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“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate that but I need to do this on my own. He needs to know I can’t be toyed with.”
“Good for you,” Mom said. “Stand your ground.”
“I promise if Emilie is at the center of the ballroom tonight, I will take that as a sign, and I will propose to her with all my heart. I want to spend my life with her. I’m ready.”
Their smiles grew wider, and my mother pulled me into a warm embrace. “We wish you nothing but happiness, Theo. And if this is the path that leads to it, then we are thrilled for you. I think she’s a lovely girl. I would love to welcome her to our family.”
“Me too,” I said. “I’m headed out. Wish me luck.”
I arrived at Emilie’s family estate, my heart pounding with anticipation. This conversation was a crucial step, one that could determine the course of our future. I wasn’t sure how much Magnus knew or if he was even going to want me to marry her. I was pretty sure he was going to want me to marry her because he wanted the money and my expertise. That was all he saw.
I was escorted through the massive home to his office. Emilie’s quarters were on the other side and the chances of running into her were very slim.
“Have a seat,” he gestured.
The man was cold and hard. “Thank you.”
“What brings you here?”
“I’d like to talk to you about the match,” I said.
He nodded. “Go on.”
“I’ve grown very fond of Emilie, and it has become clear to me that I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
Emilie’s father leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. “I see.”
“I intend to propose to Emilie,” I said. “But before I do so, I wanted to ask for your permission and blessings. I have the utmost respect for her, and I promise to cherish and protect her for the rest of my days.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Emilie’s father’s face, and then his features softened into a warm smile. “She’s been different ever since you came into her life.”
“Good or bad?” I asked.
“Bolder,” he said with a small smile.
“I care deeply for her, and I want to make her happy. I promise to be a devoted and loving husband.”
Emilie’s father nodded thoughtfully. “You have my permission, Theo.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Thank you, sir. Your support is important. I also need to make it clear I love her. I love her like a husband loves a wife. I believe she loves me as well. This marriage might be convenient, but I need you to give Emilie the freedom to love me for more than just my wallet. She’s torn between love and duty. It’s tearing her apart. I want her to feel like she’s making you happy while fulfilling her duties and being able to love me.”
“I understand,” he said, nodding. “She’s made that clear.”
“She did?”
“We had a talk and things have been made clear. Emilie is free to make her own choices. We will not be interfering.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what else to say. I was stunned and very curious. I wanted to know what had been said.
“I have something else to share with you. My wife is expecting, and we will soon have another heir.”
My eyes widened with genuine shock. “That’s wonderful! Congratulations!”
Emilie’s father chuckled. “Thank you, Theo. It’s quite a surprise at my age, but we’re overjoyed. This child will be our next heir.”
As the realization settled in, I started to see things more clearly. “Emilie isn’t your heir,” I said.
He shook his head. “No. My wife and I are perfectly capable of continuing our duties until our next child comes of age.”
