ing to comprehend Alejandro's proposal. "Marry you

gaze meeting hers with unwavering intensity.

aced as she tried to process the sudden turn of events. She had never imagined her

to contain her confusion any longer

xpression unreadable. "Because you were m

e knew she had made a blunder that night at the hotel, but

y he said in his deep baritone voice tinged with a bit of frustration, "I know, and to such a pathetic excuse of a man. I'm also aware your m

disbelief. "How... ho

my ways of gathering information. But that's not important right now. What matters is

n. "Sir, I'm an orphan with no background. Marrying me w

"I know all about you, dear. You don't really think I'd not do a thorough

going a bit too far? Yes, she had mistaken him for the hired gigolo, but wasn't he the one

here until everything is cleared up," Alejandro said with a stern voice that left n

room, discarded the clothes he had worn since the day before, draped a towel around himself, and stepped into the adjoining b

eep baritone voice, surprised by her presence. "And of a

was your room? I just picked a random room to shower in! I

here, may I join you

'm almost done. Please allow me to f

wer in peace. While he waited, a knock at the door signaled the housemaid, who informed him that Anna's suitcases had arrived with hi

e. "Well, well, well, if you're trying to charm me, I must say it's working," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes. Anna timidly excused herself, explaining that she didn't hav

ling those of a startled gazelle bounding away from a hidden predator. The sight brought a genuine smile to Alejandro's

to ignore it, content to remain cocooned in the comfort of her solitude. But as the tantalizing fragrance grew stronger, teasing her senses, hunger gnawed at her insides, coaxing he

ing her that she hadn't eaten since breakfast. Unable to resist the tantalizing scent any longer, sh

a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Anna couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves a

dmitted, her stomach rumblin

. "Turkey Escalopes with Lemon and Parsley," he replied, his tone casual

entation. The thin, tender slices of turkey, bathed in a light sauce

holic grape juice, a thoughtful gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Ann

"So, about the divorce proceedings," he began, his tone casual as he carefully gauged her reaction. "I've already discu

.. unexpected," she said while trying to clear her air

aid, "Well, aren't you just full of surprises," she muttered under

ings progressed smoothly. "I guess that's that then, it's not like there's anything I can do about it!" sh

by her response. "It's my pleasure," he retorted with a smirk, his voice laden with arroga

ge in a battle of wits with Alejandro. Instead, she forced a polite smile and

company," Alejandro explained, his tone apologetic as he glanced

ointed at the prospect of being left alone. "Of course," she replied,

I'm gone," he teased, a playful glint in his eye. "But just in case, there are two bodyguards stationed ou

," Alejandro added, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "Just relax and enjoy

odyguards. "Bodyguards?" she echoed, feeling a mix

just a precaution," he explained. "With everything t

d him, "Am I a prisoner then? I thought you said you w

e not," he replied, his voice gentle and soothing. "You're not a prisoner. I

might seem overwhelming, but I promise it's for the best. With all th