He added bluntly, "A video like this could destroy your public image. If we marry, the public scrutiny might fade, and even if we divorce later, it won't matter anymore."

Luis had considered every angle, except that Elva didn't want to marry him at all.

She turned away, burying her face in her hands, looking vulnerable.

Seeing her distress, Luis moved to comfort her, but she stopped him.

“Luis, I need time to think. Please, leave now. I'll give your proposal serious thought."

Elva recognized the truth in his words.

Marriage could temporarily shield them from the crisis, and they could always divorce later.

Yet, the thought of marrying Luis was unbearable.

Back in the day, Elva was deeply infatuated with Luis, but he took her love for granted and left her for someone else. Now, he was proposing marriage merely to mitigate the fallout from some compromising images—a ludicrous turn of events!

Elva understood she ought to be practical about this.

Without her deep past affections, she might have easily accepted the proposal and become a devoted wife, especially given Luis‘ desirability in Duefron.

Yet, the hurt he had caused made it difficult for her to overlook their painful history.

To her, this marriage proposition felt more transactional than genuine.

Upon hearing Elva's hesitance, Luis didn't immediately exit. He propped himself up with one hand while caressing her face with the other, his eyes brimming with affection.

He truly loved her and now, he genuinely wanted to marry her.

“Let's discuss this later." Luis spoke softly, his voice filled with hope. "Don't venture out much these days. Reach out if you need anything. This marriage proposal is sincere. I truly wish to be a good husband, if you'll consider giving me the chance."

He then leaned in to embrace her.

Elva, taken aback, allowed it, even though their intimacy just days ago had been so natural, discussing marriage now made everything feel more serious and just as much awkward.

Elva remained silent, prompting a look of disappointment from Luis.

He nestled his face into her neck and murmured sadly, “You don't love me anymore, do you?"