A M

anker, a wave of anxiety washing over me as I contemplat

take me to his residence, where a servant would prepare my accommodations. He menti

ia. I held back my curiosity about how she had come to be here in

b." Mr. Banker stepped out of the vehicle without a word o

arm, yet it paled in comparison to Mr. Banker's own home. Claudia informed me that the family had already retired f

bath, thinking it unnecessary

the adjacent room. Claudia explained that Mr. Grumpy had requested my r

nside, my eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of Chase, sh

on, only to be met with the alarming

ged to stammer, "You're hur

d in pain, retorting. "What, n

mother would want to see you like this.

y, he permitted me to appro

defined muscles and six-pack abs, almost tempting me to lean in closer. He interrupte

straction and red

id, gently touching the wound

rbs." I urged before r

ag of herbs from the clos

and tell me where I can

room." he re

ly, and finally found the kit before returnin

s wound and prepared a mixture of h

th his curses and groans of pai

eated to my room and fell

ight streaming through the balcony. I stretched and m

out hesitation, I donned them, pulled my hair into a loose ponyt

inging. I glanced at the sc

o, Fa

I trust you slept w

"Surprisingly, I

"I'm glad to hear that. I received

made when I turned eighteen, wherein the Carter family arranged

business, compliance was my only option. The pressure to fulfill this obligation w

other or brother, Kenny, and it had been three years since we last heard from them. Their sudden re-emergence felt

d finding nothing amiss. The family operated in the shadows, their influence

aid, my tone laced with boredom. I had no desire to marry someone I

you'll be meeting that young man in two days. Aft

fe. "Alright, Father, I'll meet him in two days, but what if he's too much older tha

ber, I would never force you to marry someone who w

always prioritized my happiness

meet him." I replie

anker?" he inquired, aware that

s into the company, but what

at the man will assist us with that after you meet h

ly. "Okay, Fat

he said befor

sacrificing my happiness for my family's sake. It felt as though any re

throat. Turning, I found Mr. Grumpy

your family already?" he aske

I retorted, brushing past

as I navigated the hallway, completely unaware

a word, I felt a shar