Chapter 11: Agreement or ThreatRichard promptly accepted the invitation from Elizabeth's mother, who invited him to dance as soon as she saw them stepping away. Generously, Elizabeth gifted each of her brothers a dance."Siblings... my foot is throbbing, and this atmosphere is starting to make me nervous. I'm going for a walk outside and leaving Gaby in your care; she seems quite downcast," she announced."Are you plotting something, Elizabeth?" Brian asked suspiciously, as he knew his sister well."It's nothing serious, just let me be alone," Elizabeth replied.She exited, crossing the hall to one of the balconies, where she sat on a bench near the railing. She sighed with relief as she finally took off the heels that had been hurting her ankle.Meanwhile, Richard continued chatting absentmindedly with his parents, as if Elizabeth wasn't present."I still believe you and Elizabeth can get along. It's a bit strange that, after being husband and wife, you remain distant," Zeus comment

Chapter 13: Elizabeth's Bad ReputationDespite the admiration of many, Elizabeth was also the target of gossip, particularly among the groups Emma associated with."She's nothing but someone trying to seduce wealthy men. My Taylor would be one of the victims of this scammer.""I'm surprised that Taylor, one of the most eligible bachelors for so long, gave space to just anyone. He has lowered himself in my estimation," grumbled one of the girls, watching the couple with disgust."It doesn't matter that he's with her, it won't last long. Besides, Richard seems to have bought her, given that she's a scammer, she won't last, and that means he's open to relationships. I don't know about you, but once this is over, I'm going to try," one remarked."Dream on! I'll manage; I have a more sophisticated way.""Well..." murmured another, pointing at Elizabeth while serving herself, "you'll have to be at least more sophisticated than her.""Good grief, just being from a good family puts you above

Chapter 15 Opposites Repel"How is this not what I'm thinking?" he asked fiercely."You're scaring me..." she stammered, trying to push him away, but he held her hands, placing them above her head."Am I? I don't tolerate many things, and one of them is lies. I want to make you regret this so much..." he muttered furiously, then scrutinized every detail of her face, his gaze trailing down her body, instilling fear in her. "But all I feel now is disgust!""If you don't let me go, I'll scream!" she protested, struggling. "Don't insult me..." she pleaded with a trembling voice, showing fear.Richard could feel every part of her trembling in panic, as if she truly believed he would be that kind of scoundrel."I don't handle things like this, Elizabeth, but this lie will cost your family dearly because it's explicit in the contract. You owe me loyalty; they let you do as you please.""What does that mean?" she asked, confused."It means you're in trouble. There's this clause, and I haven't

Chapter 17. Troubled Marriage Elizabeth remained still as he maintained steady eye contact; at that moment, he seemed like a beast about to devour her. "Now feeling ashamed for thinking I abused you while you slept?" he asked, making her swallow hard. "For God's sake... just yesterday, you didn't believe I was a virgin. What do you want me to think?" she asked, averting her gaze. "I've told you I won't force you." "Do you believe me now?" she asked, indicating the papers still in his hands. "I might reconsider," he announced indifferently. "Can you take me to college now?" Richard looked at her in surprise. "You don't even need to be there. Besides, y

Chapter 19. The Masks We Wear Taylor stormed out of the bathroom, slamming the door in rage, startling Elizabeth, who pulled away from Richard, interrupting the kiss. "Good heavens! What am I doing?" she muttered, embarrassed, unable to look at him, while he stifled a laugh. "Nothing out of the ordinary," he murmured indifferently as she leaned against the sink, arms crossed. "Let's just pretend that didn't happen!" she requested, embarrassed. He sighed impatiently, looking at her. "It's time to go," he advised, ignoring her words. He held her hand and led her out of the bathroom. "What are you doing?" she asked, trying to release her hand. "If you want to survive here without me expelli