viction letter in her shaking hands. Water fell from her dark hair, drenching the paper until the text
rough the sound of falling rain. "How dare yo
n, her former student Ray's mother, storming to
e-" Mia started, but
in this neighborhood after what you did!" Mrs. Peterson's face was contorted with ra
ispered, her voice breaking.
what you are." Mrs. Peterson stepped closer, jabbing her finger at Mia
– public accusations, whispered rumors, and doors slamming in her face whenever she applied for
" A deep male voice inter
in his thirties holding an umbrella
her spine. "This doesn't co
between them, effectively shielding Mia. "I suggest you le
e. Protect her if you want. But keep her away from child
ver her. "There's a café around the corner. Let me
clutching her e
le. "And I promise I'm not a serial killer, just so
herself letting out a weak lau
for refuge from the storm. James requested two coffees and waited
explain what t
s around the coffee mug.
got
ing after she'd reported his declining grades to his parents. The investigation that cleared her name but co
n't even pay for a studio apartment with a waitressing income.I just..." Her voice broke. "A
e, observing her with a focus th
have a solution
re offering a time machine to undo
es leaned forward. "But I do h
ed on her coffe
ssuring him to marry, threatening to arrange a marriage if he doesn't choose someone soon. He needs someone to play the role of potential w
ut her heart was racing. That kin
name sounded familiar
u'll find a contract. Sign it, and all your problems disappear.
ppeared simple: act as Harry Bennett's romantic partner, obey basic guidelines regarding public conduct, an
good to be true,
come when we least expect them," J
ne. But as the rain continued to pour outside and her wet clothes clung uncomforta
he pen James of
rrange a hotel for you tonight. Tomorrow morning, we'll
lating whether she had just committed the greatest error of her life or paved her path to redempti
wn, another woman was signing the same