ped along the highway. The city lights cas

nd her arms crossed tightly. Her e

set in a stern, unreadable expression

s suffocating, thick with u

r father finally broke the silence. His v

what you've risked? Wh

staring out of the window. Ayra's heart po

knuckles turning white as a mix of sh

lan, yes, but confronting her father

ome. At least then she could gladly insult h

erdinand continued. His tone a mix

t t

some spoiled child?" He scoffed, shaking hi

Her head snapped toward him, ey

You controlled me. This... this whole arrangement isn't about respons

ropping to a low, dangerous tone. "You

e to sign it! You might as well have tricked me! If

ld kill for an alliance with someone like Lucian? And you thi

her skin prickling with frustration. "What about what I need? What d

's or something. She did not want to believe that

rdinand said sharply, hi

these childish rebellions before you make things worse for yourself. The weddi

ning down her cheeks as she

d quietly, staring at him from

ng her father wilt under the statement or k

and low. "You'll marry Lucian, and that's final.

get another chance. Of that she was certain.

ion gates, the iron doors cre

.

before him. His eyes shifted between the photo and th

nt in his mind, a backgroun

t, to be specific. When he had yet become th

xed on the photograph, a finger

ere was no mistaking the resemblance b

the type that made you want to let her cry on your shoulder

een, perhaps fourteen years old. The difference bet

dle-aged woman, was going

like you requested, Mr. Cyrus. The floral

out even looking up. For a few seconds Lucian didn't

d Lucian. He knew, and he foun

ady. He leaned back slightly, fingers lightly tracing the edg

odded quickly. "Of course, Mr. Cyrus.

d of the desk as he nodded. He signaled to the planner t

cture. There was something unresolved in his expression -

a till the 28th was also for him to have the space.

inexplicable nervousness and anxiety. It continued to

nd the investigations were not conclus

his men stepped inside. Nico, a

Lucian wasn't the type to get rattled. Nic

om the photo to Nico, hi

s gravelly voice. "There's something

rip tightened for just a second. He tilted his head, just

aid, his voice so

ner. He wasn't sure if he should continue in front of

within the Russo mansion security confirmed that she had ma

t heavier and quieter. The wedding planner s

photo. His mind worked through

an asked. His tone light like Nico had

nand and asking a lot of questions. I d

air, fingers tapping the armrest. He g

a wave of his hand. She didn't hesitate, hurryi

ucian's demeanor shifted. His ca

ing his suit jacket, an

f. He stared out the window at the city skyline. The wind

o do something, b

eed. Let her think she's in control. Most people se

who looked so much like Ayra. He traced the edg

said softly, but there

ed at the screen. A reminder from his lawyer: the final c

e gears of his

investigatio

ed. "The detectives are s

rdered all business again. "No one gets in

he photo frame. The old picture staring back at

again," he said soft

on now cold and unreadable. His ey

his voice turning steel-hard,

ne with his thoughts. He reached for the photogra

res - features that echoed in Ayra's fa

e murmured to the photo, his v