nds." The anxiety that twisted in Ava's gut contrasted sharply with their delight. She stumbled, "But... there is a

condi

for their reaction. "He needs me to wed him." The words lingered in the conversation, stifling and overpo

a said, "It is a marriage of comfort," in a calm voice. "A trade course of act

try business, we will not sel

and an opportunity to save what we have fought so hard for." Her father ordered, "There are other ways,"

cking. "This is often our so-called trust. Seeing everything fall apart around us is too much for me to handle. Her mother, who had been silent until now, said in a c

our options? We are losing everything. Her guardians exchanged another gla

n appreciate your urgency, but you should make this decision.

lt the weight of their comments pressing down on her. Her decision would determ

her guardians motioned. Ava felt the boundaries closing in as she withdrew to her room, the scent of flowers sti

He was a guy of extreme opposites: a ruthless businessman with a kind heart, a recluse who organised lavish parties, a man renowned for his cold demeanour and said to have a soft spot for stray animals. Even though Ava was close to him, the idea of being married to him made her shiver. She had visions of lavish living, a world of

t the idea of being chained to a stranger and becoming a plated cage fowl. She observed her guardians, their weary features, the wrinkles left by years of st

make her own decision. Ava hurried to the location Mr. Wellington had provided, dressed in her finest gown, a simple but elegant design that her mother had altered. It was a sleek, modern structure in

ouette drawn against the skyline, Richard Westlake stood at the window. Ava's breath froze in her throat as he turned as she stepped inside. In fact, he seemed more impressive in person than in the pictures. He exuded str

ed. He said, "I will be straight to the point, Miss Montgomery," without any merriments in his voice. "I do not have time for distractions since I am a busy guy. I am looking for

an arrangement, a way out of your bind." Ava's hands tightened into fists. She hated the way he said it, like she was a charity