Chapter 8

Josie's POV

The next morning, I had just gotten up to pack my final items when my phone buzzed repeatedly. It was Olivia sending multiple texts with photo links.

"Check out today's gossip headlines! Connor and that Sofia were caught!"

I clicked the link and there they were—Connor and Sofia in an intimate embrace outside a nightclub. His hand rested on her waist while she leaned against his chest, smiling brightly. The headline boldly declared: "Brooks Family Heir in Late-Night Rendezvous with Rising Media Star."

My heart skipped a beat. Although I'd known about Connor and Sofia, seeing such direct evidence still stung slightly. More concerning was how this news would affect the Brooks family, especially considering our engagement background.

As I contemplated how to handle this, a knock sounded at my door, followed by Dylan's voice: "Josie, do you have a moment to talk?"

I took a deep breath, composing myself. "Come in."

Dylan entered, dressed in casual dark gray attire that suggested he'd already been working for hours. "I assume you've seen the photos and reports," he said, getting straight to the point.

"Yes, just now," I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Don't worry, the news has been suppressed," Dylan stated, his tone calm and authoritative. "I've already contacted the media."

I looked at him in surprise. "That quickly?"

"Yes," Dylan nodded slightly.

"Thank you, Dylan," I said sincerely, feeling genuinely grateful. Even though I'd decided to end things with Connor, such public exposure would only bring unnecessary complications.

"No need to thank me. It's what I should do," Dylan's voice softened. "Richard and Elizabeth know about it."

I remained silent for a moment, realizing this might be the perfect opportunity to address the engagement. "I'd like to see Richard and Elizabeth. There are some things I need to say to them in person."

Dylan nodded, seeming to understand my intention. "They're in the study."

When Dylan and I walked into the study, the atmosphere was noticeably tense. Richard stood by the window, his back rigid; Elizabeth sat on the sofa, her expression serious.

"Josie, dear," Elizabeth's tone softened upon seeing me. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Elizabeth, thank you for asking." I sat on the sofa, looking directly at the Brooks couple. "About those photos and the news, I want to say that I understand Connor."

Richard turned around, looking at me in surprise. "Understand? Josie, his behavior is completely irresponsible! We planned for you two to marry after he finished school, and now he's publicly with another woman..."

I had intended to wait for the right moment after moving to discuss breaking things off, but Connor's indiscretion forced my hand.

"That's exactly what I wanted to talk about," I interrupted gently but firmly. "I know Connor doesn't want to be bound by an arranged marriage, and honestly, I don't want to force a marriage either."

I took a deep breath. "I deeply appreciate all the love and care you and Elizabeth have given me over the years. I cherish our family relationship. That's precisely why I don't want to damage these feelings by forcing a marriage. I'd like to formally propose canceling my engagement to Connor."

The study fell silent. Richard and Elizabeth exchanged surprised glances.

"We certainly don't want you to feel forced, Josie," Elizabeth finally spoke. "But..."

"Josie's right, a forced marriage is meaningless, and this situation needs to be addressed," Dylan interjected, his voice calm yet powerful. "However, we can't ignore the business alliance behind this engagement—it's crucial for both companies' stability. Gray Industries has particularly relied on this partnership since your parents' passing." He leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful but determined.

Richard nodded in agreement. "Dylan is right, Josie. This marriage is something both families welcome and expect."

"But Connor clearly doesn't think so," I said quietly. "As for Gray Industries, my brother and I will handle it."

"Darling," Elizabeth sighed, "seeing you hurt breaks our hearts too. When Connor returns, I'm going to have a serious talk with him. How could he treat you this way?"

"I have a suggestion." Dylan's voice broke the momentary silence, and all eyes turned to him. "Since the marriage is important to both families, and Connor is clearly unsuitable for this role, why don't I marry Josie instead?"

His words exploded like a bomb in the study. I felt my heart race, hardly believing my ears. Richard and Elizabeth stared at Dylan, shocked.

"You... what did you say?" Elizabeth stammered.

"I said, I am willing to marry Josie," Dylan repeated, his gaze fixed steadily on me. "This would maintain the alliance between our families while resolving the current dilemma."

I stared at Dylan, wide-eyed and speechless. How could this man—always so composed and controlled—propose something so life-altering with the same tone he might use to suggest a business strategy?

"Dylan, are you serious?" Richard's voice echoed in the room.

My thoughts raced wildly. This was beyond absurd—it was exactly like that ridiculous joke Olivia had made days ago. Breaking off an engagement with Connor only to marry his uncle instead? Never in a million years had I imagined Dylan entering my life this way.

"I'm entirely serious," Dylan stated calmly, his blue eyes locked on mine. "It's the most elegant solution for now."

My mind was spinning. Why would he even suggest this? Our interactions had been limited at best, mostly revolving around Connor or family matters. Why would he sacrifice his own marriage prospects for a business alliance? Surely there were dozens of sophisticated, accomplished women his own age who would be perfect matches. Why choose me—nearly a decade younger and still buried in graduate research?

More importantly, how was this any different from what I was trying to escape? Hadn't I just declared I didn't want to be forced into a marriage? Marrying Dylan would be exactly that—another arranged union with someone I had no romantic feelings for.

"Josie, what do you think?" Richard's voice pulled me back to reality. Everyone was waiting for my response.

I looked up into Dylan's inscrutable eyes. Outright refusing seemed ungrateful, especially after he'd just helped manage the Connor-Sofia media situation. But I couldn't possibly agree to something this momentous on the spot.

"This is... extremely unexpected," I finally managed, struggling to keep my voice steady. "I need some time to process this."

"Of course," Dylan nodded, as if he'd anticipated my reaction. "This isn't a decision that requires an immediate answer. And you have every right to choose."

Elizabeth squeezed my hand, her eyes full of concern. "Darling, don't feel pressured. Whatever you decide, we'll support you."

"Thank you," I forced a smile and stood up. "If you don't mind, I think I need to go to my room now."

I practically fled upstairs, closing the door and leaning against it as a wave of dizziness washed over me. Dylan Brooks—a figure I'd always viewed from a respectful distance—had just proposed marriage?

I walked to the window, gazing out at the skyline while trying to make sense of everything. It had all happened so fast—discovering Connor's betrayal, deciding to end our engagement, and now Dylan's proposal. In just a few days, the entire trajectory of my life had been completely rewritten.

My thoughts were too chaotic to form any coherent plan. All I could do was sit on the edge of my bed, willing my racing heart to slow down.

Dylan wants to marry me. The thought was so utterly preposterous that I didn't even know where to begin considering it.