Ruined Before The Wedding; Claimed By The Billionaire

l

hat the frame shuddered. The sudden noise startled everyone nearby. Dust floated in the air af

ou cannot b

ke a second skin. Every line of her posture refused compromise. The air around her seemed to paus

es drifted first to Adrian - then

is her,"

r. The pen waited, just out of reach. I hadn't signed. Not ye

t invited in

r mouth upward. The grin sat wro

"Since when do I need permis

step firm on the surface below. Then silence between str

de you before all this?" The page caug

cracked. "You're replacing me already?" she aske

hand eased its grip. "I'm not replacing anyone," I said quietly. Her eye

"The one who couldn't even make it to her we

than expected. Enough

andra kep

inued, disbelief turning into an

ved again, one

our enga

t. Engagement? I

e engaged

aw tig

end

last week we were choosing venues."

when the paper

?" I asked softly. "Damag

ian didn't blink once. "This

ugh - sharp, like glass

erything to

she stood showed quiet resistance. Not a word came out, yet e

ve any idea what this will do to your re

on me once more.

ading quiet across everything. Into the space he moved, Adrian filling

ontrolled by you," he sa

yes fl

making a

eav

ed everything. Yet Ca

d at me. Slowly

strange edge in her voice caused a knot in my gut. "He

aze grew gentle Not with

walks away." The room fel

rp at the edges. It lingered li

n't even see

apping grew fainter when

her now silent, just a latch clicking into place. Silence

said. "It's over." "T

happening

small break appeared in how he held everything tog

my lips. "And what am I?" I

head, his eyes

ption - it was truth. A real answer landed wi

st truth. Cold. Precise. I gl

walls - my han

s one gave me con

rs closed tight on

ng?" I asked. "No."

rta

ed through as the latch

hadn't left. Now her eyes lo

," she said quietly, "you

ing there. A sudden stillne

steady and unblinking. My e

declari

Something dangerous. But this time -

ound mine.

ly, "you should prepare for

atching. Measuring. Waiting. Down went the tip onto the sheet. My

"