Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 79

The sudden, unexpected proposal delivered such a jolt to Marguerite, the shock of it momentarily reduced her to silence. Intent on convincing her, Matthew got to his feet, holding her arms firmly yet gently as he forced her to lock gaze with him,
"Maggie. I know you may doubt me because of what I've done but I promise you, I will never disappoint you again. I will do my best to make amends for my past mistakes. Please give me a chance to prove it to you."

Marguerite's heart started racing, her mind whirling with fanciful thoughts. She'd been dreaming and fantasizing about this moment since forever, but this, his change of heart, seemed too sudden, too drastic.
Could it be true?

"Matthew, it's not that I don't believe you, but... before I answer your question, I want you to be honest. Are you still in love with... the lady?"
At the question, Matthew tore his gaze from her, his jaw clenching.
"Maggie, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm done with her."

She frowned at his answer.
"It does matter to me. If we are to start anew, I want us to start with a clean slate."

Matthew fell silent, seemingly considering his answer. A few moments had passed when he finally found his voice.
"Maggie, to tell you the truth, it may take some time for me to forget her completely, but I've sworn to myself, I'll never get back to her. I've had enough. It's over between me and her. I've come to realize, you are the best for me."

Despite the stark simplicity of his words, Marguerite was moved. It was not the most romantic thing a man could say to a woman but it was brutally honest. And the most important thing was; he'd learned from his mistakes and he'd realized that he belonged with her. A wave of joy and tenderness swept through her, and her breath caught as she asked,
"Matthew, if you truly mean it, can you promise me one thing?"

"Anything, Maggie. I swear I'll give you everything."

"I don't want everything. I just want you to be totally honest with me. I don't want you to hide anything from me ever again."

"You have my word."
His answer, spoken with such gravity, dispelled any doubt she had. Choked with emotion, she replied with a trembling smile,
"Then my answer is yes."

The moment she said those words, relief flooded through Matthew, followed by gratitude. Not only she'd granted him the greatest gift of forgiveness, she'd also given him her complete trust despite his lies and betrayal. She is truly an angel in person. His angel.

"Thank you, Maggie. You've made me the luckiest man in the world."
Taking her hand in his, he put the ring on her finger. It fitted perfectly, as if it was made just for her. She raised her eyes from the ring, inevitably locking gazes with him, and her heart began racing, knowing what was supposed to happen next. Colors spread over her cheeks as she closed her eyes and parted her lips, her heart thumping so hard, she could hear it drumming in her ears. And after an endless second, finally, finally she felt the soft pressure of his lips against hers. They felt soft and pillowy against her own, and the gentle invasion of his tongue sent a jolt through her body. Sighing, she let herself bask in the wondrous sensation. Her hands lifted of their own accord to wrap around his neck, and she pulled him closer, wanting more of his taste, wanting to get closer to him. Then suddenly, unexpectedly, he tore his mouth from her. Startled by the abrupt withdrawal, she opened her eyes, and the remorseful look on his face took her aback.

Was she doing it wrong? Was she so terrible that she turned him off immediately? Or did she accidentally bite him? But how could she not be aware of it?

Marguerite searched his face for answers, but he dropped his gaze, his voice vibrating with regret as he spoke,
"Maggie, I'm sorry."

"What for?" She asked in confusion. He seemed to consider his answer, still unable to meet her eyes when he finally said,
"I should have been more gentle with you."