20 parts Ongoing MatureI stared at him, trying to make sense of his behavior. "Why do you care, Elias? This whole thing is just a deal, remember?"
He took a step closer, his dark eyes locking onto mine. "Because you're mine now, Raelyn. Whether you like it or not."
My heart skipped a beat at his words, a mixture of anger and something else bubbling inside me. "Yours?" I scoffed, though my voice was weaker than I intended. "You don't own me, Elias."
He moved closer, his presence overwhelming. "No, but I'm the one putting a ring on your finger. And I'm not going to stand by while some guy tries to-"
"To what?" I cut him off, my voice rising. "Make me feel like I'm more than just some pawn in a business deal?"
For a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us thick and suffocating. His chest rose and fell as if he was trying to steady his breathing.
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Raelyn Carter, 23, thought she had her life planned out. She was going to focus on her art, explore New York City, and figure out her future on her own terms. But when her dad's business faces trouble, she ends up in an arranged marriage with Elias Moretti, a 27-year-old CEO who's all about work and no fun.
Elias isn't happy about the arrangement either. He's already juggling family expectations and his company's struggles. Adding a wife to the mix? Not part of his plan. But their families insist-it's business, not personal.
