“That’s what you’re afraid of.”

A low laugh escaped him, and his eyes sparkled with assurance.

“There’s no need to worry. My parents may be old, but their views aren’t stuck in the past. If I care for someone, they’ll welcome her as well.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“The same goes for my brothers. None of them cling to outdated ideas.”

Not wanting her to doubt his words, he pressed further.

“If you think I’m bluffing, why don’t you come with me tonight and ask them directly?”

Hadley’s face paled, and she shook her head in panic.

“No, absolutely not!”

The suggestion rattled her. She had come only to turn him down, yet somehow he was inviting her to meet his family?

Ellis furrowed his brows.

“So you won’t step into my house. Does that mean I should bring my parents here instead?”

While speaking, he began to pull out his phone.

“Mr. Gomez!” Hadley gasped and rushed to stop him.

“Please don’t! I beg you, no!”

Ellis gave a small chuckle, half amused and half at a loss.

“Neither option satisfies you, so what do you expect me to do?”

Ellis set the phone back down.

“Relax. I won’t make the call.” His voice softened as he asked, “So tell me, what would you have me do? Whatever you say, I’ll follow.”

Hadley’s lips parted in surprise. A wave of unease washed over her.

Why had she never realized just how persistent Ellis could be?

“Mr. Gomez,” Hadley said after gathering her thoughts.

“The truth is, I’m not planning to start a new relationship right now.”

Ellis furrowed his brow.

“Does that mean you’ve decided never to marry again?”

The question caught Hadley completely off guard. Her mind went blank because she had never truly given it much thought.

Ellis noticed the flicker of hesitation in her eyes.

“So it isn’t a definite no, is it?”

A faint smile curved his lips.

“If that’s the case, I can wait. I’ll pursue you at my own pace, and when the time comes, we can speak of marriage.”

Hadley blinked rapidly, disoriented.

Why did it feel like no matter what she said, she couldn’t make him understand?

“No, you’re mistaken…” Hadley whispered, biting her lip as she realized she needed to explain herself more clearly.

Gathering her resolve, Hadley spoke gently.

“Mr. Gomez, we’ve only seen each other a few times… I do owe you thanks for what you did for me back at White Lake Prison, but I don’t feel…”

“You don’t feel anything special for me?” Ellis cut in without hesitation.

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