Chapter 26

Natalie felt like she couldn't breathe as she entered the sitting room to give Ace her final response. Her family had gathered, their looks expressing the gravity of the situation. Ace stood in front of the fireplace, his back to her, as she entered. As she neared, he slowly turned, his face a mask. "Well?" he asked frankly. "What is your decision?" Natalie's mouth felt as dry as the desert. She looked at her parents and saw desperate hope mixed with worry in their eyes. Then came Lycan, whose features were set in a defiant look at Ace. She inhaled a shuddering breath. For a tiny moment, she pictured herself as Ace's wife, dressed in finery and wanting nothing more than what material wealth might bring. But something inside her recoiled at the thought of that gilded cage. "I...I can't accept your proposal," she finally muttered, dreading Ace's reaction while feeling a strange sort of satisfaction for following her heart. "Please know that I am honored, but I cannot marry you. It would