Chapter 216: Her Cheeks Burning with Heat

Rose stumbled backward, her cheeks burning with heat. She hadn't expected to lose her composure like this.

"I... I should go!"

She turned to flee, but a pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist. The man's chest pressed firmly against her back, the heat making her heart tremble.

"Nolan! Have you lost your mind?"

She struggled desperately, her nails leaving red marks on his arms. But those iron-like arms didn't budge. Instead, he spun her around and locked her tightly in his embrace.

Rose trembled all over. The Nolan she knew had always been restrained and proper, maintaining just the right distance even in conversation. But now, he seemed like a completely different person.

"Don't be afraid," Nolan's voice was rough with emotion. "Just let me finish."

The pounding of his heartbeat thundered in her ears. Rose suddenly froze, afraid someone might see them—and even more afraid that her own racing heart would betray her.

"I will marry you."

The four words struck like lightning. Rose jerked her head up, meeting his burning gaze. Under the moonlight, his sharp features were edged with silver, but his eyes held a fire she had never seen before.

"Do you even know what you're saying?" Her voice shook. "The whole village is laughing at me. If you do this—"

"I don't care what they think!" Nolan tightened his arms around her. "For the past six months, I've stood by the reservoir every night just to see the light in your window. Rose, I'm done holding back."

Rose went rigid. She remembered those late nights when she'd felt someone watching from the shadows. It hadn't been her imagination.

"Your father would never agree." She turned her face away, nails digging into her palms. "The Wallaces' standing in the village—I—"

Before she could finish, his lips met hers.

The kiss was fierce and urgent, leaving no room for refusal. Rose's mind went blank, her knees weakening. She should have pushed him away, but her body betrayed her reason.

"If my father objects," Nolan murmured against her forehead, his breathing ragged, "I'll take you and the children away. Rose, you're mine."

The night wind carried a damp chill, but Rose's eyes suddenly burned with unshed tears. She should refuse—but deep down, some part of her had already crumbled at his words.