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...
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Ariel's POV.
"Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own".
It had been a week since the ball, and still, no word from Aiden. Every time she called, the only response she received was that he was still sick and recovering.
Was he truly ill, or was he stalling? Would he ask her to marry him or not?
At least her father was home, and their family was together again. But the weight of what she knew pressed heavily on her shoulders. Should she tell her parents now, or wait until after Aiden proposed?
The burden of her father's reckless choices was hers to bear, and she had already accepted that. Come what may, she would take care of her family. But that didn't mean she wasn't aware of the reality—she didn't love Aiden.
If anything, she felt guilty that their marriage would be based on obligation rather than affection. But she was no fool. She knew Aiden was trying, but she also knew his heart belonged elsewhere. And yet, here they were, both doing what was expected of them.
She only wished he would be honest with her—about his feelings, about everything. Was he wasting her time?
She didn't have much left before the walls came crashing down on her family. Other suitors had expressed interest, but none of that mattered—Aiden had been chosen for her since birth.
Surely, he would come around. He had to.
With a heavy sigh, she lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
Aiden, where are you?
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"Ariel, there's a phone call for you!"
She hurried downstairs, heart racing, hoping it was Aiden. She picked up the receiver.
"Hello?"
"Ariel, hey! I thought I'd never hear from you," came Kat's voice on the other end. They had met at the ladies' brunch and instantly hit it off.
"I'm sorry I didn't call earlier. I had a death in my family," Kat said.
"Oh no, Kat! I'm so sorry. You should have reached out—I would have been there for you."
