Chapter 5 The proposal

Victor's mind raced as he drove to his grandfather's estate. What may Richard have observed approximately Rose? And how would it have an effect on their budding courting and the child?

He glanced at Rose, who had fallen asleep inside the passenger seat. She regarded it as non violent, one hand resting protectively on her stomach. Victor felt a surge of affection, blended with a gnawing guilt approximately the secret he was maintaining from her.

At the Maxwell mansion, Richard was ready to have a look. He looked grave. "Sit down, both of you," he said, gesturing to the luxurious chairs in front of his table.

Rose shot Victor with a stressed appearance. "What's occurring?" she whispered.

Before Victor may want to reply, Richard spoke. "Rose, my expense, I owe you an apology. I've been looking into your heritage, and I've determined something pretty first rate."

Rose tensed, her hand instinctively shifting to her belly. "What do you suggest?"

Richard took a deep breath. "The bracelet you wore once belonged to a girl I cherished very much. A woman who, I've recently discovered, turned into your grandmother."

Rose's eyes widened in shock. "What? But that would imply..."

"You and Victor are second cousins," Richard finished lightly.

The room fell silent. Victor watched Rose's face, seeing the identical turmoil of feelings he felt pondered there. Shock, confusion, a hint of relief that the relationship wasn't closer, and then... Fear.

"The baby," Rose whispered, looking at Victor with fear in her eyes.

Richard held up a hand. "I've consulted with pinnacle geneticists. The hazard of any issues is very low, especially given that you're only second cousins. Your toddler should be perfectly healthy."

Victor let out a breath he failed to realize he'd been holding. He reached for Rose's hand, relieved whilst she did not pull away.

"There's extra," Richard continued. "Rose, your mother... She turned into my daughter. Which makes you my granddaughter."

Rose gasped, tears filling her eyes. "But... How? Why didn't I realize?"

Richard's face filled with regret. "It's a protracted and complex story, at my expense. One that I wish you may permit me to share with you. But knowing this, gaining knowledge of your existence has delivered me extra pleasure than I can express."

As Richard commenced to explain the beyond, Victor's cell phone buzzed. It changed into a text from James: "Hope you are taking part in your little family reunion. Don't get too cushty. I even have plans for my personal life."

Victor frowned, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. What turned James up to?

Hours later, as they organized to depart, Richard pulled Victor apart. "Remember our agreement," he stated firmly. "You have less than a month now to calm down, or the enterprise is going to James."

Victor's thoughts reeled. With the whole lot that had happened, he'd nearly forgotten about the ultimatum. He checked out Rose, who changed into analyzing a few vintage family pictures with surprise in her eyes. Could he truly ask her to marry him, with all these new facts to technique?

As if analyzing his thoughts, Richard spoke again. "Victor, I am aware of how much it's loads to soak up. But I've seen the way you examine her. Don't allow worry to hold you back from happiness."

Victor nodded, his resolve strengthening. He approached Rose, taking her hand. "Can we communicate? Privately?"

They walked out to the gardens, the night time air cool and fragrant with blooming flowers. Rose regarded him, her eyes shining in the moonlight. "Victor, this is all so overwhelming. I do not know what to assume."

Victor took a deep breath. It was now or never. "Rose, I know this isn't always the most romantic setting, and the timing is loopy. But these past few days have made me realize something. I do not want to live without you. Or our baby."

Rose's eyes widened as Victor dropped to one knee, pulling a ring from his pocket. It became his grandmother's. Richard had pressed it into his hand before they left the study.

"Rose Walker, will you marry me?"

Rose gasped, her unfastened hand flying to her mouth. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she opened her mouth to reply.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the night. "Well, isn't this touching?"

They came to see James rising from the shadows, a merciless smile on his face. "I hate to interrupt this lovely second, however I assume there's something you both need to recognize before you solution, Rose expensive."

Victor stood, positioning himself protectively in front of Rose. "What are you about, James?"

James' smile widened. "Oh, only a little depends on fraud, embezzlement, and an internet of lies that is going lower back for a long time. You see, your valuable Rose isn't always who she thinks she is in any respect."

Rose clutched Victor's arm, her voice trembling. "What does he mean?"

As James opened his mouth to maintain, the sound of shattering glass came from the mansion. Alarms started out to blare, and shouts could be heard from inside.

"What the hell?" Victor muttered, torn between finding out what James knew and checking on his grandfather.

In the chaos, James slipped away, calling over his shoulder, "Better hurry, little brother. Wouldn't want something to show up to an expensive vintage Grandpa, would we?"

Victor and Rose exchanged a panicked look. What should they do? Run after James and discover the reality? Or rush to Richard's useful resource?

The preference they made in that second might exchange everything.