chapter782

Sienna nodded quietly, her voice caught in the back of her throat.

"I’m not getting any younger, and I haven't found the right person to spend my life with," Daniel said, his palms sweating as he forced the words out. "Why don't we just settle the matter? Why don't we get married?"

Sienna’s expression shifted instantly. Not getting any younger? Settle? Without a word, she grabbed her bag and stood up, heading for the exit. Daniel caught up with her in a few strides, his hand gently but firmly catching her arm to pull her back. Urgency laced his voice. "Sienna, we're adults. We’ve moved beyond the shy stages of a first romance. Isn't compatibility what matters most now?"

Sienna offered a bitter smile, her eyes heavy with a lingering sadness. "Mr. Morrison, I wasn't up to your standards then, and I’m even less deserving of you now."

"I didn't mean any of the things I said when we broke up," Daniel explained anxiously, his eyes reflecting a genuine earnestness. "I know words can't undo the past, so let me be practical. Let time show you the truth."

Tears welled in Sienna’s eyes. "What are you trying to do, Daniel?"

"If you aren't interested in anyone else, why not consider me?" Daniel asked, his voice softening. "We know each other inside and out. I can offer you a home, a stable life, and a shoulder to lean on. You wouldn't have to face the hardships of toiling alone anymore. What is there to dislike?"

Sienna couldn't contain her tears; they flowed freely down her cheeks. A year ago, she might have been deeply touched, but now, the offer felt like a reminder of how much had changed. Her tone was edged with a touch of bitterness. "Daniel, a man in your position... why haven't you found a wife? There are plenty of socialites and heiresses who would jump at the chance."

Witnessing her pain, Daniel’s own eyes reddened. "Sienna, do you hate me?"

The truth was, Sienna had never harbored resentment. She simply felt inadequate, believing her modest background made it natural for him to leave. But faced with his question, she played along with a shaky voice. "I hate you."

"Then marry me as your revenge," Daniel said, his voice thick with emotion. "Marry me and treat me horribly. Refuse to get along with my family, neglect me, and then, once I’ve fallen for you completely, leave me without a second thought. If that’s the justice you need, take it."

Sienna let out a sharp, bitter laugh at the absurdity of his proposal. She wiped her tears and pushed his hands away. "Daniel, don't joke like this. I’m not in the mood."

"This is no joke; it is my sincere confession." Daniel’s expression turned solemn as he continued, "I’ve already handed in my resignation. As my wife, you won’t have to face the risks of my old life. I’m stepping away from the front lines. Trust me, Sienna—I’ll spend the rest of my life ensuring you live without fear."

Sienna froze. Resignation? He was leaving the career that meant everything to him?

Suddenly, the pieces of the past began to click into place. She remembered how their breakup followed closely on the heels of her abduction. In the hospital, he had been focused only on her, but after a conversation with Shelly, he had suddenly turned cold and distant.

She looked into his gentle, sincere eyes, her heart in a state of absolute turmoil. The realization that his "indifference" might have been a desperate attempt to keep her out of the line of fire left her breathless.

"Let me think about it," she whispered, her voice barely audible.