Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Dragging the marriage out any longer wouldn't be good, as Richard didn't want any other men having eyes for Pearl.

"In that case, let's get married tomorrow," he declared, his tone firm.

When Pearl heard this, she felt like the world was spinning. Marriage was a serious commitment, and the sudden proposal caught her off guard.

"I didn't plan to get married so soon..." she trailed off, her mind racing with thoughts.

But Richard's reaction surprised her. His expression darkened, and he pulled her close, pressing her against the wall with a chilling intensity. "Say that again," he demanded, his voice low and commanding.

Pearl felt a surge of apprehension, but she couldn't back down now. "I'm just not ready-mmph!" Her protest was cut short by his forceful kiss.

overwhelming. Pearl felt herself melting under his touch, her thoughts scattered by the intensity of his embrace and his tongue prying open

be met with even more emotional retaliation. Her legs nearly gave out, but he caught her and held

she was left breathless and disoriented, her heart pounding in

me now?"

in his arms, nodded. But then she shook her

that sent shivers down her spine. "Will you marry me?" he asked again, his fingers gentle

couldn't muster her usual arguments. She could

tomorrow." Richard ruffled her hair and smiled before letting

Pearl watched him leave, a sense of relief washed over her. She straightened

Richard heard the click of her bedroom door,

Richard's domineering presence had left her feeling both exhilarated and unnerved, but