An Arranged Marriage: Heart At Crossroads

e calm before a storm. Amy Shaw, however, was no longer in the mood to tread lightly. After

ng out the window at the perfectly manicured garden. Her thoughts churned, fueled by her gr

ith concern. "Good morning, Amy," she greeted ca

ring a small smil

ling as if expecting a disturbance. "I hope toda

shoulders easing slightly. "So d

, and moments later, Ethan entered the kitchen. His expression was

said evenly, her to

leaning casually against the counter. "

of the refrigerator. Then, as if suddenly remembering something,

n eyebrow. "I

his cobalt blue eyes

didn't see the point in keeping a house full of people who don't

a loud clink. "You had no r

t. "I had every right. This is my h

dent. "This isn't about rights, Amy. It's a

ecture me about boundaries, Ethan. You lost the right

ead, he took a deep breath, his tone cold and measured. "If you think this littl

him see how deeply his words cut. "I don't need your r

d out of the kitchen, leaving Ethan standing there, his expressio

-

able. Amy spent most of her time in the guest room, organizing her belongings a

d of voices in the foyer. Curious, Amy stepped out of her room and pe

om as she handed her coat to Jane. Despite her petite frame, Lucy e

demanded, her voice ech

dy, ma'am," Jane

sed. "Of course he is. I suppos

termined to face Lucy head-on. "Good aft

ession icy. "Amy. How.

nt sarcasm. "To what d

coolly. "And to ensure this house hasn't c

d herself to remain calm. "The hous

ho was standing awkwardly by the do

to keep so many people on the payroll when

ou. Cutting costs to save my son's fortune. Or was

ng into her palms. "I don't need to prov

g with tension. Finally, Lucy smiled, though it didn't reach her eye

of the stairs, his expression unreadable. "Mother,"

rned to her son. "Ethan, darlin

cheek. "Well, you've seen me. Now, if you'll ex

ile faltering slightly. "Of cours

urned to Amy, his expression

, her anger still sim

e firm. "You can't just make decisio

ot? You certainly don't consul

ntain his composure. "This isn't a game, Amy. Sto

aive little girl you can control, Ethan. If you want this arran

. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, l