fairy tale. I sat on the edge of the cozy bed, taking in the fancy décor al

d, barely above a whisper. "A contract marriag

swirling in my head. Memories of past heartbreaks

l figured out," I sigh

world upside down with his crazy offer. And yet, there was s

ng his proposition, I couldn’t help but wonder w

riage, knowing it was based on deception? And what about bearing a chi

about him," I confessed quietly. "B

om distracted me from my thoughts. I had to pause and

stomed to. As I marveled at the beauty surrounding m

cing with anticipation. Before I could respond, Damie

couldn’t help but feel a surge of

raphina?” he asked, his v

his unexpected kindness. “Um…no, I’m fine

th purpose, his eyes focused intently on me. “Are y

eraphina. Don’t hesitate to let me

his motives. Why was he being so nice to me all of a sudden? Was it

me?” I blurted out, unable to

ment. “Ah, Seraphina,” he replied, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Is it

t his evasive answer. “I suppose not,” I m

turned to leave the room, leaving m

ed, his tone feigning innocence, "I'll leave you to your own devices. I'm

ce more. His brief visit had brought a moment of levity to the somber atmosph

nd myself blurting out, "Wait, actually, could I trouble you for some food and may

s as he turned back towards me. "Did you really

me

s appeared as if by magic, carrying tra

fast wafted through the air, I could

they made their way in was no

es to buttery croissants, every item seemed to bec

n such a sumptuous breakfast spread, and

Damien produced a sleek black card from his

ous?” I echoed and quickly c

I stared at the sleek black card in her hand, my eyes

been carrying around a very expensive piece

is playful demeanor. “Well, it’s certainly… generous of

your breakfast, Seraphina,” he said casually over his shoulder. “And r

softly, feeling a sense

amien's proposition, his unexpected kindness offered

yself consumed by the weigh

ed by opulence and luxury, my min

nd security? Would it truly bring me happiness, or would I b

I knew that my decision would shape the course

ayals and hardships flooded my mind like a torren

, the man I once thought I would spend the rest of my life with. His betrayal

me. The memory of my own family's betrayal loo

for their own selfish gain, left a bitter taste in my mouth. How could they have aske

a fierce desire for justice and retribution. I couldn't simply

a path forward on my own terms. And if Damien's offer provided me with the