My numb fingers gripped the fork as I poked at the salmon. Samuel had been the perfect gentleman the entire time, making jokes, encouraging me to eat more and asking of my well-being after my brother died. “Samuel-” I began to say but he cut me off. “I do not want to do this either. Us marrying, I am not interested.” Sighing in relief, I said, “I am sorry for dragging you into this mess.” “It’s cool. Neither of us would have imagined me being curious about you would result in an arranged marriage. My father is adamant about it.” “Mine too. I just want to shake him and let him know I just want to live my life the way I want.” With a wide smile on his face, he chuckled and raised his glass of water to his lips. “I know what you mean,” he said once he set down his glass. “Do you think they will ever hear us?” Thinking of my father, his drastic measures and his uncaring reaction to Adam’s death, I replied, “Probably not.” “Neither of us wants this. What do we do? Continue to play

I cannot believe him. Stepping into the private room my father had prepared, I blinked back horrified tears. I was not going to show him how shaken up I was. “Good afternoon,” I greeted with a nod and a smile. The Paxton family was already seated at the table with my grinning parents. “Finally,” my mother said. “You look more dashing as the days pass, Mrs Paxton,” I said, settling into the chair next to my father and opposite Paxton. “You flatter me, Brianne.” My gaze flitted to Edward who looked like he would rather be anywhere else. “Hello, Edward.” “Hello, Brianne,” he gritted, gripping his glass of wine. “I am glad our families will be one after all.” The parents continued to chatter as though Edward and I were not present. Edward occasionally glanced at his phone and swiped its screen. Should I get going? It was beginning to tire me out and the close proximity to my father made my skin crawl. Stabbing into a cut of apple, I put it in my mouth. “Oh, did you hear a

The mansion has been bustling with activities as everyone prepared for the wedding in a week. My father resigned to his study and received visits from rugged men. My mother generally ignored my presence, hosting parties and gossip meetings. Evelyn never spared a moment to glare at me whenever I stepped in a room within her sight. It was not impossible to say she was not bitter about me firing her from work. At least, she did not whine.If she could wait just a bit longer while I gather resources-"Are you not supposed to be at work?" My mother stepped into the quiet tea room with an insincere concern.“Would you like me to work till I drop?” Placing down the fashion magazine I read, I raised my head to meet her cold eyes. “I would like not to see you around the house as much as this.”“Likewise. You may use the door.”“This is my house. You should get out while I am being civil, Brianne.”

Words overlapped with screams as several guests hurried in the room. “Congratulations!” “You look so beautiful.” “Lovely dress.” “Gorgeous bride.” “Congratulations, Brie!” My friends drew into their warm embrace as the dress swished around my legs. The day of the wedding arrived. Everything went according as planned. Woken before the sun rose, I was taken to the hall where the wedding ceremony would take place, then pampered in a private room and dressed for. In the bustle of visiting guests, I spotted Evelyn watching me with a sour look. As the number of women in the room died down, I walked up to her. “Evelyn." ”I suppose this is where I say congratulations.“ ”Why, thank you.“ She rolled her eyes and turned to leave, her hair flying over her shoulders. ”Wait,“ I called out. Surprised when she stopped, I turned to the others in the room and said, ”Could you all give my sister and I a moment?“ ”Sure,“ they said and shuffled their feet out of the room. ”Whatever you

Wrapping the towel around me, I stepped out of the bathroom. I spotted Edward bending over and picking up something black.  “Does this belong to you?” He asked, pulling the fabric. I flushed when I recognized the lace panties as mine. Why was it on the floor? I was pretty sure I placed it on the bed.  “Yes.” As I approached him to collect it, Edward smiled slyly, in a way that hints all kinds of hidden depth. “Thank you,” I said, tucking it behind me.  “I will be outside while you change.”  As soon as he stepped out, I groaned unable to stop replaying the scene in my head. That was so mortifying. How did it fall? I was sure I left it on the bed.  After drying my wet hair, I changed into a night dress and stepped out into the living room. Edward nursed a rosé while he focused on his phone.  “I am done.” “Oh?” He glanced at me and nodded. “Oh.” “The day has been really quiet. How long