A Vow Of Reluctance
Alonso’s voice was icy, his words cutting through the tension in the room. “You don’t need a reminder of why you’re here. That should always be clear in your mind.”
Skyla clenched her fists, her chest tightening with a mix of anger and sadness. “I know,” she replied, her voice trembling but firm. The weight of his words and the truth behind them pressed heavily on her heart.
Skyla Parker, a free-spirited artist with dreams of opening her own gallery, is forced into an arranged marriage with Alonso Ignacio, a wealthy but emotionally closed-off investor, by her father,Vincent parker ,a greedy struggling businessman, to save his failing business.
Threatened with disownment if she refuses, Skyla reluctantly agrees. Alonso, who views love as a weakness and the marriage as a purely transactional deal, agrees to the union to secure a lucrative business partnership and to provide a mother figure for his young son.
Despite their initial resentment and clashing personalities, their cold arrangement begins to thaw as they spend more time together. Skyla and Alonso discover the unexpected moments of vulnerability and passion.,
But when Vincent’s manipulations threaten to tear them apart, they must decide: will their marriage remain a business deal, or will they risk everything for a love that could heal their broken hearts?
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Chapter: Chapter Twenty -Two :Bond between Mrs Ignacio and i skyla's pov The grand entrance of the estate had set the tone, and as we crossed the threshold, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had entered a different world. Everything about it, the smooth marble floors, the high ceilings, the delicate tapestries hanging from the walls screamed wealth and history, a far cry from the more modest surroundings I had grown used to. Isabel’s presence filled the room effortlessly as she guided us deeper into the house. Alejandro, still holding my hand, seemed as unbothered by the grandeur of it all as I was daunted. The way he tugged on my sleeve now and then reassured me that I wasn't alone in this. For all the elegance surrounding us, the little boy beside me felt like home. In the drawing room, Isabel set about welcoming her grandson with a gentle embrace. "Alejandro, my dear," she cooed, lifting him into her arms for a brief moment. "How are you? You've grown so tall!" She kissed his cheek and turned him toward me. "Skyla, it's wonderful t
Last Updated: 2025-05-01
Chapter: Chapter Twenty- One: A Conversation Overdue Skyla's povThe soft, early morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. I stood by the window, staring out at the city, trying to gather my thoughts. The events of the past few days had kept me busy, preparations for the weekend ahead, the quiet conversations with Ana, and the time spent helping around the house. But there was one thing I had yet to address with Alonso: the family gathering his mother had invited us to.I hadn’t said anything to Alonso yet. I had planned to tell him later, once I figured out what I felt about it all. But as I stood there in front of the window, I realized that I couldn’t keep putting it off. I needed to tell him, he deserved to know, especially since he had already been informed by his mother.The weight of it all settled on me. It wasn’t just the formality of the event, it was stepping into a new role, one that felt larger than I had expected. I wasn’t just going to meet Alonso’s family; I was becoming part of thei
Last Updated: 2025-05-01
Chapter: Chapter Twenty: A Family ReunitedSkyla's pov"I’ve been invited to a family gathering," I said, trying to make it sound casual. "Next weekend."Ana’s eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing. I knew she was likely wondering if I was prepared for whatever might come with such an event. Family gatherings, after all, came with a set of expectations, and I wasn’t sure how much of that I could handle yet."I’ll be fine," I said, mostly to reassure myself.Ana gave a soft nod, her gaze thoughtful. She didn’t push, which I appreciated. I often found it hard to talk about the swirling mess of thoughts in my head, let alone admit how out of place I felt in this new world. She simply moved around the kitchen, the sound of her rhythmic chopping filling the otherwise quiet space.Dinner that evening was a simple affair. I helped Ana in the kitchen, the calm routine of slicing vegetables and stirring pots grounding me. The movement was comforting, a small anchor in the sea of uncertainty that the family gathering represented.
Last Updated: 2025-05-01
Chapter: Chapter Nineteen: Brushstrokes of BelongingSkyla's povThe morning sunlight poured in through the tall windows, casting soft golden hues across the hardwood floors. Barcelona’s usual weekend rhythm was muffled today, replaced by the quiet domesticity within the Ignacio estate.Alejandro’s giggles echoed down the hallway.I smiled faintly from where I stood at my easel, brush in hand, my attention shifting between bold strokes of crimson and the growing patch of golden tones spreading across the canvas. It was still a work in progress, a burst of color, a clash of emotion. But for the first time in days, I felt at peace.This little room, once empty and untouched, was now mine. My sanctuary. After some negotiation with Ana and the housekeeper, I’d converted one of the spare rooms into a modest art studio. Nothing extravagant, just enough space for an easel, my supplies, and light. Lots of it.Some days, I didn’t even paint. I just sat on the stool and stared out the window, letting the stillness settle inside me.But today, my
Last Updated: 2025-05-01
Chapter: Chapter Eighteen: Little Pleas and Big DecisionsAlonso's pov“I want Skyla to take me to school!” Alejandro’s voice echoed through the hallway, loud and insistent,pulling me from my thoughts.I paused, adjusting the cuff of my shirt, the morning light casting long shadows across the marble floor. The household buzzed with its usual efficiency, but this request was unexpected."You have a driver," I reminded him, keeping my tone even."But I want her," he insisted, his dark eyes wide and unwavering. His backpack, slightly too large for his small frame, slipped off one shoulder.Skyla stood just behind him, a faint crease forming between her brows, uncertain whether to intervene or remain silent."It's fine," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't mind taking him if that's what he wants."My voice remained measured. "It's unnecessary."Alejandro's lower lip pushed forward in a pout. "But I want Skyla to come with me," he pressed, tugging gently at her hand.I studied them both. Alejandro rarely deviated f
Last Updated: 2025-04-01
Chapter: Chapter Seventeen: Echoes of ConcernAlonso's povI loosened my tie and settled back in the leather chair, the weight of the day pressing against the edges of my patience. The office was quiet now ,just the faint hum of the city beyond the window and the distant click of Miguel’s keyboard outside. I welcomed the silence. It gave me space to think, to control the chaos before it became a problem. Most would find the silence unsettling. I found it necessary. It allowed me to think clearly, to keep everything in line.The phone on my desk buzzed, the name flashing across the screen. Mamá.I sighed before answering. "Mamá.""Alonso," her voice was warm and familiar, like the scent of lavender in the summer air. "Estaba empezando a pensar que te habías olvidado de mí." (I was starting to think you’d forgotten me.)"I’ve been busy," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "You know how things are.""Siempre estás ocupado," (You’re always busy,) she said softly, the hint of a sigh beneath her words. "Pero nunca demasiado ocupado para
Last Updated: 2025-03-28
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