Chapter 9 - THE PROPOSAL WITH NO RESCUE DEBT
Dante proposed four years after the Grand Aurelia basement.
Badly.
He planned something elegant.
Leah ruined it by arriving home early.
She found him standing in her kitchen with Rachel Kim.
Rachel immediately said:
“I was never here.”
Then left.
Leah stared.
“What is happening?”
Dante sighed.
“Prenup.”
She blinked.
“That is the least romantic answer imaginable.”
“I was preparing one.”
“Before asking me?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I don't want you considering marriage before you know exactly what legal separation would look like.”
That stopped her.
He continued.
“Separate assets.”
“Your income remains yours.”
“No claim over your mother’s property.”
“No obligation for my business liabilities.”
“Independent counsel paid through a neutral retainer whether you marry me or not.”
Leah stared.
“Rachel helped?”
“She told me not to surprise you with legal documents.”
“Wise.”
“I ignored the spirit while obeying the letter.”
Typical.
Then he took out a ring.
Simple.
Beautiful.
Not absurd.
“Leah Moreno.”
“Yes?”
“The first time you saw me, I was unconscious under dirty hotel sheets.”
“Strong romance.”
“You had every reason to walk away.”
“I did.”
“You didn't.”
He paused.
“For years, I thought that meant I owed you my life.”
Leah’s smile faded.
“But I realized that would turn what you did into a debt neither of us could escape.”
Good.
“I don't want to marry the woman who saved me.”
He looked directly at her.
“I want to marry the woman who says no to me when she means no.”
“The woman who built a career I didn't create.”
“The woman who loves Matteo without turning sacrifice into identity.”
“The woman who knows exactly what I have done and does not call accountability cruelty.”
Leah cried.
Annoying.
Then:
“And if your answer is no?”
“I go home.”
“You don't own another home.”
“I buy one.”
She laughed.
“Terrible.”
“Leah.”
“Yes.”
He stopped.
“Yes?”
“Yes.”
She kissed him.
Then pulled back.
“I read the prenup first.”
“Absolutely.”
“Independent lawyer.”
“Yes.”
“No secret financial rescue clauses.”
“Rachel already removed three.”
Leah narrowed her eyes.
“Three?”
Dante looked guilty.
May you like
Marriage preparation began with negotiation.
Appropriate.
