mness at the window. She was already running to the door when

d disturbing in the low light. I barely had time to ge

ed, her voice wavering, "Go wake your siblings." "Why? With my heart thump

ease." Despite my reluctance, I followed instructions and went to

er to my lips and startled him up. "

y to elaborate. Curiosity pulled me back to the main room, where A

g, broad-shouldered, and elegantly clothed in a su

ing to my mother. His voice was smooth and calm as he began, "Mrs.

sley. Have a seat, please. He shook his head politel

o the spot and watched as he brought ou

Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she said, "What is

lf, I blurted out. Despite his unwavering mood, Alexander

mother clutched the package. "Wedding? To whom? "To me," Alexander said in a

joke. Alexander stated, "My family has... observed y

his approval. My mother grabbed my arm as her eyes grew big. "Have y

understand. Why me? Why us? Alexander's express

, resilient, and dedicated to your loved ones." My mother

you know? For the others, including Kel

er. I looked at Kelvin, who was standing i

down on me more than before. As I said, "I need time

, keep in mind that this offer is only

eft, vanishing into the night. My mind was racing with dismay

se was quiet once more. I hadn't seen such hope

l no longer have to fight. No more debts and no more

ff, I muttered. She put a hand on my

eople we care about. Bella, you are our only hope. L

on the small table close to my bed. It only took a signat

--- The door creaked open as the light started to come on

's heading out of town. "I don't want to get in your way," he sa

is what you have to do, he won't stop you." With my heart pou

my mother's startled voice behind me as I qui

n through the quiet streets. I needed