?Chapter 417:


    But now, all those fears melted away. In this moment, nothing else mattered. All he wanted was to pull her into his arms, give her the protection she deserved, and stand as her unwavering shield against the chaos surrounding her.


    “I want you,” Cedric said without a moment’s hesitation. His voice was resolute. Observing Dani’s confusion, he added, “Yes, you understood correctly. I wish to leverage that promise you made as a means to start a rtionship with you.”


    Dani was stunned. The pen she held trembled lightly. Speechless, she realized her pulse was now surging.


    “A rtionship? What sort of rtionship do you mean?”


    “Marriage,” Cedric answered bluntly.


    At his deration, Dani 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, Dani, 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 Dani struggled to gather her thoughts.


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


    “You might think this low of me, but I’mying 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?”


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    “Cedric, you’re not being rational right now.” Dani’s vision blurred as she set aside the paperwork.


    “On the contrary, I’ve been too rational until now!” Cedric eximed, straightening his posture.


    “I’ve always been overly cautious, ensuring I 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, Dani.”


    Cedric’s demeanor wasmanding. His resolve mirrored the tenacity he applied in his business endeavors. He fixed his gaze on Dani, determination clear in his eyes.


    “I can’t continue as merely an admirer. This distance is intolerable. Today, I must secure my ce by your side.”


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


    Dani took a moment to collect her thoughts, ensuring rity 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.


    Dani pressed her lips together for a moment before adding, “My personality has changed as well.”


    Cedric replied simply, “It doesn’t matter to me.”


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