017

~~IVAN~~

"Excuse you?"

I placed a hand on Darya's lap as she made to get up, her face scowled in anger. I got this one.

Santez just shrugged nonchalantly, "Well, it's a fair deal if you ask me so. Not only will you get the land and the banks, but you get my support, and of course my partnership for life. After all, no alliance is stronger than a marriage alliance."

Darya's body relaxed and I could tell that she was considering it.

Of course it was a very good offer and I would need that. But if there was one thing I hated, it's blackmail or anything related to it.

I'm the one who calls the shots. Not anyone else.

I leaned back in my chair, and gave him a thoughtful expression.

"You know, you can go back home and really think about it Ivan." He said with that smile, "Really think about it. This isn't a decision you can make in a haste."

. "I cannot accept this proposal," I declared, my voice carrying a sense of finality. "Marriage is not the solution to our problems."

My refusal was me