Chapter1An Unexpected Engagement

“Marriage?”

Tanya blinked, certain she’d misheard.

Across from her, Vivian Ross looked perfectly composed—as always. Silk dress. Impeccable makeup. Not a single strand of hair out of place.

“Yes,” Vivian said lightly, like they were discussing dinner plans. “Your father thinks it’s time. You’re eighteen. You’ll be getting married.”

“A good match?” Tanya let out a sharp laugh. “I turned eighteen last week. You think this is normal?”

She had barely stepped back into this house, and already Vivian was offering her up like some carefully wrapped sacrifice.

What was she really after?

Tanya folded her arms.

“Fine. Then tell me—who exactly did my father line up for me?”

Her eyes hardened.

“Or should I ask what kind of family you decided I belong to?”

Vivian’s smile didn’t shift. It never did.

“If you insist on details, your fiancé is Leonard Eastwood. CEO of Eastwood International.”

Tanya’s fingers curled into her palms.

“With our position,” Vivian continued smoothly, “an alliance with the Eastwoods is an opportunity. Your father worked hard to make it happen. You should appreciate that.”

Appreciate it?

If this were truly a blessing, Vivian would have kept it for herself.

There was more to this. There had to be.

“I don’t care who he is,” Tanya said evenly. “I’m not marrying him.”

“Oh?” Vivian let out a soft, humorless laugh. “You think that’s your decision?”

She stepped closer.

“The Eastwoods aren’t people you casually disappoint. Breaking this engagement isn’t something you can afford to do.”

“I’ll talk to my father myself,” Tanya said, already turning toward the door.

Vivian’s voice stopped her.

“Your father is under treatment,” she said calmly. “He isn’t seeing anyone. And his condition isn’t exactly stable.”

She let that sink in.

“If you care about him at all, you won’t add to his stress right now. A setback would be… unfortunate.”

A faint smile touched her lips.

“And if something does happen? Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Tanya turned slowly. “Are you threatening me?”

Vivian gave a soft laugh.

“Threatening? No. I’m simply explaining the consequences. Refuse this marriage, and you won’t be seeing your father again.”

She glanced at her watch.

“You have three days. Use them wisely.”

Then she walked away, heels striking the marble floor in steady, unhurried rhythm.

Tanya didn’t move.

Three days.

This wasn’t a wedding. It was leverage.

That night, Tanya ended up at Velvet Room, one of the city’s more discreet upscale bars.

She took a seat at the counter and ordered a drink, telling herself she’d wait for Clara and Mason before deciding anything.

A few sips in, something felt off.

Her hands grew heavy.

The room tilted slightly.

This wasn’t alcohol.

Her gaze dropped to the glass beside her—the one that hadn’t been hers.

Cold realization spread through her.

Someone switched it.

Someone drugged her.

Her pulse spiked.

She pushed off the stool, forcing her unsteady legs to move. The building had a boutique hotel upstairs. If she could just get somewhere private—somewhere safe—

She barely made it to the front desk before asking for a room.

The moment she stepped inside and shut the door, heat surged through her body.

Her skin burned.

Her thoughts slipped out of focus.

She didn’t even make it to the light switch.

Then—

A click.

The door opened again.

A shadow crossed the threshold.

“Who’s there?” Tanya breathed, fear cutting through the haze.

Had someone followed her?

A low voice answered from the dark.

“Easy…”

Before she could react, an arm slid around her waist, pulling her back against a solid chest.

The scent of a stranger filled her senses.

“Hi.”

His voice was low. Controlled. Dangerous.