Bride for sale

l. The rain had softened outside, turning into a gentle patter against the windows, but the storm inside her head raged o

ry

just walks into a stranger's shop, declares they know everything abou

oft lights. She had heard the name before - of course she had. He was a venture capitalist with a reputation for ruthless deals and impecc

t wha

t of her thoughts. Cassie pulled it out, wincing at

to voicemail. But Cassie knew if she didn

ted, forcing a brigh

t you," Lydia's voice came through, warm and

ouched clothes. "It's quiet today," she admitted. Too quiet,

e. "There was a segment about small businesses struggling in the city. I k

now, sitting at the tiny kitchen table in their old house upstate, worry etched into the lines of her face. Lydia

lied, hoping her voice didn't betray h

spoken fear beneath her mother's words. "You've always b

y, Mom, a billionaire just walked in and offered to marry me as a bu

either. Instead, she took a deep breath and forced a smile into her voice. "I k

hone down. She looked at the business card again, running her thumb over the embossed letters.

Cassie. I'm offer

own, to be independent and free from the financial burdens that had plagued her family for generations. Marrying Dominic Black

d air, space to think. The rain had stopped, leaving the city streets glistening under the streetlights. She walked aimlessly for a w

rk where she used to come when she first moved to the city. It was late, and the playground was empty, the swings

in tho

minic standing a few feet away, his hands tucked casually

?" Cassie asked, more sh

"You left your shop in quite a hurry. I t

ms as she faced him. "Persuasion

smoothly, stepping closer. "You didn't answer m

the right words. "I don't know," she admitted finally. "This

make a decision now," he said quietly. "I'm asking you to consider it

as almost a sob. "What kind of freedom is that,

linging to his eyelashes. "You have a choice," he said, his voice low, alm

he was, hated how vulnerable she felt in that moment. But more than that, she hated the tin

ust you," s

t. "Good," he said softly. "Trust is

hand to her, p

t. This was it - the moment she decided whether to

ely, she placed

nd hers, Cassie felt a shiver run down her spine. She

her voice barely a

ied. "One year," he agreed. And

mpty park, Cassie couldn't shake the feeling