Trapped in between

d with blooming flowers and the gentle murmur of a fountain. She found herself walking alongside Lucas, the silence between them both comfortable and charged with unspoken wor

s urgent, and he asked her to meet him at a private club downtown. Intrigued and slightly apprehensive, she agreed. The club was an exclusive establishment, all dark wood and dim lighting, exuding an air of opulence and discretion. Alex was waiting for her in a private room, a bottle of vintage champagne on ice. "Elena," he greeted her with a smile, standing as she entered. "Thank you for coming." "Of course, Alex," she replied, taking a seat. "What's this about?" He poured them both a glass of champagne before sitting down. "I wanted to talk to you, away from the pressures of our families. I know this arranged marriage is a lot to handle, and I want you to know that I'm committed to making this work." She took a sip of the champagne, its effervescence doing little to calm her nerves. "I appreciate that, Alex. Truly. But this is still overwhelming for me." "I understand," he said, his tone softening. "And I want to make this easier for you. I have a proposal." Elena's curiosity piqued. "What kind of proposal?" Alex leaned forward,