Chapter 13

Mia's POV

I sat nervously in the elegant living room of Nathaniel's family estate, my palms clammy and my heart racing. The air felt heavy with tension as I awaited the arrival of Nathaniel's father and stepmother. Ever since they had discovered our contract marriage, their disapproval had been palpable. And now, with the news that they had hired a private investigator to uncover my past, I felt a sense of impending doom.

Nathaniel took my hand in his, offering me a reassuring squeeze. "They won't find anything that can change how I feel about you, Mia," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

I nodded, trying to find comfort in his words. Deep down, I knew that our love was real, that our connection went beyond the superficial. But the fear of the unknown gnawed at me, threatening to unravel the life we had built together.

The door swung open, and Nathaniel's parents, Thomas and Margaret, entered the room. They were an imposing couple, their stern expressions and perfectly tailore