Chapter 17

Emily's POV

I couldn't help but feel a sense of regret over the proxy marriage I had signed. I had done so much for him, and he had still treated me so harshly. His apology didn't seem to make up for it. I wasn't sure if I could ever forgive him. I wondered what had made him act that way. What had I done to deserve it?

I felt so foolish for trying to hug him, only to have him pull away. It was humiliating, and it made me feel like a fool.

I felt trapped. I had signed a contract that bound me to him indefinitely, and I couldn't get out of it. I wished I could leave, but I knew I couldn't. I felt helpless like there was nothing I could do to change my situation.

I was stuck in a situation I didn't want to be in, and I didn't see any way out.

The shrill sound of my phone ringing jolted me out of my thoughts. I had been so deep in my thoughts, trying to figure out what to do, that the sudden noise startled me.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket, wondering who could be calling me.

When I