urned up her throat and out through her nose as

ance to one of his men standing silently behind him. The m

bling hands, gulping

she managed

y. "Seriously..." she muttered un

g had happened. "I know this sounds... sudden," she began, smil

he simply swirled his wine,

ge and studies would be... very stressful for her. So we thought it best that Maya takes her place

ed toward Ethan.

atter," he said flatly. "Nelly or

ught Ethan and Nelly were together out of love. But the way he s

hange, however, was

nvestments. Their once-flourishing businesses were crumbling, and only o

ity. He offered terms. And

wealth, personality and amazing looks but she couldn't imag

quiet and out of place, Nelly and her mot

at was going on? Were they really serious, saying she was going to mar

. Why would they pu

. "Uhm. No. I mean... how can I get mar

hould be ashamed. Do you know it's a privilege to even be sitting here, in our presence, in the presence o

g her teeth. "Marriage is a c

elling you what is going to happen. This is what's best for the family. And

a. You've been plucked from the countryside, tossed into our

nds folded neatly on the table. There wasn't a hint of emotion in his eyes. She ha

ed," Maya stammered, her voi

n is doing your own father a favour. You see, this marriage with Mr. Ethan is going to help our family as we have certain... financial probl

fingers tightening around the edg

cut her off harshly. "I'm pretty sure you didn't eve

ill living in the countryside, handed you over to us when she realized who your father was. Meani

re making me get married to help your family... a

ned. "Oh my gosh.

reated nicely now," she said, feigning sympathy. She turned to Nelly with a smirk. "

d be grateful we're even letting her sit here. If it weren't for Dad's sense o

ghtened, but sh

ling said coldly. "And so far, all you've done is

ggled. "

arried is my c

napped. "Disrespectful urchin! Where did you even c

. "Don't speak about my mother! You can talk about me all

face. She slammed her hand down on the table, th

The room seemed to freeze for a moment. "You insolent brat!"