But then, to her surprise, she noticed that his belt was of a random brand, worn-out and of low quality.


    “What brings you here?” Domenic inquired.


    As soon as he spotted her, he swiftly drew the screen between them.


    He frowned, his impatience palpable.


    Carole regained herposure.


    “I just brought you some clothes,” she said gently, wearing a friendly expression.


    “Where’s Hendrix?” Domenic inquired.


    His dissatisfaction was evident.


    Carole cleared her throat and exined, “Hendrix… Well… He had some other matters to attend to.


    ”


    Domenic’s face twisted in frustration, clearly unhappy with Hendrix’s actions.


    Did Hendrix want to be fired?


    His frustration grew as he red at Carole lingering by the door.


    “Just leave the clothes on the chair and go,” Domenic instructed, pinching his eyebrows.


    “sure,” Carole murmured, cing the clothes down gently.


    As she looked up at the man behind the screen, she felt a pang of uncertainty about speaking up, pausing to reconsider her words.


    “Why are you still here?” Domenic’s voice rumbled with impatience.


    “Um, Domenic…” Carole said, her voice uncertain as she bit her Lip.


    After a brief pause, she continued softly, “Do you remember your promise to me?”


    Domenic’s expression shifted slightly, sensing the weight behind her words.


    He recalled the promise he had made to her, but he didn’t understand why she suddenly brought it up?


    “Sure,” Domenic replied.


    His tone is indifferent.


    “I’ve made up my mind about my wish,” Carole dered.


    Standing tall, she gazed at the silhouette of Domenic through the screen.


    “But I’m not sure if you’ll grant it,” she added with uncertainty.


    “I’ll uphold my promise as long as it’s within legal and ethical bounds.


    You can trust me on that,” Domenic assured calmly.


    “Absolutely, Carole responded with a smile.


    Then, she continued, “My wish is quite simple.


    That is… I wish you’ll marry me.


    ”


    Domenic arched his eyebrows, flipping open the screen to meet Carole’s gaze.


    “What did you just say?”


    Carole met his eyes head-on, her demeanor gentle yet resolute.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    “Domenic, I have been doing a lot of thinkingtely.


    I know I have been vocal about not wanting this marriage, but your grandfather’s dearest wish is for us to tie the knot.


    He means the world to me, Domenic, like a second grandfather.


    And now that he has fallen seriously ill, I don’t want him worrying over our marriage anymore, or worse, feeling hurt because of it.


    So, please, even if it’s only a charade, marry me.


    Let’s spare his heart any more anguish, please.


    ”


    As he peered at the concerned woman before him, Domenic lowered his eyes and said firmly, “Carole, I would give you my word on anything else, but not this.


    ”


    “Why not? It’s not hical or illegal.


    Why can’t you agree? You promised, you said you would fulfill any wish of mine.


    It’s your vow!”


    Carole’s anxiety bubbled, causing her typically gentle tone to take on a hint of aggressiveness.


    Turning away, Domenic fixed his gaze on the autumn leaves falling outside the window.