Chapter 2 Are You Saying Marriage To Me Is A Disgrace

Sabrina's interruption landed like a strike of lightning, her voice firm and unshaken.

The room froze instantly, silence thick enough to choke.

Every face turned toward her in disbelief, stunned into stillness by her words.

Terry's rage snapped like a whip. He hurled his coffee mug to the floor, shards scattering. "Shut up! Do you even hear yourself? Mr. Marshall is Vernon's uncle. Have you completely lost your mind?"

Panic flickered across Joslyn's face. Afraid Theo might take offense and rescind the lavish gifts, she scrambled to her feet and rushed to pull Sabrina back. "You must still be half-asleep! Talking nonsense in front of Mr. Marshall like this. Come-wash your face and clear your head," she scolded, yanking hard at Sabrina's arm.

Sabrina couldn't wrench herself free.

She knew her father too well-if the engagement wasn't destroyed here and now, he would stop at nothing to tie her to Vernon.

By nightfall, he would drag her into signing marriage papers, and if she resisted, he'd shove her straight into Vernon's bed to seal the deal, all for his family's alliance with the Marshalls.

In her past life, that was exactly how she had been tricked into a sham of a marriage.

Once she had outlived her usefulness, Vernon had tossed her aside-pushed her down the stairs, her body skewered on a jagged wooden stake, ending her life in agony.

Her past life clung to her like a brand, every scar etched with anguish she could never erase. In this lifetime, standing with Theo was the only path left to her.

As Joslyn tugged at her arm, Sabrina was anxious, her mind racing for a way to break free.

Then, cutting through the tension, Theo finally spoke. His deep voice carried no anger, only weight. "You'd better be certain."

No dismissal. No outrage. Just a measured warning after thought.

Sabrina's family sat stunned, disbelief flickering across their faces.

Hope flared in Sabrina's chest-she had gambled right.

Using Joslyn's moment of hesitation, she slipped free and slid onto the narrow single-seater sofa beside Theo. Her slight frame brushed against his arm, the closeness deliberate. Tilting her face up, her skin flushed, her features soft yet striking. Though her eyes were swollen from holding back tears, they still sparkled with determination.

"I've already made up my mind. This isn't impulsive," she declared firmly.

Theo's brows drew together, suspicion shadowing his gaze. "Why?"

Her heart steadied. She knew this man wasn't someone who could be deceived with shallow words.

Her sudden defiance was bound to raise his suspicion, but hesitation would only weaken her stance. So she lifted her chin and remarked, her voice firm, "Because marrying you is far more beneficial than marrying Vernon. Besides, he's never once thought I was worthy of him, so I'll make him choke on it when I become his aunt-in-law."

The audacity in her tone matched the reputation she had always carried-headstrong, willful, unyielding.

Terry's face flushed crimson, his whole body shaking. "Shameless! You've dragged our family's honor straight through the mud."

But Theo's voice cut across his fury, cool and sharp. "Are you saying marriage to me is a disgrace?"

The retort silenced Terry instantly, his mouth opening and closing without words.

Seizing her chance, Sabrina wrapped both arms around Theo's, her eyes sparkling with delight. "So you'll accept me?"

She leaned closer, her silken nightgown brushing against him, the soft curves of her body pressing against his arm as if by accident.

From where Theo sat, the sight was disarmingly provocative. His response came in a low murmur, almost reluctant. He gently but firmly slid his arm free, as though the nearness of her body was something he refused to indulge any further.

He rose to his full height, the sharp lines of his tailored black suit emphasizing the power in his frame. His presence filled the room, restrained yet commanding.

Whatever flicker of emotion had surfaced in his eyes was quickly buried as he looked down at Sabrina. "Do you come with me now, or will you wait until after we're married?"

For a heartbeat, Sabrina faltered. It wasn't customary to leave with the groom-to-be immediately after a proposal. But the dangerous glare from her father burned at the edge of her vision, and she lifted her chin, masking her nerves with a playful curve of her lips. "Afraid they'll make things difficult for me if I stay?" she asked, her tone light but pointed.

Theo's ears reddened at the accuracy of her jab, though he gave no reply, his hand slipping casually into his pocket.

Satisfied with his silence, Sabrina let the moment go. She clasped her hands behind her back and replied with composure, "We'll wait until we register our marriage. I'll need time to prepare as well."

Theo tilted his head in agreement. "Ruben, leave the gifts for my fiancée."

The shift in how he addressed her drew every eye in the room.

But Sabrina only lifted her hand with an easy wave. "No need to leave them here. They're mine now, and I'll use them when I'm truly married."

Theo studied her carefully, his sharp gaze lingering long enough to catch the steadiness in her eyes. Finding no hint of resistance, he gave a low murmur in reply before turning on his heel and leading his entourage out.

The instant his tall figure disappeared through the doorway, Sabrina braced herself-she knew the storm was coming.

Right on cue, Terry's fury exploded. He lashed out with a vicious kick, shattering the ornate coffee table and sending the coffee pot and mugs scattering across the polished floor.

"Speak, Sabrina!" he yelled, his voice shaking the walls. "What the hell are you playing at?"