Victoria startled, completely surprised. She stepped aside and shook her head.

"What... what do you want from me?" she asked hesitantly. Salvatore frowned, bewildered by her reaction.

"I want us to get married, darling. I feel it's time to take that big step. I feel our relationship needs it now."

Although the feelings Victoria harbored for Salvatore were intense, marriage had never been in her plans. She took a deep breath and shook her head again. Immediately, Salvatore's expression hardened.

"What's wrong, Victoria? After all,... you don't want to marry me?" he asked with genuine confusion.

She barely had time to think of an answer. If she told him no,...