Catalina stood frozen outside the library door, her hands trembling as the words replayed in her mind like a cruel echo.

“I’ve been thinking… maybe I should propose to Isabella.”

Her breath hitched, her heart slamming hard against her ribs. For a second, the world tilted, sound slipping away until all she could hear was the thundering rush of her pulse. The tray she carried trembled in her grasp, the teacup rattling against its saucer.

Propose?

He wanted to propose to her?

Catalina pressed herself against the cold wall beside the door, trying to steady her breathing. It couldn’t be real. He didn’t mean it. Maybe he was just… confused....