ChapterThree-AProposalInIce
744 Words
I didn’t sleep.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Damien Winters — calm, unshakable, and infuriatingly composed — sitting at that dining table like he owned the air itself.
The morning sunlight streamed through my curtains, cruelly bright. Downstairs, Vivian’s voice carried through the halls like nails against glass, giving orders to the staff.
I wrapped myself in a robe and walked to the balcony. The city below glittered cold and distant — just like him.
“Think about it, Miss Carter.”
His voice echoed in my head. Smooth. Controlled. Unapologetic.
I hated that it still lingered.
Grandma Rose sat at the breakfast table, quietly stirring her tea.
“Did you sleep, my dear?” she asked, her tone knowing.
I shook my head. “How can I? He’s practically demanding I marry him like it’s a merger.”
Grandma smiled faintly. “Men like him build walls to keep out pain. Ice isn’t born cold — it’s frozen over time.”
I sighed, rubbing my temples. “You’re saying I should melt him?”
She chuckled softly. “No, my dear. Just don’t let him freeze you.”
Her words lingered like a quiet melody in my chest.
A knock echoed again — that same deep, steady rhythm I remembered from last night.
I turned, startled. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
The butler cleared his throat. “Mr. Winters is here to see you, Miss Carter.”
I nearly dropped my teacup. “Now?”
Grandma Rose’s eyes twinkled. “Perhaps he doesn’t like waiting.”
I straightened, tugging at my robe like armor. “Good. Because he’s about to find out I don’t like surprises.”
He was standing in the drawing room, perfectly still — hands in his pockets, gaze fixed on the city skyline through the window.
“Mr. Winters,” I said flatly.
He turned. “Elena.”
The sound of my name in his voice made my pulse skip — I hated that it did.
“I told your mother I’d be stopping by,” he said simply. “I prefer to handle things directly.”
“Handle?” I repeated. “You make it sound like we’re signing a contract, not—”
He cut in smoothly. “That’s exactly what we’d be signing. A marriage contract. Terms. Conditions. Clear expectations.”
I blinked. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Efficient,” he corrected. “And practical.”
I crossed my arms. “You really think you can buy me like one of your companies?”
He stepped closer — not menacing, just deliberate. “I don’t buy people. I invest in outcomes.”
My breath caught. “I’m not an outcome.”
For a second, something flickered in his eyes — guilt, maybe, or interest — before the mask slid back in place.
“Then prove it,” he said quietly. “Marry me. Show me I’m wrong.”
I froze. That wasn’t arrogance in his voice — it was a challenge.
Grandma’s words echoed in my mind: Don’t let him freeze you.
Vivian swept into the room just then, her timing perfect as ever.
“Oh, Mr. Winters! I didn’t realize you’d arrived already,” she gushed.
He gave her a polite nod. “We were discussing the terms.”
“Excellent,” she said sweetly, looking at me. “Elena’s already agreed, of course.”
I turned sharply. “I haven’t.”
Vivian’s expression tightened. “Don’t be childish.”
Damien watched the exchange silently, eyes unreadable. Finally, he spoke.
“Let her decide. The offer stands for three days. After that, I walk away — and so does my money.”
He turned to leave, pausing by the door.
“You have until Friday, Miss Carter.”
The door closed behind him with soft finality.
Vivian’s composure shattered.
“Do you have any idea what’s at stake?” she hissed. “If you ruin this, you’ll destroy us all!”
I stood tall, even as my heart pounded. “Then maybe it deserves to be destroyed.”
Grandma Rose rose slowly, her voice calm. “Enough, Vivian. Let her think.”
Vivian stormed out, muttering curses under her breath.
Grandma turned to me. “He gave you time. Use it wisely.”
I nodded, staring at the closed door where Damien Winters had stood moments ago.
Time. Three days to decide whether to save my family…
or myself
- Writer
