Chapter 235

"I want you," Cedric said without a moment's hesitation. His voice was resolute. Observing Daniela's confusion, he added, "Yes, you understood correctly. I wish to leverage that promise you made as a means to start a relationship with you."

Daniela was stunned. The pen she held trembled lightly. Speechless, she realized her pulse was now surging. "A relationship? What sort of relationship do you mean?"

"Marriage," Cedric answered bluntly.

At his declaration, Daniela felt a knot form in her chest. "You must have heard my conversation with Caiden just now. There's no need for your sympathy."

Cedric, foreseeing her potential refusal, retorted,"It's not sympathy I feel for you, Daniela, but genuine affection. I want to marry you. I want to offer you the love, attention, and protection you were deprived of in your youth. In the future, on any rainy day, no matter the distance, I'll be there to cover you. You won't have to face anything alone again."

The proposal came so suddenly that Daniela struggled to gather her thoughts.

Cedric pressed on, knowing well that given time to think, Daniela might decline due to her practical nature.

"You might think this low of me, but I'm laying all my cards on the table. Hearing your words to Caiden hurt me deeply. I'm invoking the promise you made to propose marriage. I've said my piece; now I need your decision. Does your promise still stand?"

"Cedric, you're not being rational right now."Daniela's vision blurred as she set aside the paperwork.

"On the contrary, I've been too rational until now!"Cedric exclaimed, straightening his posture. "I've always been overly cautious, ensuring | assessed every situation before acting, and I've let you face challenges on your own. But no more. I don't just want to maintain a distance; I need to be your husband,Daniela."

Cedric's demeanor was commanding. His resolve mirrored the tenacity he applied in his business endeavors. He fixed his gaze on Daniela,determination clear in his eyes. "I can't continue as merely an admirer. This distance is intolerable. Today,I must secure my place by your side."

Daniela slowly withdrew her hand from the table. She was overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.She had indeed made a promise, and she felt compelled to provide Cedric with a clear explanation,despite her reluctance.

Daniela took a moment to collect her thoughts,ensuring clarity in her response. "Cedric, over the years, I've changed significantly," she began. The overhead light cast a shadow, cloaking her in a mysterious, almost spectral glow. Her words were measured and thoughtful. "I'm not the child you once knew. Even my teachers have remarked on my extensive changes."

"And you've only grown more remarkable." Cedric purposely twisted her words to mean something else.

Daniela pressed her lips for a while before adding,"My personality has changed as well."

Cedric replied with a simple, "It doesn't matter to me."

Daniela continued, "I've been married once, briefly. It taught me that I struggle with commitments deeper than friendship. I'm not particularly vibrant or engaging. In fact, I tend to be quite introverted."

Cedric said, "When we first met, you were struggling with your health."

Daniela raised her eyes to meet his.

"You once said I was your cure for depression. So,would you trust me once more?" Cedric asked, his voice filled with tenderness. "Do you believe I can be there for you through the years?" His statement seemed to carry the weight of a vow.

Life had a way of taking from Daniela what she cherished most.

Such a compassionate soul stood before her, yet she harbored a deep-seated anxiety as if he were merely an illusion that might vanish.

Her life, though successful, felt isolating at its heights.

The circle of people she trusted was small, and her fear of losing someone if she allowed them closer weighed heavily on her.

"You've never met my mother," Daniela continued,biting her lip lightly. "Many remark that I resemble her closely. You're familiar with Caiden; deep down,he's intimidated by her. He views her tactics as too forceful, her influence too expansive, and her wealth overwhelming,factors that diminish his self-worth."

Daniela found herself at the peak of global wealth.

Indeed, she occupied the top tier of the world's financial hierarchy.

Should she amalgamate her holdings, she might well claim the title of the world's wealthiest person indefinitely.

"Do you worry I might end up like Caiden, intimidated by your success?" There was a brief silence as Cedric studied Daniela's face, seeking to reassure her. "Do you fear I might distance myself, feel overshadowed by your wealth, or be daunted by your business insight?"

Cedric's gaze softened, full of compassion, as he continued, "What other reservations might you have about me as your husband? Share them with me; I'm here to listen and to address any issue you might raise."