Married to the Enemy's Son

r left, not when his company faced its first lawsuit, not ev

morning,

wisted in knots, waiting to meet the man responsible for everything that went wrong in my life. The walls were white, st

y knew it was another missed call from the debt collector. Or th

ent that we simply couldn't afford. All the savings I had left were gone in the first two weeks. I had sold everything

ng wo

when the

d to speak with me privately. I almost told him to get lost. But when he handed

d Lan

years. But I hadn't forgot

who had destr

ho now wanted

angry to care, too scared of what would happen to m

ed across t

a deep vo

glass elevator, and into a room that looked like it belonged in a skyscraper movie scene-polished floors, ch

here

d Lan

l watch, and the kind of confidence that came from never bein

ank you fo

onding. I wasn't h

ring why I asked t

't understand why a man like y

e you're the answer to a probl

crossed. "And what p

n," he

fr

e. And unfortunately for him, the terms of my company's trust make one thing very clea

o with me?" I asked, he

Legal. I've already vetted you, Elena. I know you're

re offering to... what? P

er-completely handled. No expense spared. And in return, you'll be Mrs. Jace Lancaster

ing. My eyes burned, but I didn't bli

flinch.

what this sounds lik

said calmly. "

the room. But my hands didn't move. My voice didn't rise. Be

idn't have

was offerin

son think abou

et," Edward said. "Bu

look him in the e

the legal documents sent to your inbox. If

pocket and placed

trim. One word in

sleep t

nd the occasional shuffle of nurses walking by. Her face was pale. Her breathing shallow. Every

ered. "I don't want to give up who I am

answer. S

ing, I signed

wearing a silk cream dress and high heels that pinched

om me stood J

e just stood there, tall and aloof, like this was all a wast

ws. Simple. Co

id "You may now kiss

he marriage license, and

wondering if this was the first day of a better

. Glass walls. Endless hallways. Rooms too quiet t

ilt for a

-on the opposite side

dance. Just silence and walls and a brand-new las

ring out at the dark waves

e question I had refu

e you do