Today Camila sat on the soft couch for the first time directly across from her boss.

As one of São Paulo's wealthiest and most powerful magnates, Gustavo Bruno commanded respect.

Camila encountered her employer today, and she found herself seated directly across from him despite his usual lack of interest in his employees. He had engaged her to look after his twin children, but this day showed distinct changes.

Gustavo took a sip from his coffee cup while his throat movements showed signs of nervousness.

His broad shoulders tensed as he sat up straight while he adjusted his posture to maintain composure.

He placed his cup on the table before offering Camila a cup of coffee. She refused his offer while her hands rested in her lap in a folded manner as she listened to his words.

A long silence stretched between them. Finally, Gustavo broke it.

"Marry me."

The quiet tone of his voice resembled a whisper, yet his words stayed suspended between them. Initially avoiding her gaze, he simply placed the coffee cup on the table, allowing his proposal to sink in.

Camila blinked several times because she couldn't fully comprehend the statement she had just heard. "What?" Her words spilt out unexpectedly, and she spoke louder than she intended.

Her eyes showed complete disbelief while the maids, who had been working quietly around her, stopped suddenly to look at her.

Gustavo cleared his throat before scanning the room with a penetrating gaze that prompted the maids to return to their work. He didn’t seem fazed by her reaction.

Camila, however, could hardly believe it. Did he actually propose to her?

She stopped briefly, pondering whether she had misunderstood his words. Her heart raced, yet she needed absolute certainty.

"What do you mean?" She asked as she almost laughed because she couldn't tell if he was pulling her leg. Perhaps she misunderstood what he was saying.

Gustavo didn't hesitate. Their eyes locked together with intensity and seriousness. His voice remained steady yet authoritative as he reiterated his proposal, saying, "Marry me." He moved slightly forward, and his large build overshadowed her as he closed the distance between them.

Camila's eyes opened wider than before while her mouth emitted an involuntary tiny hiccup.

Gustavo casually crossed his legs together while shrugging to show his complete self-assurance. His posture and movement gave off a majestic quality that made him appear powerful and attractive while being irresistibly captivating.

His untamed hair enhanced his appeal while his dark eyes maintained their hold on her gaze. His shirt hung open at the top as two buttons remained undone, which revealed his strong muscles. His appearance matched what one would expect from a prosperous corporate leader.

"Are you pranking me, boss?" Camila asked, her voice unsure. She felt both confused and embarrassed.

"I don't play pranks," Gustavo replied while his voice remained deep and rough. He reclined into the couch and immediately demonstrated dominant body language. "And I don’t joke about serious things."

His words demonstrated undeniable seriousness. He wanted her to marry him. But why? What reason could he have to propose to her when he already has wealth, power and unrestricted access to everything he wants?

He went on with a quieter voice full of pleading as he said, "I want you to marry me." I want you to become the mother to my future children.

Camila felt her breath catching in her throat. She hadn't anticipated having this type of conversation with him. A proposal? Could it really be a proposal from Gustavo Bruno? Her entire life she knew him only as the man who paid her wages and as the father of the twins she looked after.

Her mind raced. What could be his reason for proposing marriage to her at this moment? It didn’t make sense.

She drew a deep breath to regain her composure. She spoke to her boss with uncertainty, her voice trembling as she reached for the table water to maintain her composure. You want me to marry you, but what’s the reason behind it?

He leaned forward once more, ensuring his gaze stayed fixed on her eyes. "We may not be the perfect match," he stated cautiously. Your upbringing stemmed from modest origins, whereas I stand as one of the wealthiest individuals in our country. Wealth does not hold significance for me.

Camila blinked repeatedly as she struggled to make sense of his words.

Gustavo explained to Camila that she would become the owner of his entire fortune if she agreed to marry him.

As Gustavo spoke those words, Camila felt a sudden shock that sent an odd sensation through her spine. She found herself unable to determine her emotions regarding the situation. Wealth? Money? Those things were never something she needed or wanted.

Gustavo acknowledged that what he was telling her was overwhelming, but his voice carried more thoughtfulness. "But allow me to explain. For some time now I’ve been observing your actions. During your two-year tenure with us, you've excelled in the care of Isabela and Leo.

The mention of the twins caused a flutter to rise in Camila’s chest. Her attachment to them grew strong, and they became her family.

Gustavo added that Isabela holds a deep fondness for you. "She loves you. I must acknowledge that she views you as her mother.

He stopped speaking briefly as his expression softened. After hearing you declare your intention to leave your work to prioritise your education, she spent the entire night in tears.

Camila’s heart dropped. Camila never realised how deeply Isabela felt about her decision. She had consistently shown kindness to the little girl yet felt immense pain imagining her crying because she chose to leave.

"What?" Camila whispered, her eyes wide with shock. "She cried?"

Gustavo nodded. For this reason, I'm asking you to remain with us. Since her mother passed away, Isabela should not lose the person who brought her happiness.

He stopped himself, his voice turning quieter. "Since she lost her mother."

Camila swallowed hard. Her surroundings felt dense as she attempted to understand everything Gustavo told her. Isabela had lost her mother? Could we discuss why this has not been addressed before?

The intensity of Gustavo's stare remained, but his voice became gentle for the first time. I want to marry you because Isabela desperately needs a mother figure in her life. She needs you, Camila."

"But… what about your wife?" Camila asked, unable to stop herself. The question had been persistently bothering her for months. The silence about Gustavo's wife disturbed her because nobody in the house ever mentioned her. Was she even still alive?

For a moment Gustavo paused as the dark memories of his past briefly danced across his eyes. "I haven’t been married for years. Isabela and Leo deserve a partner who will love them and take care of them while being their constant support. I can’t do it alone."

Camila felt her chest tighten. Her decision hinged on more than financial concerns and a marriage offer. The family required healing, which she could complete as their missing piece.

"I understand your studies take priority, and I respect your dedication," Gustavo said while leaning back in his chair. By marrying me, you won't need to worry about anything. You can continue studying or travel anywhere you want. My children need your presence in their lives.

Camila remained silent until a loud phone beep interrupted the tense atmosphere before she could reply.

She muttered an apology while clumsily retrieving her phone from her pocket.

Gustavo remained seated while he observed her and allowed her the necessary space.

Camila's heart pounded when she saw the hospital's name on her phone's caller ID.

"Hello?" she answered quickly, her voice strained.

"Miss, this is the hospital. Your mother’s condition is critical. We’ve transferred her to the ICU."

The words struck her with the force of a stomach punch.

"What?" she gasped, her voice cracking. "I’m coming right now."

Without acknowledging Gustavo, she stood up and hurried to the door.

"Camila!" Gustavo stood up from the couch and chased after her as she left.

Her heart pounded while she fumbled her way down the hallway. The pounding of her feet against the floor was the only sound she could hear as she struggled to focus. She had to get to her mother. She needed to check if her mother was alright.

She reached the front door and stopped. There were no cars. She felt panic consume her because the outside street remained eerily silent. What steps could she take to arrive at the hospital before it was too late?

Gustavo silently approached her and took hold of her wrist.

"Come on," he instructed with a voice that combined firmness and gentleness. "I’ll take you."

Camila’s eyes began to fill with tears as she looked at him. She realised he wasn't just her boss when she felt his warm hand touch her wrist. He was someone who cared.

He guided her to his vehicle, where he opened the door for her with the grace of a true gentleman.

"Where’s the hospital?" He slid into the driver’s seat and asked where the hospital was.

She gave him the address while her voice shook from comprehending the truth of their circumstances. The doctors had determined her mother’s condition was critical and survival was uncertain.

The hospital trip seemed endless, but upon reaching their destination, Camila bolted from the car without taking in her surroundings as she dashed inside.

She rushed into the ICU and immediately saw her mother, who looked frail and was attached to medical equipment.

She covered her mouth with her hands while her tears clouded her vision because she couldn't hold back her sobs. Camila felt completely powerless while her mother struggled to survive.

Gustavo emerged from behind her position while remaining silent and continued to stare straight at her. He moved to touch her shoulder but stopped short without making physical contact.

Instead, he stepped back.

Camila's tears flowed more intensely as she experienced a heavy sensation in her chest. How could this be happening?

To be continued...