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oice measured. However, I have some concerns, what exactly do you

ntract marriage, Miss Willows. One that would last fo

" I see, However, I have some c

tly,looking fascinated. "

ce firm. "During that time, I will expect financial secur

ully," that's acce

and decisions, I won't be bound

lightly, but he nodded

om any potential fallout," I

thick, as he crossed his arms

, But I have one condition of my own: our arrangement remains

s I held his gaze, was I ready to a

heartedly an

ahead to ask h

M'S

expression as she listed her t

lating and fiercely pro

hing her conditions. One year was a reasonable duration,

tion from fallout was

ce firm. "But I have one condition of my own:our arrangeme

any signs of hesitation. I wanted her to

said with mu

s over me as. But her next

r Flynn, what do you stand to gain from it."

it's a strategic move, Miss Willows ," I replied, my voice measured." On

or more. I held her stare, wondering how mu

Willows ," I said, glancing at my phone

nding up. "I think we've covered everything

'll have mine send over the final draft once

s, the contract marriage proposa

than said, his tone hesitant. "Something that might change everything. Aurora...she's the girl from that summer, isn't s

thought about that summer in years, but the images came rushing back – the endless summer nights,golden days of freedom,lights around the campfire, the laughter, the

unched in the gut. Aurora, the woman I was about to enter into a contract marriage with, was the girl from my past. The one I thought I'd never see again. I paced around the room, my mind racing with questions. What were the chan

and my mind went right back to the text message i received earlier. Who sent that text mes

se for me," I said, still processing the ne

e connected to Aurora or if they know about our...history." "Got it," Ethan replied. "But, Liam, are you sure you want to stir up

. I was left with more questions than answers, wondering w

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y hospita

roposal hung over me like a sword, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was making a de

t down beside her, taking her hand in mine. "It's going to be okay, Mom," I whispered, trying

nswer it. But something compelled me to pick up. "Hello?" I said, trying to keep my voice low. There was silence on the other end, followed by a low whisper. "You shouldn't be doing this, Aurora

id this person want from me? And how did

package. "This was delivered for you,"she said, handing me a plain brown envelope with no return address.A shiver ran down my spine as I took the package. "Thank you,"I said, my voice barely above a whisper. As the n

feeling like I'd been punched in the gut. Suddenly, a darker memory flashed in my mind - the secret I'd kept hidden for so long, the one that could ruin everything: my fak