<h4>Chapter 435: After you marry me?</h4>


    Katelyn stepped out of the spa treatment room feeling lighter, the tension in her muscles finally eased. It had been ages since she’d found the time for anything like this, ever since work had consumed nearly every part of her life.


    "Thank you for choosing our services, Your Highness," the spa manager said with a graceful bow. "Here’s a small gift from our side."


    "Thank you," Katelyn replied, epting the elegant white bag with a polite smile before heading toward the exit.


    The afternoon air greeted her as she made her way across the parking lot, only to stop short, her eyes widening.


    "Sage?" she breathed, surprise shing across her face. "What are you doing here?"


    His familiar scent hit her like a wave, stirring something deep within her wolf. She fought to stayposed.


    "I’ve only ten days left," Sage said quietly, stepping closer. Then, before she could move, he leaned in slightly, inhaling her scent, sending a sharp shiver down her spine and freezing her where she stood.


    "Where are you taking me?" Katelyn asked, eyeing him curiously.


    "You’ll find out soon," Sage replied with a faint smile as he walked toward the car. He opened the passenger door of his jeep and held it for her, helping her in before circling around to the driver’s side. Sliding behind the wheel, he fastened his seat belt.


    "I never imagined you driving a jeep," Katelyn said, ncing around the interior. "I’ve never been in one before, this’ll be my first time."


    Sage’s lips curved into a grin. "Then it’s going to be a fun ride. Tell me," he said as he started the engine and eased the jeep out of the driveway, "have you ever ridden a bike?"


    "No. Why would I ride a bike?" Katelyn murmured, a faint smile tugging at her lips.


    "I’ll take you on a bike someday," he said, steering the jeep onto the main highway. "It was hard without you in the apartment. Didn’t you feel the same while being away from me?"


    "No," Katelyn replied firmly.


    "Ouch. That hurts," Sage said, mock offense in his tone. "I thought you’d be missing me. Wolves are like that, once they find their mates, it’s nearly impossible to stay apart."


    "I’m different, then," Katelyn answered with pride.


    "Definitely, you are!" Sage said with a smile.


    ~~~~


    Karmen yawned, stretching as he woke in thezy haze of the afternoon, when a sudden bang on the door startled him. Groaning, he dragged himself over and opened it, finding a maid standing there with her head bowed respectfully.


    "Young Master, Miss Aisha is here to see you," she announced quietly.


    "What?" Thest traces of sleep vanished instantly from Karmen’s eyes. "Tell her to wait in the living room," he ordered, sitting up straighter.


    The maid nodded, bowed, and left. Karmen quickly headed to the washroom to freshen up. After a brisk shower, he changed into a sharp outfit, dabbed on a hint of cologne, and grabbed his phone before heading downstairs.


    Aisha was sitting quietly on the couch, holding a ss of juice which was half-empty.


    Aisha sat quietly on the couch, a half-empty ss of juice cradled in her hands.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting," Karmen said, pausing at the bottom of the stairs.


    Aisha lifted her gaze, setting the ss carefully on the table before rising to her feet.


    "It’s fine. I came unannounced," she replied. "The housemaid told me your parents aren’t home."


    "Yeah, they had to leave unexpectedly to check on my sister at college," Karmen exined. He gestured toward the couch. "Please, sit."


    She eased back into the seat, and he took the seat across from her, settling in with a curious nce.


    "So, why have youe? I suppose it’s about some work," Karmen said, leaning slightly forward.


    Aisha hesitated, then spoke, "Last night, I overheard my mother talking on the phone with yours about the marriage. They want it to happen as soon as possible. I... I can’t refuse them. But if I ask you to intervene, my mom will doubt me. I don’t know how to stop all of this. I even got a job and was nning to move out, but my mother threatened me with her life. She wants me to marry you."


    Karmen noted the anxiety in her voice and eyes.


    "What do you want me to do, then? Should I talk to your mother?" he asked gently.


    "No." Aisha shook her head and looked away, her gaze flitting around the room.


    "There’s no one around. You can speak freely," Karmen reassured her.


    "I—I was thinking... maybe we should get married," Aisha stammered, her voice trembling. "You can divorce meter... after a month or two... Karmen, I’m sorry for being so selfish. But... but..." Her hands shook violently, and tears brimmed in her eyes.


    Karmen’s gaze softened, steady and unwavering. "Then let’s get married," he said simply.


    Aisha lifted her head, her eyes wide with shock. "No! I... I can’t be selfish with you. I’m sorry for even saying it. Just... forget I ever mentioned it."


    She started to rise, moving away, but Karmen’s voice stopped her mid-step.


    "It’s not wrong to move on," he said gently, yet with weight in every word. "But it’s not wrong either to stay true to your mate, the one you love the most. Not everyone will understand you, and your parents’ concern is genuine. More than me, this marriage will affect your life. So think carefully, Aisha. Because what if... I don’t want to let you go after you marry me?"


    Aisha stopped blinking to hear his words. They were like a blow to her. She did see a certain feeling in his eyes, which she was unable toprehend.


    "Why-why would you not let me go?" Aisha inquired.


    "I am a man, after all. Think carefully. If you truly want to enter this marriage with me, you need to think of every single possibility that can happen between us. I am not a saint, Aisha. It’s just I decided to help you because..." He paused, not finishing.


    "Because?"


    "Nothing. You should go home," Karmen replied.