Chapter25

Natalie Ace Mansion

Natalie stared at Ace in startled silence following his unexpected marriage proposal in front of her entire family. Her heart raced as she attempted to digest his bold comments. "Marry you?" Natalie eventually spoke, barely above a whisper. "But...we have only just met. This is quite sudden." Lycan jumped up from his seat, rage on his face. "There's no way my little sister is marrying you!" he exclaimed, advancing to a protective stance in front of Natalie. "She's just a girl; you can't make these kinds of decisions for her!" "Silence," Ace said calmly, extending his hand. "This is between Natalie and myself. I'm offering her an option, not deciding for her." He returned his concentrated attention to Natalie, who wilted under the weight. "Well? What is your response?" Will you marry me? Natalie felt her parents' worried looks sear into her. She understood that marrying Ace would provide their family with financial security for the rest of their lives. But was she