Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17958 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 90(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17958 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 90(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
“You’re okay,” he murmurs, his hand resting gently on my back as he helps me regain my footing.
My cheeks burn with embarrassment, but his calm presence soothes some of the tension. Even so, I feel like I’ve already made a terrible impression.
Lunch is served in the grand dining room, the table set with fine china and crystal glasses. Everything is perfect, from the beautifully arranged flowers in the center of the table to the flawless presentation of the food. And yet, I feel completely out of place.
“So, Isabella,” Catherine says as she takes a sip of her wine. “Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?”
I hesitate, glancing at Nathan, but before I can speak, he steps in smoothly. “Isabella’s had a lot going on recently,” he says, his voice calm and controlled. “But right now, we’re focusing on the present.”
Catherine nods, her smile still in place, but I can feel the weight of her curiosity. I know they want to know more about me—where I come from, what I do—but how do I explain that I’ve just lost my job, that I’m broke, that I’ve been running from my past? How do I explain that I don’t belong here?
The conversation shifts to easier topics after that—Nathan’s work, Henry’s plans for college, their family’s life in the island town they’ve moved to. But I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being evaluated, that they’re trying to figure out if I’m good enough for their son.
After lunch, Nathan excuses himself to talk with his family in another room, leaving me alone in the sitting room. I try to keep busy, but my mind is racing. I don’t belong here. I don’t fit into this world of private jets, designer clothes, and families that live on islands. And now, I’ve overheard James’ voice, sharp and disapproving from behind the door.
“You can’t be serious, Nathan. It’s been two days. Be reasonable.”
My stomach twists. I knew this was too good to be true. Nathan’s family sees it. They know I don’t belong here. I can’t stay. I need to leave before I make things worse.
NATHAN
The moment we sit down in the study, I know this conversation is coming. My father’s been watching me closely all day, his sharp eyes missing nothing. I’ve never doubted his love for me, but I know he doesn’t understand how serious I am about Isabella. Not yet.
“You can’t be serious, Nathan,” my father says, his voice low and controlled. “It’s been two days. Be reasonable.”
I meet his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. “I am being reasonable. I love her.”
James narrows his eyes, studying me like I’m one of his business deals that needs more scrutiny. “Love? After two days?”
I take a deep breath, keeping my voice calm. “Yes. I know it sounds fast, but this is different. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. This isn’t some passing thing. She’s it for me.”
Catherine steps in, her tone soft and understanding. “Love is love,” she says gently, glancing at my father. “You know, your father and I got engaged after just a month.”
James grumbles, but I can see the tension starting to ease from his face. “That was different.”
“Was it?” she asks with a small smile. “Or is this the same thing, just faster?”
I look between them, my heart pounding in my chest. “This is different,” I say, my voice quiet but firm. “I can’t explain it... but I know I can’t lose her.”
For a moment, the room is silent, and then my father lets out a long sigh. “Alright,” he says, nodding slowly. “If you’re sure about this, Nathan... then you have my blessing.”
Relief floods through me, but before I can respond, my mother smiles warmly. “Would you like your grandmother’s ring?” she asks softly. “It’s in the safe. It’s beautiful. She’d want you to have it.”
Henry, who’s been listening quietly, lets out a low whistle, grinning. “Damn, Nathan. That ring is incredible. Lucky man.”
We walk through the halls of the mansion, my heart racing with anticipation. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, and now, as I unlock the safe and pull out the ring box, everything feels... right.
Inside the box is the most stunning ring I’ve ever seen. The band is delicate but strong, intricately designed with filigree that curls around the center stone—a brilliant diamond that seems to sparkle with its own light. It’s timeless, elegant, and everything I want to give to Isabella.
My mother smiles as she watches me hold the ring, her eyes soft with emotion. “She’s going to say yes.”
I nod, my throat tight with emotion. “She has to.”
When we return to the main part of the mansion, my mind is already racing with plans. I’m going to ask her tonight. I’m going to make her mine, forever. But before I can put the plan in motion, Teresa comes rushing up to me, her face pale and worried.