Love for sale

ds she had called home all her life. Her heart ached with a mix of anger and despair, emotions she had kept tightly leash

Varner approached, her eyes filled with a blend of sorrow and determination that o

r," Elara replied, her voice clipped.

you must understand-we had no other choice. The debts hav

ng to face her mother. "What about me?

ng to protect you, to ensure you have a future. Lord Thorne

to a man known for his heart of ice. A man who treats people

ch. "I know he has a reputation, but people change. Perhaps you w

wn love. But the Varner family's financial ruin had sealed her fate. The only way to save their estate and preserve their name was

ed herself. She would not go quietly into this arrangement. If Alexande

servants hurrying to make everything perfect for their distinguished guest. Elara watched the prepar

r parents as the driver opened the door and Alexander Thorne stepped out. He was tall, impeccably dressed, and exuded a

horne," her father said, his voice tremb

ession unreadable. "Miss Varner," he

s gaze with defiance. "Mr. Thorne

but it was gone in an instant. "I see you

nd, her father interject

assessing, judging. Elara felt a shiver run down her spine. This man w

agreement with a precision that left no room for misunderstanding. The Varners' debts woul

" Alexander said, his tone almost sympathetic. "But circumstances have brou

dity to be traded, Mr. Thorne. I will marry you be

t the corner of his mouth.

me of power and wealth. But as she met his gaze one last time, she vowed to herself that she would find a

an inexorable march toward her own execution. Beside her, Alexander s

ll about this arrangement, or was it merely another business transaction to him? The prospect of living with

swung open, revealing a sprawling estate that spoke of old money and meticulous upkeep. The mansion itself

d façade of the mansion. A team of staff awaited their arrival, standing in a neat line by the entranc

said, his voice carrying a note of pri

staff bowed slightly as they entered, and Alexander began to introduce them, but Elara's mind was elsewhere. The

aid, indicating an older woman with a stern expressio

's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Varner. If you

her voice sounding small i

was more lavish than the last, but Elara couldn't shake the feeling of isolation. Tho

ave easily accommodated a small family. "I trust you'll find every

a replied, feeling the

d," Alexander said. "Dinner i

him and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The reality of her situation was starti

ging for her old life. She had always dreamed of marrying for love, not out of necessity.