ste'

. I finally got the strength to stand and go straight to m

self in a thick robe, my hair loose and damp from the shower. I step out onto the bal

e buzze

on Damien, ma'am? He recently returned fro

at the

e da

I have in mind. But I don't need time;

let away and pi

t I've hired this time around, one I can trust. I give her the address to his

use

ely on the screen befo

yet." I say before keeping my phone a

the rest of the file on Damien Cross. I see pictures, financial rec

re of him surrounded by dignitaries who all seem to lean t

ds; it radiates from him. You've got

me in putting up the great show, building up in my head: the cont

of love is way o

That's a luxury I

with Mr. Damien Cross, I started feeling lightheaded, an

n is refreshing as its beautiful rays penetrate my see-through curtains. I

ve to stretch my hands a little just to get

media uproar, publicists begging for statements, pa

es, and I'm amazed by the di

ter Rejects Harrington

: Harrington Propos

Inside the Scandal

; she had released a statement calling it a "p

r without control. Privat

rative, but it is already slippi

y agent'

l?" she asked

before the mirror and trying

hem talk because I want ev

for a second.

I've gone mad, and of course,

e, unapologetic, composed, and

o change it. I go through my wardrobe again and search with precision

ve the dangerous look it's giving me, I go further in sea

ng out. Mason is already by the car wai

its at the top of

in. I guess she was stunned by my look; I'm

ou," she says, vo

and

d. Damien stands by the window look

that vibrates through the room. "Or should I say...

led. "I prefer 'liberated woma

s locking with mine, t

ect a reach o

he gestures to, legs crossed, postu

witch, alm

ith a pro

row lifts, but he sa

nervous, but because I need preci

ge to solidify your claim on a European conglomerate with inheritance clauses tied

s not surprised. He leans back

offer y

ually benefici

and come knocking on another's d

sty, I call it...

him measure the power, the sharpness

famous Lancaster's daugh

at woman

flickers i

in for you, Cel

o bring down the Lancasters, Noah Harri

ant re

... I'm just serving them th

s slow and

es you think

too. You want a wife, and I want your

I can feel the gravity of the m

r terms?" he

ll play the perfect wife in public. In return, I want access to your legal team, y

quiet. Then he says th

more co

e against the c

empire on your name, I need to know everything you know. Ab

till, mar

ath? Or is he simply reading between t

I lie?

ngement ends, and I walk away. I

d his

od. "A

sta

have

the con