Chapter 11

E L A R AI woke up early on Tuesday morning, my stomach was in knots. Today we were finalizing the contract, today this would all become real.I got dressed carefully, in a navy blue suit, professional but not too formal. I wanted to look like I knew what I was doing, even though I felt like I was barely holding it together.My phone buzzed.A text from Julian: Meeting still on for 2 PM. Dec confirmed, are you bringing your lawyer?I typed back: Yes. Patricia will be there.J: Good. See you soon.I stared at that last message.See you soon. In a few hours, I'd be sitting across from Julian Hartmann, negotiating the terms of our marriage like it was just another business deal.Which it was, that's all it was.I had to keep reminding myself of that."Elara!" Mother called from downstairs. "Breakfast!"I grabbed my bag with the contract documents and headed down. Father was already at the table, reading the financial section of the newspaper."Good morning," I said, pouring myself coff

Chapter 12

E L A R A E.V. Sterling.I'd have to tell them about E.V. Sterling."Is that really necessary?" I asked. "We're keeping finances separate anyway.""It's necessary for legal protection," Patricia said gently. "If this ever went to court, lack of full disclosure could invalidate the entire contract."I looked at Julian. He was watching me with those sharp blue eyes, and I wondered if he already knew. If he'd already figured it out."I have a consulting business," I said quietly. "Financial consulting, under the name E.V. Sterling. I've been running it for three years, my family doesn't know about it."Dec's eyebrows went up, but Julian's expression didn't change."I know," he said.I stared at him. "You know?" I asked, surprised."Dec found out when he was doing background research, I told him not to mention it. I figured you'd tell us when you were ready.""You knew and you didn't say anything?""It's your business, your secret. I wasn't going to out you."Something warm spread throug

All Chapters of The Enemy Vow : Chapter 11 - Chapter 12

Chapter 11

Chapter 12