Dr. Indiana "Indie" Miller never believed in fairy tales. How could she? Everything she accomplished was paid for with blood, sweat, and tears. Emancipated at sixteen, she attended medical school while juggling three jobs-and now she's completing her oncology residency. She never allowed herself the hope of being someone's first choice. Until her favorite patient introduces her to her grandson. Teddy Williams is everything she never dared to dream of. He's kind, steady, and completely devoted to her. Two years later, deeply in love and on the verge of an engagement, they're preparing to move across the country for Indie's dream job. Then Nana Ellie passes away. Without the woman who adored Indie there to shield her, Teddy's overbearing family begins crossing boundaries, convinced Indie isn't the right woman for him. But his childhood best friend-and ex-girlfriend-Lily? She's perfect. They grew up together. Their mothers are best friends. To everyone else, it looks like the perfect second-chance love story. But Indie is in the way, and the family does whatever it takes to make sure that she feels unwelcome. As the pressure builds and the disrespect becomes impossible to ignore, Teddy finds himself caught between the family he was raised to put first... and the woman he loves more than anything. He chooses wrong. And he loses Indie. Quickly, he realizes his mistake and discovers just how deep his family machinations go. Will it be too late to prove to Indie that she is his one and only choice? Because Indie Miller is done waiting for a fairy tale. This time, she's going to make one for herself. TROPES: ⚠️ OW drama ⚠️ emotional manipulation ⚠️ GROVEL ⚠️ strong but kind FMC ⚠️ gentle giant MMC ⚠️ no cheating ⚠️ HEA with original couple

Sam needed a wife. I needed a stable for my horses. We agreed to a marriage of convenience, but it seemed to be more. For a while. Until my distant cousin, who was Sam's ex, showed up on our doorstep. And I was no longer convenient.

I've dreamed of the perfect marriage ever since I was a little girl: a marriage complete with a hardworking husband while I tended to the home and our children, preferably four little rugrats to call my own. I dreamed of a life filled with laughter, joy, and success, a life we built together. I dreamed of growing old next to my husband, creating a great love story to tell our grandchildren someday. It all seemed so possible. I was raised to be the perfect wife, after all. From the outside, it seemed I had exactly what I dreamed of with the rich, determined husband; the brilliant, gaudy diamond ring; and the beautiful home filled with the hope of future children. Yes, it was all a dream come true. I should have felt grateful, really. The problem is, I also wanted a marriage based on love, passion, and affection, but those are the only things my husband cannot give me . . . . . . because they're reserved for her. For readers: * I do my best to proofread before publishing, but some typos and errors will slip through. Feel free to point them out! * Comments, active engagement, and helpful critiques are welcomed. * Mean, unnecessary comments that attack me, personally, or other commenters will be ignored and deleted. It takes a lot of courage to publish your work and for others to actively engage in a community. I'd like to keep this a safe and fun place to rage at imperfect heroes and cheer for darling heroines! * I'm not a spicy writer. I rather use my word count for plot, character development, and GROVEL!!! * Most importantly, I hope you enjoy the little world I'm creating. Happy reading, everyone! ADS/Imaginationgirl35