Chapter 141: The illusion
Denis’s expression shifted, his warmth fading slightly. He had never intended to marry Tania, and he doubted his parents would ever accept her into the family. They were only tolerating her because of the baby.
"What is the rush?" He pulled away from her. "The engagement is already planned. The elders will arrange the wedding when the time is right. We should wait for that."
For now, he had no choice but to endure her presence.
"It’s late. You should get some rest." Denis guided her gently to sit on the bed. As he turned to leave, Tania grabbed his wrist tightly.
"Where are you going?" she asked, a hint of desperation in her voice.
"I still have some work to finish," Denis replied calmly. "You rest first."
"But I need you," she insisted, quickly rising to her feet and throwing her arms around him. "Stay with me tonight."
Denis remained stiff. A part of him pitied her as he recalled that she had no one in her family other than her aunt. But that pity wasn’t love, and it certainly wasn’t enough to chain him to a life he didn’t want.
He pried her arms away and took a step back. "I have some work I need to finish. Try to understand," he said firmly.
"You can do it tomorrow," Tania insisted. "Stay with me tonight." She reached up, sliding her arms around his neck and rising on her toes to kiss him, first brushing her lips against his, then trailing kisses along his cheek and jawline.
"Tania," Denis muttered, grabbing her arms and pushing her back slightly. "You are pregnant. You need to rest."