Chapter 27 The Proposal " Claudia , do you have ulterior motives toward me ? " Claudia rolled her eyes . " I give you permission to have little thoughts about me . " " I suggest you go get your head checked . " The two of them never seemed able to speak seriously for more than two minutes . It was hard to imagine that both of them were cold and taciturn around others outside . " You don't mean what you say . Telling me to leave while practically seducing me . " 60 Finished Following his gaze , Claudia realized that when she sat down , her pajama top had pulled loose , exposing more than half of her chest . She was sitting on the carpet between the coffee table and the sofa , while Sterling sat above her on the couch . From his angle , it was all in plain view ... Quickly covering her chest , Claudia suddenly looked at him in alarm . " What nonsense are you spouting ? " With that dazzling whiteness hidden , Sterling leaned back against the sofa , shrugging . " Don't you know ? The whole neighborhood thinks we're a deeply loving couple . They say we're the most perfect match in the world . " Five minutes later , with a sharp shriek , Claudia's hand smacked against Sterling's chest . " What kind of rumors have you been spreading about me ? " she fumed . " As you can see , I was just doing a small act of kindness . " Overnight , from newly single to suddenly branded a married woman , Claudia felt like the sky had collapsed . " When you pat your backside and leave , what happens to me ? " she groaned . Since the topic had already been dragged this far , Sterling didn't bother to hide his intentions . " The best way to deal with a rumor , " he said smoothly , " is to make it true ." 1/3 20:04 Wed , Oct 8 Chapter 37 The Propos " What do you mean ? " 150 Finished Sterling leaned closer . " Marry me . Ms. Lancaster , I need a wife . And I think you're the right one . " " Why ? " He only smiled without answering . " And why would you think I'd agree to that ? " " Because you need me too . The Lancaster family's adopted daughter drove you out , stole your parents , your brothers , your identity , your status , even your grandmother's keepsake . Don't you hate her ? " They sat at opposite ends of the sofa now , the faint trace of intimacy from before completely gone , replaced by the atmosphere of two chess players locked in a match . " Then you should know my history with her . I owe her . " Sterling was dismissive . " Only someone blind and foolish would believe a six - year - old child could cause the death of a grown adult . Don't tell me you've never questioned that story . And even if you are that naïve , then Lydia should be the one in the hospital now , not you ." " Can't make up your mind ? " His sharp gaze seemed to pierce straight into her heart . " Because you know , words and physical scuffles are nothing . But if you declare war , you won't just face Lydia - you'll face the entire Lancaster family standing behind her . Strip away crush her pride , and the Lancasters will not walk away unscathed ." He stared at her eyes , now dimmed of their brightness . her support , " Ms. Lancaster , you're too softhearted . And the one who feels too deeply always loses the worst . " In this moment , Sterling shed the gentle humor he carried when joking with her . Step by step , he pressed in , sharp and relentless , finally resembling the golden boy of the Romero family that the rumors spoke of - aloof and merciless . " Family is just a word . Their feelings aren't worth anything if they can't give themselves to you completely . Ms. Lancaster , the opportunity is right in front of you . All the things you couldn't do because of restraints - say the word , and they're yours . " His voice was soft , coaxing , like the whisper of a devil . The Lancaster family had loved Claudia deeply before the age of six . After that , their care was never quite enough when it was good , never quite cruel enough when it was bad . Even now , though she no longer had illusions about them , that shred of affection kept her from striking back hard . 2/3 20:04 Wed , Oct 8 Chapter 27 The Proposal But Sterling , who carried the blood of his own family , had never expected love from them . To him , feelings were empty , and family bonds meaningless . To him , Claudia's lack of ruthlessness was her greatest weakness . The Lancaster family would only ever be her shackles . " You only say you can help me , but you haven't told me what price I'll have to pay , " Claudia asked calmly . She admitted her shortcomings , but she wouldn't be led blindly by the nose . Sterling was too aggressive . He reined himself in , giving her an appreciative look . " That position isn't easy to hold . For a long time , your life might not be peaceful . There may even be danger . " " And after you've achieved your goal ? Divorce ? I won't necessarily throw away the rest of my life just for revenge . To me , marriage should be the union of two people in love . " Sterling chuckled , as if laughing at her naivety . " Marriage can take many forms . The one you're talking about is the most fragile of all . " Then his tone shifted . " And what ever gave you the idea that I meant a fake marriage ? " " Even if there's an agreement , marriage is still marriage . Of course it's real ." His manner was matter - of - fact . " Ms. Lancaster , you're cautious , but I wouldn't marry just anyone to put on a show . After all , it's a bed to be shared . Or is it that you're trying to run from your duties as a wife ? " Send Gifts Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!