A Calculated Proposal

"I understand that this might seem sudden," the middle-aged woman added with a warm smile, "but my daughter, she... she told us you're the only beacon of hope in her heart. That's why we mustered the courage to broach this subject."

"May I inquire what exactly transpired that day with your daughter?" Bryce asked cautiously.

He had a rough idea but needed to know the whole story.

The middle-aged wo