?Chapter 509:


    Natey down beside her.


    Her tense muscles gradually rxed as she curled into him, seeking his warmth like a trusting cat.


    Even this small gesture made his heart melt.


    His arm tightened instinctively around her waist as he closed his eyes.


    That night, Corrine slept without disturbance.


    Morning light revealed Nate’s absence, drawing a slight furrow to her brows.


    As she moved to sit up, an unfamiliar sensation on her right middle finger caught her attention.


    Her eyes fell to the ring adorning her finger—a tinum band featuring a row of small diamonds.


    The design struck a perfect bnce between luxury and understated elegance.


    This was…


    Corrine stared at the ring adorning her finger, her breath suspended in her throat.


    The cool tinum band seemed to pulse against her skin, matching the rapid rhythm of her heartbeat.


    “Getting married now was indeed too hasty.”


    Nate’s voice cut through her reverie.


    Corrine lifted her gaze to meet his.


    He approached with measured steps, one hand lingering in his suit pocket.


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    “But at the very least, this will serve as a clear message—to keep any wandering admirers at bay.”


    Her lips parted slightly.


    “Is this your way of proposing?”


    She raised her hand, tilting it just enough for the diamond to catch the light.


    “Would you ept if it were?”


    Corrine let out a quiet scoff, equal parts exasperation and amusement.


    “Would it even matter? You didn’t exactly give me a say in this. I woke up, and—bam! A ring was already on my finger.”


    Nate pulled her into his arms, his embrace firm yet tender.


    “That’s because you’re breathtaking,” he murmured, pressing his lips lightly to her hair.


    He knew Corrine had always imagined a proposal filled with magic—something grand, something unforgettable. And he wanted to give her that.


    But Zeke’s sudden appearance yesterday had unsettled him.


    It was a feeling he couldn’t shake—a warning, a threat.


    So, he acted on instinct.


    Corrine sighed against his chest, absently running her fingers over the cool metal encircling her finger.


    “I always thought… when the time came, it’d be something more romantic. A real proposal. Something big.”


    Nate kissed her temple, his voice a quiet promise.


    “Whatever others get, my Corrine will have as well.”


    She leaned back just enough to meet his gaze, her lips curving into a soft, teasing smile.


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