families shook hands, the bond between them growing stronger. And with that, Damon knew everything had changed. His future, their future, was now set in motion.