Chapter 1 The Unexpected Proposal

Denise POV

He was everything I ever needed, his touch, his kisses, his affection and his soothing voice.

I wrapped my arms around him as we kissed wildly under the moonlight, my face flushing red as he twirled my tongue to his taste.

The cool breeze brushed against us mildly, witnessing our passionate kiss.

When he terminated the kiss, he leaned his head closer as we exchanged breaths.

His arms around my waist as my body pinned closer to him, I absorbed the feel of him.

His eyes, intensively gaze at me as he swallows hard. I felt warmth coursing through me.

"I don't want to let go" he mutters, locking his fingers with mine.

I let out a sided smile and whispered.

"I'll be back, it's the only to introduce you to the family first."

He wore a doleful face and sucked his breath. Uncertainty was etched on his face. My family was his biggest fear.

"Do you think they'd like me?"

I placed a finger on his lips to shush him. We've got to be positive. I know the basis of my financial status. He doesn't match, but my family would want my happiness.

I just had to convince them to make them realize that he wasn't a gold digger, and we were inseparable.

Recently, my parents invited me to a feast and I can't go with Ivan yet, but I need to stop that opportunity.

I stepped a bit from Ivan as he held my hand firmly, not wanting me to move. He was tensed, his eyes didn't hide how nervous he was.

The chauffeur opposite us honked at us, possibly fed up by the romantic gesture we shared.

A reminder that time wasn't on our side.

"I'll be back, I promise, and we'll get married" I whispered, waving my fingers at his face.

I had to encourage him, to give hope that I'd be back in his arms.

His engagement ring was stuck on my index finger and he chuckled. His handsome face brightens.

"Yes my love, and we'll live happily ever after" he assured, letting go of my hand as I paced majestically towards the car.

We waved each other goodbye... perhaps if I had never left, there would have been an 'us'.

Here I am, at the family dinner, my hands trembling with remembrance of leaving Ivan behind.

We were in the garden, the beautiful roses cascading onto the wall created around us, the evening breeze crossed my skin.

The sweet floral scent could only make me think of Ivan. The rest of the family had yet to attend the dinner and the table had me and my parents.

The table was served with different delicacies which were savoring and tempting, but I lost my appetite.

All I thought about was how to give a proper speech about the man who stole my heart.

I couldn't even roll out a word as it felt as though I was at a crossroad having no decision to make.

It seems as though my appearance triggered a sense of anxiety.

They welcomed me warmly at first. I thought all was okay, but not until dinner was served that they decided to break the news to me.

"You're getting married Denise!" Mom exclaimed, her excitement overwhelming and I lowered my eyes to the ring on me.

Wow, they found out already. My face flushed red as I was a bit shy. I haven't even introduced Ivan yet.

Suddenly, I regained my appetite and took a fork to try the pasta first.

"I told you love him, she'd love him. "See how glad she looks," mom furthers, brushing my father's shoulder.

However, my father's cold expression hasn't changed. He adjusted his glasses and leaned his head forward.

I almost uttered Ivan into the discussion when his cocky voice announced:

"He is Lucas Benjamin, a refined man who holds the top rank in the chart, and he sent in a proposal".

The fork dropped from my hand and the smile left my eyes. Sadness engulfed me.

"What!" I panicked as my breath thickened while my eyes scrolled at them. It was so hard to believe the words he spewed.

"Isn't that wonderful Denise!" "Oh we are so fortunate to be chosen!" Mom exclaimed with a cheesy grin like she had won a trophy.

I shook my head, trying to assess the whole scenario playing out. Father was busy on his phone, certainly checking the stock exchange, while mom kept praising this mysterious Lucas.

"No! "I'm not marrying him, I love someone else... that's why I'm here" I replied, trying not to raise my voice, and father suddenly scoffed.

He placed his phone down and faced me, anger etched on his forehead.

"Don't throw this opportunity for your stupidity" he barked, and I shuddered, almost losing my breath.

I tightened my fist, exhaled softly and tried to control my anger which had clouded my eyes as tears.

Mother had her eyes on me, waiting for a response after father had warned me.

"I'm not getting married to him!" I retort, glaring at my father. I rose up from the chair, not wanting to participate in this forsaking dinner.

I'd be returning to Ivan. I don't need their blessings to be with him.

"Ivan...is that his name?" Dad suddenly muttered, and I froze where I stood. A sickening wave wells up in my stomach as sweat beads on my forehead.

Whenever he makes such a statement, it means danger lurks by. Fear stole the very air out of me.

"How about I have his head offered on a platter of gold?" He calmly utters, and I rolled my eyes to look at him.

A devilish smile escaped his lips and I feared for the unimaginable. Dad was dangerous and he played with lives.

If I reject this marriage, I might lose Ivan, and I'm stuck. My heart sagged over the weight of emotions lurking inside me.

"So what's your decision?" mom's voice jerked me to reality. Their eyes are gawping at me as if they've taken the soul I once had.

I was wrong, they were never after my happiness but theirs.

I widened my eyes with fear, my face turned pale as my body was tensed. I couldn't even move.

For a moment, time stopped, I was lost, and I couldn't believe I'd be forced to get married to a man I barely knew.

"I believe that's a yes," my father added, and I felt like suffocating. There's no way I can convince them about my relationship with Ivan.

They know, and his life will be at risk!

"Get ready, tomorrow's the wedding".

"Dad!" I screamed, but he took his phone, crossed his legs, ignoring me again. He doesn't care.

My mom tried to make me see reasons why this engagement must work.

It's the only way they could strengthen their position in the business world. They don't care what comes after, but for the fame, I'd be the sacrificial lamb.

I lowered my eyes to my stomach. I was pregnant with his child. I intended to surprise him when I returned, but it seems that would be impossible.

***