, confident, and sent an unexpected chill through my veins. Nathaniel Hargrave. The

ce came again, deep and calm,

to say, trying to not sound nervous

sting it on his tongue. "I believe we're abo

wo days time, that's what I suddenl

said, his voice surprisingly soft, though I could

s. I mean, what's there to say? I'

f the conversation was already tiring him out. "I didn't agree to t

t see me. "So, what, you're just doing

th a reluctant tone. "Yes. My mother...she's been insistent. It's not just about the marriage; it's about the compa

ome grand love story, was it? It was all a

ing down at the floor. "Well, I g

oughts. When he finally spoke again, his voice had a hint of regret. "I didn't

don't even know me. How could

ccept it," he said, his tone almost apologetic. "Bu

ely, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. He sounded like a goo

ce steady. "Do we just show up and get married

w to respond. "First, we meet... like we planned. No expectations. No pressure

ake the situation feel less unbearable. Either way, I felt no bet

thinking of o

at. We don't need your parents up in our business during the blind date." I sa

ther end of the line, like

ailed off before he tried again. "It's a formal

house. I think we should meet somewhere neutral, somew

r downtown. It's quiet and private

as getting annoyed. "Alright, fine. I'll be there in

my voice low. "I

iel said quietly, and before I c

aring at the phone in my hand,

really

the door and brought me back

, forcing a smile onto my face. "

me, eyes wide. "Him

she could enter. "We agreed on where to mee

eyes full of concern. "You're still goin

g a hand through my hair

"I'm really sorry, Ava. I

on my waist. "But this is my reality now

pathy. It wasn't just my choice-it was the family's, t

For my family. For Priscillia.

my comfy wear - a hoody and jeans with

you." Priscilla stretched out a neatly p

d went straight to my car. I needed to

t drifting back to Nathaniel and the inevitable meeting that awaited me. My phone notifications came up several times, and each time I glan

as I stepped outside, and I sighed, wishing I could escape everything, even if just f

thaniel, on the pressure my family had put on me. I was so lost in my thoughts of ho

ing. I slammed on my brakes, but it was too late. My car collided with the back o

ad up, hands gripping the steering

your mind? Can't you see the road?" I snapped, storming

major part of his face was hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. I coul