A pallor washed over Rena's face.

Waylen smiled gently, and his voice tender as he said, "What I want is to spend the rest of my life with you."

Inside the office, silence enveloped the air, punctuating the gravity of the moment.

Rena's complexion grew even paler as she mustered the strength to speak, her voice strained.

"Waylen, you know what? I'd rather make a simple deal with you. The last thing we should discuss is love, the future, and marriage..."

Rena raised her head slightly, her voice trembling.

“Remind me. Who said marriage is just a piece of paper that ties two people down? A mere means of manipulation?”

Waylen, moved by her words, responded in a hoarse and gentle tone,

“Rena, I'm sorry. I've caused you sadness.“

He retrieved a tissue and handed it to her, his gesture filled with empathy.

Suppressing her emotions, Rena spoke in a low voice.

“Waylen, if you want a chance, fine, I'll give you one. One year... I'll be with you for one year, and then we'll go our separate ways."

Waylen sat with his back against the window, his figure shrouded in the darkness cast by the Light behind him.

Upon hearing her proposal, his eyebrows raised ever so slightly.

“What if, within that year, you fall in Love with me and want to marry me?"

Rena remained silent, but Waylen understood the meaning behind her silence.

She would exercise self-control to prevent herself from being attracted to him.

In this one year, she would keep her promise.

Leaning against the sofa, Waylen appeared at ease, but inwardly, his body was slightly tense. He believed Rena's proposal was favorable

After all, he had been instrumental in her career advancement. She had also Learned to negotiate and handle people

A prolonged silence followed.

Rena stared intently at him, her voice filled with tension.