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...
"Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time." - Maya Angelou.
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Andy and Aiden got to the room, and Andy shut the door behind them. "Karlie called, she wanted me to arrange a meeting between you two," Aiden smiled. "Where? When?" "Well," she asked that you pick her up by the lake at midnight tonight." "Thank you so much, brother. I appreciate you," he hugged his brother. "Aiden, I hate to say it, but you need to get married so I can. I want to ask Amber to marry me.
I want to start my future with her. I love her." "I know, brother. I'm going to. What about Miss Winters?" "I told her I can't marry her. Today I can't pretend anymore. She's not my type. Aiden, we both know love isn't the foundation of our marriages. It's about duty and honor. While I do understand that you love her, there is no guarantee that you can get a happy ending with her. Karlie is what I want, even if Father disowned me.
I am in love with her, brother. I'm sorry, but you may have to come to the realization that you may have to give up Karlie. Brother, I can't without her. I don't think I can survive." "I know you, but I'm just saying be prepared for the worst. Brother, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but just know you may not be able to have her," he hugged Aiden and put the car keys in his hand.
"I think it's time you keep this close. I mean, it's your car," he smiled. "We are spoiled too much with Carlos taking us everywhere. You are going to have to get used to driving yourself." "I did drive overseas in college for four years, but I get the picture," Aiden stated. "Thank you, brother." Aiden was excited. He couldn't wait for it to be midnight. He lay in bed just smiling. Karlie wanted to see him. It was about time. It's been four long weeks without her.
He lay in bed thinking about the meeting he had with his trust fund manager. He was surprised as to how much money his mother left in this trust.
It was more than enough for him and Karlie to leave their society and start over wherever she wanted to go. He was hopeful in two days they could leave if Karlie was willing after Cole's wedding. He wanted to leave now, but he wouldn't let his friend down.
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"Master, there is a phone call for you," Mary called.
"Ok, I'll be right there," he replied. He lay in bed, he didn't want to get up. He went downstairs, took the phone up. "This is Aiden," he said.
"Hi Aiden, it was Ariel,"
"Hi Miss Winters, how may I help you?"
"We need to talk."
"Well, there isn't much to say. I know, but I need to see you."
"I'm sorry Miss Winters, but not tonight. I'm quite busy. I feel it's better you wait. I'll see you in two days at the resort for Kat and Cole's wedding. Till then, I need time to clear my mind, so please, you don't need to be calling me. Goodbye Miss Winters," he hung up the phone before she could say anything else.
"Mary, whenever Miss Winters calls, I am not here. I don't wish to entertain this mediocrity. I have made my decision. I won't marry her, and desperate really doesn't look good on her," Aiden stated.
He left the room. "What the fuck?" He didn't understand why it was so important for him to marry Miss Winters. It's almost as if his father's life depends on it. He was very confused. There was something off, he knew it. He was just not sure what it was, and now with his Dad being mad at him, he wasn't sure if he could use any of his dad's resources to find out. He didn't know if he could trust Nick.
He will have to hire his own team of drivers, bodyguards, so he wouldn't feel like a prisoner. He needed people that he could trust, persons who weren't his father's loyal soldiers. There was a lot he needed to get done. He sighed and closed his eyes. He felt sleepy. Come to think of it, he hasn't been feeling like himself lately. He was super tired. He drifted off to sleep."
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Ariel POV:
"Only trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee." - William Penn.
Ariel was in shock. She had seen Aiden today, and he basically said he can't do it - marry her. She was very frantic. She went home crying to her parents. "Mom, Aiden said he can't marry me." Anna was very surprised. She turned to her husband. "You need to fix this." "Don't worry, sweetheart. Aiden will marry you. His father and I had an understanding. It will be well. I'll call him." "I have to call Aiden." She picked up the phone. "I would like if you stay away from me," Aiden said and hung up. Tears came down Ariel's face. "Why was he treating me this cold, as if I was a disease? I don't understand. He was never this mean or cold towards her." She ran up the stairs to her room.
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"Sweetheart," Anna stated, "let her go." "Ariel," Dad stated, "you need to fix this Anna stated." "I will, my love. I promise." Ariel locked her door and cried into her pillow. She was angry. She needed to get out of the house. She needed to see Anthony. He was the only one who would understand what she was going through. How would she get ahold of him? She opened her door and went downstairs. An hour later, she picked up the phone and called the Fairviews. "Hi," she said. "I need to speak to Mr. Fairview.
It's important." "Ok, I'll go get him for you, Martha." When upstairs to Anthony's room, he had fallen asleep. She touched him. "Master, I'm sorry, but you have an important call." He moaned. "Ok, I'll be down in a bit." He got up and went downstairs. "This is Anthony. I need to see you."
