The Proposal
The rain fell softly over London, brushing against the wide windows of the Hart residence. Inside the drawing room, Lila Hart sat quietly, a cup of untouched tea cooling between her hands. She'd learned long ago that silence was her safest companion — it never demanded explanations.
Her parents, however, were not as patient.
"Lila, you're not even listening," her mother snapped, her pearl necklace glinting as she turned. "This is an incredible opportunity for our family. For you."
Lila blinked, her calm brown eyes lifting. "An opportunity? You're talking about marriage, Mother — not a business merger."
Her father cleared his throat, voice smooth but firm. "That's exactly why you should be grateful. Ethan Blackwood is one of the most influential CEOs in London. His family and ours have worked together for decades. This marriage will secure everything — your future, and ours."
Lila's stomach twisted. She'd heard that name before — Ethan Blackwood, the cold, calculating billionaire who built Blackwood Enterprises from the ground up after his father's death. Newspapers loved him; tabloids feared him. He was the kind of man who smiled only when necessary and trusted no one.
And now… she was expected to marry him.
"I don't even know him," Lila whispered, her voice trembling.
"You'll get to know him," her mother said sharply, placing a hand on her shoulder. "He's agreed to meet you tonight for dinner at The Regent. His parents will be there. Don't embarrass us, Lila."
Embarrass us.
Those two words had followed her all her life like a shadow.
She nodded slowly, hiding the ache in her chest. "Yes, Mother."
That evening, she stood before the mirror, adjusting the soft blue gown her mother had chosen. It was elegant but modest — just like her. Her reflection looked calm, but inside she was breaking apart, piece by piece.
By the time the chauffeur dropped her at The Regent, her palms were clammy and her heart refused to slow.
The restaurant glowed with golden chandeliers and quiet luxury. She spotted them immediately — the Blackwoods. A family of perfect posture and expensive smiles. Ethan sat at the head of the table, dark hair neatly styled, suit perfectly tailored.
He looked up as she approached — cold blue eyes meeting hers. For a brief, startling moment, she thought she saw a flicker of softness there. But it was gone before she couldi name it.
"Miss Hart," he said, standing politely. His voice was low, steady — like the hum of thunder before a storm. "Please, have a seat."
"Thank you," she murmured, taking the chair across from him.
Conversation flowed around her — between their parents, about business, legacy, partnership. She heard words like merger, alliance, and public image, but they blurred into meaningless sound. Ethan remained quiet, occasionally responding with a measured tone.
Finally, his mother turned to them both with a pleased smile. "Well, it seems we all agree this match would be beneficial to both families."
Lila froze, her fork clattering softly against her plate. "We… agree?" she echoed.
Ethan's gaze flicked to hers — steady, unreadable. "It appears so."
Something inside her cracked. "And what if I don't agree?"
The table fell silent. Her mother's sharp inhale cut through the air. "Lila—"
But Ethan spoke first, calm and almost detached. "Then we end the discussion here. I don't force what isn't mutual."
He leaned back, eyes locked on hers — not cruel, but cautious. There was no arrogance in his tone, just tired honesty. And somehow, that made it worse.
Because in that moment, Lila saw the truth — he didn't want this marriage any more than she did.
Her voice trembled. "Why are you doing this, then?"
He hesitated, then answered quietly. "Because sometimes, keeping the people we care about safe means doing things we don't want to do."
Their eyes met — hers full of confusion, his heavy with something that looked almost like pain.
Later that night, as she sat in the car heading home, Lila stared out the window, her reflection flickering in the passing streetlights. She thought about his words, about the way his gaze had softened for just a heartbeat.
She didn't know what awaited her. But deep inside, a small voice whispered that this marriage — this unwanted bond — might change her life in ways she could never imagine.