In a world of power and privilege, love is the ultimate rebellion."
In a society where arranged marriages dictate destiny, love is a dangerous game.
Aiden Baldwin has always honored his family's legacy, bound by duty and expectations-until Karlie Co...
"I am my brother's keeper. I would never allow him to fall," Andy Baldwin.
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Andy finally got Aiden home, half-carrying him up the stairs to his room. He eased him onto the bed, removed his shoes, and placed a bucket nearby.
"Trust me, you're going to need this," he muttered.
With a sigh, he closed the door behind him and headed downstairs.
"Where is your brother? Did you find him?" their father asked.
"Yes, Father, he's in bed."
"Let me go see him."
"He's very ill."
Their father's brows furrowed. "What's wrong with him?"
"I think it's food poisoning," Andy lied smoothly. "He'll be fine. I'll have Martha check on him. It's nothing to worry about, I promise. You'll see him in the morning."
Their father studied him for a moment, then nodded. "If you say not to worry, I'll trust you. But your brother has some explaining to do."
"He will, Father. He sure will."
Andy exhaled, exhaustion settling deep in his bones.
"Father, I'm off to bed. It's been a long night."
"We sure did," his father agreed.
With that, they both retired to their rooms.
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Karlie slipped into her nightgown, climbed into bed, and stared at the engagement ring on her finger. Silent tears slid down her cheeks.
She was really going to do it—marry a man she didn't love.
Her heart clenched as she thought about Aiden. She had seen the way he left, his posture rigid, his movements abrupt. He was hurting. She knew that.
But what choice did they have?
This was their life. Their duty. No one challenged it. No one changed it.
