25. A shocking proposal!

VICTOR...

Both their gazes are on me; I only care for one, though: my newly married wife. Her hand is cold, and I can feel her dull nervousness enveloping her as she stands up against her mother. Yet, I'm proud of her nonetheless for speaking up.

My gaze shifts to her mother, who is perhaps still in shock. Her lips quiver as her eyes travel between Bella and me.

"H-how... W-when d-did you..." Her words tremble. "Wh-what is he talking about!?" She finally regains her voice to snap at my wife, which she must not.

My eyes blaze, and my grip tightens on her hand. I just opened my mouth when—

"You heard it right; we got married." Her non-hesitant tone pauses me as my eyes return to her.

Her beautiful face is cold, her innocent orbs look... tired and helpless. Her chest rises and falls heavily; I'm quite sure she is anxious, but once again, the determination in her tone makes me elated.

My admiration, however, is not long-lived. Her mother gasps and dramatically turns around before running