Chapter 21: Chapter 21

The dim light in Kellan's office cast long shadows across the room, the tension thick enough to feel. Diara sat across from him, her posture rigid but her gaze unwavering. 

Her voice was steady, bold even, as she repeated the words that had shocked the room into silence.

"I don't need your money," Diara declared, her tone resolute, though there was an unmistakable flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "I just need your love, and I want you to marry me."

Kellan's breath hitched, the absurdity of the situation hitting him like a freight train. He pushed back from his desk, rising abruptly from his chair, his movements sharp and brimming with annoyance. 

For a moment, he simply stared at her, his brow furrowed in disbelief. This—this was insane. 

He hadn't expected *this* when he'd invited her into his office to discuss the issue at hand. A marriage proposal? From *her*? His mind reeled, trying to make sense of what was happening.