Kathrine gasped. Her head snapped toward him, eyes wide in disbelief.
What are you saying? her mind screamed.
They had just been cornered. Their fake relationship was already hanging by a thread, and instead of pulling back, Ethan was charging forward—headfirst—into something far more dangerous.
Was he insane?
She felt her heart hammer violently against her ribs as panic surged. This wasn't part of the plan. This was never part of the plan.
She tried to pull her hand back instinctively, but Ethan didn't let go. Instead, he leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice just enough for only her to hear.
"Trust me," he murmured. "Please."
Trust. The word felt fragile right now.
Hugo's expression hardened. "Marriage is not a word to be thrown around lightly, Mr. Helmworth."
"I agree," Ethan replied immediately. "That's why I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it."
Roseline frowned, her gaze shifting to Kathrine. "Is this what you want?"
