Chapter 3
I was stunned.
My family only said they’d set me up with someone “really great.” But never in a million years did I think it’d be someone like Ryan.
Not until I was sitting across from him in the private room he had reserved.
I kept a smile on my face, but under the table, my hands were flying— texting my mom.
“You set me up with Ryan Harland?
“Since when are we even in the same league as him?
“Did you guys secretly get rich or something?” ·
She replied instantly.
“Huh?
“What are you talking about, sweetie? Still dreaming in broad daylight?
“We set you up with his distant nephew.
“Didn’t your aunt explain that?”
I glanced at the man across from me, still smiling gently. Could there really be two people who look that good?
Our eyes met. I couldn’t keep pretending to be busy.
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02.08
Chapter 3
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I hesitated, then spoke, “Uhm…”
“You’re… Mr. Ryan Harland, right?”
He nodded, then smiled apologetically.
“Yes.
“My bad, I haven’t introduced myself yet.
“Ms. Sanchez, nice to meet you. I’m Ryan Harland. I’m your date today. Honored to meet you.”
Straightforward. And nothing like what my mom said.
I was completely thrown off. “But the guy they set me up with isn’t…”
He raised an eyebrow and took a slow sip of coffee.
“He’s not good enough for you. That’s why I came instead.” He looked right at me. “What’s wrong? Would you rather it be him?”
I froze. The way he said that–it felt like we were already close.
My heart was pounding. He, on the other hand, looked completely calm. His eyes were steady, clear, and fixed on mine, clearly waiting for an answer.
I had no choice but to speak. “Of course not… I don’t even know him.”
He let out a soft chuckle. “Then I’ll take his place. That’s okay, right?”
I swallowed. “No–I mean, it’s fine…”
Of course, I was fine with it–if anything, he was the one getting the short end of the stick, wasn’t he? But Ryan seemed genuinely pleased
259 Rockers
by my answer.
Then, out of nowhere, he pulled out a thick book, stood up slightly, and placed it in front of me.
“That’s good.
“This is my personal profile. It includes my basic info, hobbies, skills, job, salary, and personal assets. Feel free to take a look.
“To be honest, I came to this date with marriage in mind.
“My social circle doesn’t include any women. I can guarantee full commitment. After marriage, I’ll follow through on everything I promised before marriage–including transferring all my assets, no strings attached.
“I won’t place any pressure on my partner. As long as we stay married, you’ll have complete freedom.
“If you find these terms acceptable, I hope my wish…” He paused here. His eyes lit up again, that gorgeous gaze locked right on me. “… can at least be considered.”
His voice was smooth and deep to begin with. That face–already impossible to look away from–was staring straight at me, not even blinking. I felt dazed. Lightheaded.
Was this one of those post–breakup delusions, triggered by how mad Timothy made me? I pinched my thigh under the table.
“Ouch. That hurt! Okay–not a dream,” I thought.
I must’ve looked more and more spaced out, because I saw the smile start to form in Ryan’s eyes.
Crap. I was zoning out again.
I quickly grabbed my glass and took a tactical sip, then cleared my throat, trying to sound composed.
“Mr. Harland.
“You’re saying… You want to marry me?”
He looked right at me, totally serious, and nodded.
“Yes.
“Ms. Sanchez, I hope I’ll have the honor of being your husband.”
