Chapter 09

"What did you say, Clarice?" Nicholas's eyebrows suddenly furrowed; he probably didn't expect Clarice to say that. Marry her? He hadn't thought about it, but he knew he liked her and wanted her by his side forever.

"What? Do you think I'm delusional, Nicholas?" Clarice revealed a self-deprecating smile. "I know my background isn't worthy of you, Mr. Murray. However, since you never intended to marry me, why did you lead me to imagine that? Or do you think I'm motivated by money? That I would sell myself to it forever?"

"Clarice, I can't marry you..." He said, feeling his voice falter, and in his mind, he added, "at least not now, Clarice," but kept those words to himself.

"I understand," she nodded, feeling her chest tighten.

"But you can still be by my side," he continued. "Besides my name, I can give you anything you want. If you want to see the entire world, it will be yours. If you want wealth, I'll give it to you. If you want status, I'll give it to you, just not by my side."