her thoughts and Louis

ords caught in her throat. She forced herself to c

uldn't

behave lik

nly she had gone straight home that

the pen, and s

rte

ed immediatel

e the r

snapped up. "

ct inside a folder. "The marri

ly isn't

watch. "You can

hould at lea

ather values his position more than yo

pau

one making decisions

nk. "I still nee

mother. Fiv

d her mothe

yd

th certificate and every document

Grace sounded bewilde

ing marri

wh

her eyes. "

asped.

ll your

ine e

ettle into his chair before

rembled. "Lydia says she

d. "What

d her documents. She

tated. "Lo

to his feet.

uickly turned

g to talk he

hard

. "Lydia is marrying the future CEO of Vale Gr

f she is pushing herself

is the best thing that ha

ne wen

moment before lowering it. She w

rom behind her

the entrance, Va

o... when exactly did Lydia

s eyes n

n minutes. Carter stood as witness. The reg

ions, Mr. an

alking down an aisle in a white dress. Today, she walked

ngratulations with a brief

ick you up tom

swer, he stepped in

chard met her in the sittin

e done

anaged to marry into the Vale family." Grace quie

remained gentle.

e you forced into this o

ed on, Mom.

r several seconds. Then sh

stroked her hair. "...t

at alone on the edge of her bed. The marriage

on her finger. It felt mor

lts. If he could make her feel this powerless in a