In a society where arranged marriages dictate destiny, Aiden Baldwin, a man bound by duty and honor, is consumed by uncontrollable desire for Karlie Coldwater. As they navigate the treacherous waters of forbidden love, they must defy societal norms...
"Find the place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain."-Joseph Campbell.
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Karlie had the best two days with Amber in town. The first night, she rented a whole restaurant and took her and her sisters out for a girls' night. "Amber is a God-sent," Karlie thought as she lay in bed remembering how they ate dinner and then sang karaoke songs. She couldn't help but laugh. Amber would never allow her to be sad. She has already started getting offers from potential families willing to join in the greater good of their families and get her married with their sons.
Karlie was amazed. Just 4 days since her engagement was called off, and the vultures were already pressuring her parents to put her on the market. Even the town's matchmaker had called her mother to arrange a few matches. Karlie laughed at the idea because if she didn't laugh, she might end up crying. Anthony didn't try to call. He hasn't tried to fix it. Ultimately, it would be up to Karlie if she wants to marry Anthony.
Her parents wouldn't force her. Karlie got up out of bed and went to Amber's room and knocked on the door. "Come in," Amber said as Karlie walked in and sat on her bed. Emma was in the room. "Emma, can we have the room, please?" "Certainly, Miss Sterling. Thank you, Emma, Emma left. "So, spill," Amber said. "What's on your mind?" "It's Aiden, isn't it?" "Yes, he's on my mind.
I miss him. I haven't seen him in a while." "I know, sweetie, but Andy said he is well, and you can't worry too much. You will get wrinkles," Amber laughed. "So," Karlie stated, "how are things with Andy? I mean, you guys went out twice since you've been here." "He's a sweetheart," Amber stated. "I love him." being around him makes me happy when he's not near I yield for him "Oh wow, trust me i know exactly what you mean I'm so happy for you both.
Now, let's go. There's lots to do on the farm today. Tomorrow you turn 20 years old." "I don't want a big fuss, Amber." "It's not up to you, sweetheart. You will have an amazing coming-of-age party, I promise." "OK," Karlie moaned. They went down to the farm to work. "At least I will see Aiden tomorrow if he shows up for my birthday party..."
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Anthony POV:
"Just because everything's different doesn't mean anything has changed." -Irene Peter.
Anthony had the best two days with Carter. He taught him to play baseball and took him horseback riding. Carter had been a great joy, and Anthony wished he could keep him there forever, but he would soon have to take him back to Andrea once she had fully recovered.
"Papa, I'm hungry," Carter stated.
"Ok, buddy, let's go have lunch," Anthony said, bending down so Carter could climbed on his back, let's head back to the house and get you some food.
"You're just in time," Martha stated. "Lunch is ready."
"Yayy!" Carter said as Martha took him from his father's back. They all sat down and had lunch. After lunch, Carter's nanny took him for a bath and then she read to him until he was down for an afternoon nap.
Anthony sat at the table, and flashbacks from the night he had dinner with Ariel came to him. He found himself thinking of her alot lately she really was a force to be reckon with he smiled as the thought cross his mind.
"Do you want to share what's making you smile, master?" Martha asked.
He laughed, "No, Martha, I'm just happy, I suppose. Where are my parents?"
"In the office."
"They went in town, huh?" he supposed.
"It's business as usual in the Fairview household," he admired his parents' willpower to not allow this scandal to ruin the Fairview name. He was grateful to have such great parents.
He got up from around the table and went upstairs to lie in bed. Tomorrow is Karlie's birthday, and he was sure his invitation was lost in the mail. He knew he would no longer be invited. He lay in bed, feeling a little tired,he closed his eyes, and fell asleep.
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Aiden got to Cole's house. It was beautiful, Aiden thought as he walked up and knocked on the door. Their butler opened the door. "Hi, I'm Aiden. Certainly, Mr. Baldwin. Mr. Arthur is expecting you. This way, please." He led him into a room. When Aiden walked into the room,
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there was Cole along with three other gentlemen. "Hey Aiden, welcome to my home, guys. This is Aiden. He will be my best man." They all shook his hand. There was James, Justin, and Zion.
Aiden felt a little out of place. He's never had friends before. He was so used to being a loner and truth be told he pefer it that way. He sat on the couch, and Cole offered him snacks. "So, what's on the agenda for today?" Aiden asked. They all smiled. "Well, we are all hoping you are a fast learner. How hard can it be?" Aiden asked. "Well, you will see. The tailor is here, sir," Cole's butler stated.
"Ok, send him in." The tailor came and took Aiden's measurements and told Cole it would be ready in time for the wedding. "What exactly are we supposed to be doing?" Aiden thought to himself.
Apart from playing board games, smoking cigars, and drinking wine, Aiden didn't smoke, and neither did Cole, but the others did. "Ok," Cole stated. "Freshen up, guys. We go to the venue soon." Aiden sighed. He was going to see Ariel. He wondered how she would react.
