r

sk chair, phone p

Isabella. She knew the engagement wasn't going to work-I wasn't into her

"I'm not sure she wasn't into you. She sounded very pissed w

s hovered over the keyb

I've got less than three hours to breathe before my fa

sabella's flowers. Oh, and I heard back from the agent-he says the

rds slipped out befo

h?

ike that. You've got to press harder than that." I exhale

ll and focused

ox, relentless tasks s

in minutes, the desk was a chaotic mess of neon-colored reminder

phone r

ntly-until the call

the frustration about to unfold. I b

married as soon as possible, isn't it? Why is this taking so long? You've already defied me

elf," I said, keeping my tone calm. "Stop bickering,

ship to Hunter and free me-that's

considered naming you heir? Stop biting off more than you can c

n. Stop pretending this is some grand favor you're doing me. Stay on Hunter's ne

Controlled, mistrusted, disliked for a crime I didn't commit, kept on my toes for absolutely

exhau

my secretary stepped in cautiously. I

egan sorting through

I asked, pulling my fo

.m.,

k my head. "I can't make it. I

g his reservations as he continued tidyin

w?" I asked while shut

ngs have just been

my bag, half-listeni

"I mean, everyone's on edge. They were really looking forwar

fully toward him, fixing my a

was debating whether to speak. "Is t

's about... the company. Everyone's on

eyes. "Lose yo

might end up shutting down because of your father. Everyone k

t do you

h yourself so far before it takes a toll. It's hard to

n something I built from the ground up just to focus on Pembroke? We are not

f you stayed for the meeting, sir. Heari

Tell every department head the meet

ded eagerly and hurried out of the of

family seemed hell-bent on sinking it? For

Until lately, he'd been directing every part of my life now -demanding I marry, i

tions, expectations I had

say no to. And the guilt I carrie

that to my fath

innocent himself. But

he'd cut me

*

tries and underlining expectations as alwa

gain," said the elderly ma

tion, extended a hand, his face st

. "It's nice to mee

me a glance, his focus a

turning back to my father as if I was just an accessory to the conversatio

ny-my work-made every c

respond, but my fa

faintest smirk tugging at his mouth.

so proud," Ra

lf so thin. He needs to focus fully on Pembroke. He's not getting any youn

at's important. I hope you're wr

retort poised at the tip of my tongue. "Excuse m

, a silent comm

iled in

ife solely my own. But i know better, So I exhaled slowly, leaned back, and

ng finally ended. My fat

d as he climbed into the waiting

mmanded,"Ri

better judgment, I slid in bes

hone, texting Mark

he wedding?" m

nd I ar

next month

ess than 30 day

rry her. I need you to be

"And that's your

e not useless like your brother, I've given you options. I let you choose your fiancée against your mother's wishes.

at's what people do, Father. They

eople," he snapped.

spit the words in his face,

can

in coldly. "If you delay this, the rumors abou

ce, in the calculated stillness of his expres

Let me out here," I said,

blink. "Next stop,"

pressing my back

tart the arrangements. You, your fiancée and you

that, the deci

in, was dictated