A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo)

"It's not that." Sierra lowered her gaze, and her voice was laced with insecurity. "I just feel like I'm not good enough for Uncle Theo. He's too perfect-someone I can only admire from afar. Besides, if I marry him, I'll only bring him more trouble."

"How could you think that? Cee, you're overthinking it," Madison reassured her. "If Theo wants to marry you, then there must be something about you that he likes. Don't belittle yourself."

She did understand Sierra's hesitation, though. A man like Theo, who was so elegant, outstanding, and rare, could make anyone feel self-conscious and unworthy.

Wait.

Did she miss something?

She froze for a few seconds before exclaiming in shock, "Cee, you said it's not that, so does that mean Mr. Gray's impotent?"

Sierra's face flushed. She hadn't expected Madison to latch onto that detail so quickly. She muttered softly, "I don't know. I'm just guessing. I asked Uncle Theo why he wanted to marry me earlier in the car.

"He said it was because Grandpa Edward was pressuring him to settle down, and he doesn't like being around women, but he doesn't mind me. I figured... maybe he has some kind of condition and just needs me as a cover."

Madison was stunned into silence before the realization hit her. "That explains why he called me over so late at night to keep you company! I mean, as a grown man, if he wants to marry you, there should be some level of attraction.

"But he hasn't made a single move on you, and he even called me over? There are only two possible reasons-either he's impotent, or... he doesn't like women. Could it be that Mr. Gray... is actually into men?"

After her thorough analysis, she came to her final conclusion.

"Cee, didn't you say before that Mr. Gray is perfectly healthy?"

Sierra's face was burning at this point. She averted her eyes and said hesitantly, "It's just my assumption. I don't actually know. And this is his private matter-l can't exactly ask him about it, can I?"

"Why not? He's planning to marry you! This is a big deal, Cee—you can't just ignore it. If you're too shy to ask, then find an opportunity to test him. Wear something a little more revealing, be a bit more proactive, and see how he reacts."

"Maddy!" Sierra was so flustered by Madison's bold suggestion that she raised her voice in protest. "Stop coming up with these crazy ideas."

"How is this crazy? This concerns your future happiness! You need to be sure before making a decision," Madison insisted, and her words were filled with sincerity.

She thought Sierra was innocent and never experienced romance. It was also a topic that Sierra couldn't avoid, even though it was a little embarrassing.

Lowering her head, Sierra recalled the moment when Theo helped her zip up her dress. He wouldn't have remained so composed if he had the hots for her.

Maybe they were just overthinking things.

Taking a deep breath, she gently squeezed Madison's hand, saying softly, "Maddy, I've given it a thought. All I want is for my mother to be safe and for me to continue playing the piano. If marrying Uncle Theo can help him in some way, I'd feel better knowing I'm not just bringing him trouble."

"Cee, don't be reckless."

"I still have a week to think it over." Sierra smiled slightly and patted Madison's hand in reassurance.

In reality, she would benefit the most from this marriage. Whether Theo had a condition or preferred men, she would respect his choice.

A marriage without love... might actually be better.

...noveldrama

Just as Theo had predicted, Benson didn't give up on pestering Sierra. He waited outside when she went to school and lingered near her apartment when she went home.