Chapter 9. An Unexpected Proposal

Cecilia

I had no idea how long I remained in silence, staring at Liam Ricci with a mix of shock and disbelief.

"You... what!?" My question came out too loud.

"I understand this is unexpected, Cecilia," he began, his voice dripping with complete arrogance. "But I need to get married as soon as possible, and I've concluded that you are the perfect person for my plans."

I watched him closely, trying to comprehend the logic behind this insane request. Liam Ricci, the notorious womanizer, was proposing to me? The idea that this egotistical and, I must admit, incredibly attractive man was making a marriage proposal to me, Cecilia, was something I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams.

"Why me?" I finally asked, my voice trembling. "This makes no sense at all! We've barely exchanged a few words, and..."

I couldn't finish what I intended to say. It was humiliating enough to have to question the reasons that might lead a man like