From Gilded Cage To Unchained Queen

naire Christopher Kirkland. I became his secret, a bir

his twisted game to win

or my own mother's heirloom necklace, onl

My few cherished belongings-my books,

er," he told me, erasing m

hone confirmed

perfectly," she'd written.

mbled, he came back begging. He thought he could buy my forgi

pte

Barnet

is for. It was a transa

the right people, and kept my mouth shut. It was

tched him from across the r

ou're lucky, Josie. Many wo

eminder of my place. But I had a plan. A secret escape

l the legalities taken ca

t. He'd bought it for me. Another piece in h

n cooed next to me. "Chris

hey just felt hollow. They always did.

ling," the woman added, her eyes wide.

eedom. I just offe

money," I managed to say,

r eyes held understanding. "You're st

Two weeks. Then it

my fate. It was a fellowship, far aw

opulent silence behind. The driver was wait

e. Don't be late. He ha

drove. Another charity gala. A

into his side the moment I stepped in. His hand

of faces. Then I saw her. A young wo

knew that look. I' d w

ward, a whispered

nt warning. His eyes, shar

er me, heavy and suffocating. I couldn't. N

trembling, cut through the chatter. "You think

My breath caught. I knew that v

ed her once. It was a messy, public affair. She' d left him for someone wealthier, someone with a more established name. Everyone kn