er sat in the living room, a cold cup of tea untouched in her hands, her eyes were red and swollen from all th

its on the wall. She saw portraits of herself too. She saw wor

ed up with tears s

she kissed a picture of

fix this," s

t promise. By morning, she had packed a suitcase with essentials-scrubs, a few books, some sweaters, an

se stood waiting on the steps, her white coat flapping in t

ghtly. "Mr. Salvadore requests you

ope wordlessly and retu

e me m

tu

said you would need it. " The driver said as

a corner table and opened th

compensation, Bella's treatment paid in full

came the

shall not engage in romantic relation

all public functions and family

ll be initiated without the express consen

vision blurred. It wasn't just a marriage-i

t. Instead, she took a cab

aring angrily below like it knew what sins were committed i

button-down shirt, nursing a glass of amber liquid. His expre

terms mama?" h

e contract on t

't what w

price. I named

g about isolation or be

safe. I want my name secure. This marriage will be seen. Photographe

just you

re a bargain. One

u think you can control everything.

nearby fireplace where an old photograph rested

. There are so many

mama." Dan

people will look at me at work after marrying a Salvadore days after saving the youngest of them with my blood urgently. L

towards hers. She slightly tilted her head

for one of hi

hout the clause of goi

ink.?" Dante said,

, thank you."

a higher tone and more commandin

a few minutes, the ne

tightly. "But I won't love

her, his face ha

en signed the copy . And each p

e last time before the surgery. Nurses greeted her with subdued

t melted. The child was awake and was eating some

had no idea it was drugged.I'm so sorry. We

I have this figured out. It's not expensive and we were able to

brushing hair back f

y without me for

are you

getting

at's so sweet. I'm so happy for

him when you're out." Sh

t many people are sup

!" Bella

he be

cheek. "You'll always be

r tight. "I'll

miss y

s, no longer Dr. Rose Cruz, free and brilliant. She was now goin

o attend her dress fitting. It was scheduled at a

rived

rivate chamber waiting just for her. The tailor, a woman

wn, pearl white with crystal embellishments, a cathed

a bride. She felt like a p

before the mirror, lost in thought. She looked older. Her eyes

nd her snapped her

-but no on

lway wa

steps.

later with a tiara in hand

smile. "Yes.