Contract marriage: broken vow

e and small touch a reminder of the walls she was trying to tear down, piece by cautious piece. And while he never pushed, never demanded mo

ialites, and Daniel assured her there would be nothing to worry about. But even as she accepted his invitation, a prickling unease settled u

was acutely aware of the eyes following them, of the whispers that seemed to drift through the air. But she held her head high, determined not to let her discomfort show. Daniel's hand

ndustry leaders, Daniel kept his gaze on her, his attention unwavering. "You lo

oring her cheeks. "Thank you.

rything else faded away. They were just two people, sharing a stol

r the entrance, her eyes locked on them with a look that was equal parts smug and predatory. Dressed in a bold, sc

htening on Daniel's arm as s

ing as he spotted his ex. He looked back at Lily,

re her. She glided over, her smile widening as s

isruption already. Her eyes flicked to Lily with a condes

calm, to meet Vivian's gaze

h feigned sweetness. "I must say, it's inspiring how quickly some people

s tone civil. "We're not interested in

s. I'm here to make sure Lily knows what she's getting into." Her gaze shifted, pinning Lily

see the hurt they caused. "Vivian, whatever it is you think you

isfaction in her eyes. "I'm only trying to help,

true. But if I am, I'd rather find out on my own terms than listen

ace, but she quickly masked it, lifting her chin. "Suit you

ess trailing behind her like a warning sign. Lily's heart was pounding,

e filled with regret. "Lily,

"I expected as much from her. But I'll be honest, D

nds in his. "Lily, I don't want to lose you. I'

ome guarantee he couldn't give. "You say that now, but Vivian isn't going away. And

real, Lily. I know I've given you every reason to doubt me, but

e wanted to believe him, wanted so badly to trust that he was finally telling the trut

ight of her fears. "I don't know if I can go thr

swear to you, I'll spend the rest of my life making up for e

g herself believe for a moment that maybe, just maybe, he was sincere. But the sca

his words; he showed up, was present, and did everything he could to rebuild her trust. And though her heart still ac

a storm erupted in the

ith a new text. She unlocked it, expecting a work email or a note

e man he was. Be careful, Lily. Som

ing twisting in her stomach. She had no idea who ha

er, her fingers trembling. He picked up al

What's

Someone warning me about you. It was anonymous,

fore he spoke, his voice calm but determined. "Li

g on her chest. But despite her reservations, she

er with a sense of foreboding. She didn't know who was behind it or what they sto

confrontation could either be the beginning of something ne