I raised my hand, letting the ring glint softly. “I want to get married. I finally understand now—it’s not about Adrian anymore. It’s you. You’re the one I choose.”
I thought he would smile. I thought he would pull me into his arms.
Instead, he laughed under his breath.
“Marriage?” he said, leaning back. “I don’t see why we need to rush into something like that.”
The words struck me hard. “What… what are you saying?”
He swirled the wine in his glass, his expression detached. “Work has been overwhelming. The company is consuming all my time. Maybe next year. Or later.”
“Later?” I echoed, my throat tightening. “You said you would wait. You promised me.”
He frowned. “And you turned me down back then, Seraphina. That was your decision. Don’t put this on me now.” His tone sharpened. “Besides, marriage doesn’t really benefit me at this point. You don’t contribute to the business. You don’t even bring connections or family ties. What exactly would change?”
I felt frozen in place. “I left everything behind for you,” I whispered. “I ignored everyone who warned me not to live like this—with no marriage, no security. I chose you.”