I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling a sense of peace envelop me. "I never knew love could feel like this," I murmured, my voice filled with contentment.
"Me neither," he replied, his fingers gently playing with my hair. "But I wouldn't trade i...
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Amelia Lockhart
I sat there, frozen, waiting for Father to continue. His voice dripped with false affection as he began, "Well, my dear, you see, I've always taken care of you like a princess. I never wanted to ask for anything in return, but..." He paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked at me expectantly.
I raised an eyebrow, confused. What was he getting at?
Father cleared his throat and continued, "Our company is under Mr. Harrington's debt, and we aren't able to pay it. So... He gave us a deal." His lips twisted into a grimace as he uttered the next words, "We either hand over our company to him or..."
Another pause. I felt a lump form in my throat as I waited for the bomb to drop. Before Father could say another word, Mr. Harrington spoke, his cold, emotionless tone sending chills down my spine.
"Or you marry me to cancel the debt and save his company."
My heart stopped. Wait... WHAT?!
I snapped my head toward him, wide-eyed, and saw the icy, detached expression on his face. His features were sharp and unreadable. Then I looked back at Father, whose gaze held a silent warning. His eyes were daring me—demanding me—not to reject this "offer." I could feel the weight of his threat pressing on me.
First, I glanced between them, my thoughts racing. This was absurd! I had just met this man today, and now... marriage? I didn't even know his name until a few hours ago. How could I agree to marry him?
But as the reality sank in, fear began gnawing at my resolve. If I didn't accept, Father's company would fall into ruin, and worse, he would take all his anger out on me. I had seen that fury far too many times. No... I couldn't let that happen.
I had no choice. Mr. Harrington's cold voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. "You need to decide quickly. We don't have much time."
It wasn't like I had any real choice in the matter. Closing my eyes, I felt my heart sinking into a pit of despair. With a deep breath, I nodded my head in silent agreement.
Father's face lit up with triumph. He turned to Mr. Harrington and asked, "So, when are you planning for the wedding?" His eagerness to rid himself of me was apparent, and it hurt more than I expected.
"Right now," Mr. Harrington replied flatly, his face still devoid of any emotion.
Right now?! I blinked in shock. This was too much, too fast. I barely had time to process the idea of being his wife, and now the wedding was happening immediately? My chest tightened with fear. Who was this man? What if he was like Father—abusive, controlling? What if he locked me away somewhere, never to be seen again?
No, no, no! Panic set in, but I quickly reminded myself I had no choice. Amy, you have to do this.
Father's voice broke through my terror, "What do you mean 'right now'? How will this happen?"
