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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Karlie's POV:
"The world, we'd discovered, doesn't love you like your family loves you". Louis zamperini.
"Karlie had been overseas for the past three weeks, taking care of her aunt—a widow with no children. When she heard her aunt had fallen ill, she hadn't hesitated for a second. She packed her things and left, knowing she was needed.
She knew she should have informed Anthony before leaving, but there simply wasn't enough time. Instead, she told her mother to pass on the message if he called.
But even across the ocean, far from home, she couldn't stop thinking about that night at the lake with Aiden. It played in her mind on an endless loop—the way he held her, the way he whispered that he needed her. Had he gone back to the lake? Did he know she was away?
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
Her aunt stepped inside, smiling warmly despite the tiredness in her eyes. "Karlie, dear, you've been so quiet. Is everything alright?"
Karlie set aside the book she had barely been reading and forced a smile. "Yes, Auntie. Just thinking."
Her aunt studied her carefully before sitting on the edge of the bed. "Thinking... or missing someone?"
Karlie swallowed, but her aunt's knowing gaze left little room for denial.
"I don't know what you mean," she muttered.
Her aunt chuckled softly. "Oh, sweetheart. I may be unwell, but I'm not blind. You've been here for weeks, yet your heart is elsewhere."
Karlie let out a shaky breath, looking down at her hands. "It's complicated."
"Love usually is," her aunt said gently. "But tell me, does he love you?"
Karlie hesitated, her mind instantly flashing back to Aiden's touch, the desperation in his voice when he held her that night.
"Yes," she whispered. "But love doesn't change what's expected of us."
Her aunt reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Maybe not. But love should never be ignored. Life is too short for regrets."
Karlie blinked back tears, nodding. "I just don't know what to do."
Her aunt exhaled deeply. "Then perhaps the time away was a blessing. Distance gives clarity."
Karlie forced a small smile. "Maybe."
Her aunt patted her hand. "Come, let's have tea. You need a distraction before you drown yourself in thoughts."
Karlie stood, following her aunt out of the room. But no matter how much she tried to push it aside, the thought remained.
