Chapter 13 A Shocking Proposal
Faye’s Povl
I turned to run. My legs were already moving toward the door.
But before I could reach it, a shadow blocked my path. A tall, fast–moving shadow
Hunter
He moved with powerful strides and stood right in front of me. I froze. My breath caught in my throat.
“Don’t,” he whispered, leaning close to my ear. “I’m not here to hurt you. Please, calm down.
His voice was low and steady, but my heart didn’t listen. It thudded wildly in my chest.
“What. What do you want?” I choked out.
“I need your help,” he said quietly!
Before I could speak, Grandma’s voice broke the silence.
“Faye? Is everything alright?” She stood behind me, her eyes moving from me to Hunter with a deep frown.
I looked back at him. He had that same pleading look in his eyes–the one I saw when he first walked in, Somehow, I sighed and nodded. “Yes, Grandma. Everything’s fine, I lied
She didn’t look convinced, but she stepped back slowly
Hunter turned to me. “Can we take a walk? Just to the garden. Please.”
I hesitated. My hands were trembling.
“Fine,” I said, barely above a whisper.
We stepped out into the backyard garden. The air was cool and fresh, but the tension between us was sharp.!
Once we were out of earshot. I turned to him,
“Why are you here, Hunter? What do you want from me?
He smiled, calmly. “You’re terrified… but you’re still talking to me. I like that. You’re braver than you know.”
He chuckled. “Not many people would act this calm after seeing what you saw.
I crossed my arms. “Let’s not pretend. You were in that room. You saw what happened.”
“I did,” he nodded. “But before I say anything else, I’m curious,”
“About?”
“You haven’t told anyone, have you?”
My eyes narrowed, “What?”
“About what you saw. About me. About that room “8
“How do you know I haven’t?” I asked slowly. “What if I did? What if I told everyone already?”
“You didn’t,” he said, smirking, “You’re lying.”
I took a step back. “If you’re here to threaten me, it’s not going to work!
“I’m not here to threaten you,” he said. “And I wish you’d stop thinking I want to hurt you.”
“How can I not?” I snapped. “You were sitting there while a man was tortured You didn’t flinch. You didn’t try to stop it! He didn’t deny it. He just looked at me calmly.8
“That’s part of my job,” he said.
I shook my head. “That’s sick.
“I didn’t come here to defend what you saw. I came because I need your help.
I stared at him. “Help? With what?”
know about Gabriel.“)
I stiffened “What does he have to do with anything?”
“Did he send you?” I added quickly. “Is that what this is?”
He looked insulted
“No He didn’t send me. In fact I wish I never had to hear his name again.”)
“Then why bring him up?“;
Hunter’s expression changed His face hardened.
“Eight years ago,” he began, “my sister was in love. She believed she found the one. A man who promised to marry her, said he loved her, made her believe she was everything ”
I stayed quiet
“She got pregnant. He left”
I swallowed “I’m sorry”
“She was ashamed” he continued “Embarassed, Alon med to kill herself. She jumped off the bridge.“)
My mouth dropped slightly.
“She survived” he said. “But she’s been in a coma ever since.”
He reached into his coat and pulled out a photo.
“This is her. 2
I stared at the picture. A beautiful young woman with soft features. Pale. Lifeless.
My heart ached.
“What’s her name?” I whispered.”
Hailey
I couldn’t breathe for a second.
“I searched for years,” Hunter said. “For the man who did this. And today, I finally found out his name “}
I looked up slowly.
“It’s Gabriel. Gabriel Caldwin.
My knees almost buckled. “That can’t be…”
I covered my mouth with both hands. “Oh my God“}
I looked at him. “But I’m not in contact with him anymore. I left everything behind. So why do you need me?“!!
I want revenge,” he said, eyes darkening. “But I don’t want to destroy you in the process. I want to help you get revenge too.“%
I stared at him, confused, “What?”
“I want to marry you“!
I blinked “You what?
“You heard me.”
I burst into laughter. “You’re joking, right? This is a joke?”
“I’m serious.
“That’s ridiculous”
“No, it’s not. You’ve seen the darkest part of me already. That makes things easier.“}
“Easier? How is marrying a stranger going to help anything?”
“My grandfather’s dying. His last wish is to see me married. But I don’t trust anyone.”8
“You don’t trust women?“!
“I don’t trust people who pretend. Gold diggers. Opportunists. People who want love, money, power–all of it”
“And I don’17” I asked sarcastically.
“You don’t even want me,” he said. “That’s what makes you perfect.”
I rolled my eyes. “Even if I wanted revenge, I don’t need to marry you for that, “a
“But you do,” he said. “You need protection. Gabriel’s not done with you. He’s lurking. Watching.”
“You don’t know that ”
“I do” he replied. “And I do anything to protect you if you’re mine.”!
“I’m not yours,” I said sharply.
Hunter stepped closer. I didn’t move back this time.
“It’s better to have the devil on your side,” he whispered, “than have him working against you.”
I stared at him!
He meant every word.
“You’re insane,” I muttered. “I’m not doing this. I’m not ready for any arranged marriage.” “You don’t have to
“I said no
ready. Just say yes, and I’ll take care of the rest”
He didn’t flinch. Think about it.“%
“I already did “%
“Fine” he said, stepping back. “But if you change your mind, the offer is open.”
I turned my back to hem “You should leave.”
He nodded “Goodnight, Faye.“||
