An Arranged Marriage: Heart At Crossroads

orning's events still played on repeat in her mind-Lucy's sneering remarks, Ethan's condescending attitude, and

licking against the marble floor. Jane Fowler appeared in

ur grandfather just called.

phone resting on a side table. Picking it up, she he

aid, his tone heavy with conc

ut the weight of her situation made honesty bubble to the

nted. If there were any other way to save the

t it's done now. I just have to

" David said, his voice stead

't see her. "I won't. Thank y

father's words echoing in her mind. Don't let them break you. She

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control of her environment in a more tangib

but kind. "This house feels... lifeless. I want to ma

years since anyone paid attention to the garde

g fresh flowers with Jane's guidance. The physical labor was a welcome dist

eace was s

She turned to see Ethan stepping out of his sleek black sports car, his expression

he asked, his tone more

ushing dirt from her hands. "I thoug

n back to her. "You don't have to do thi

"I want to do this. Besides, it's n

ad, he turned and walked back toward the house, le

-

inner wafted through the air, and the sound of soft jazz music played in

, he looked surprised to

he asked, gestur

r him to sit. "I thought we could tr

e meal began in silence, the only sounds comin

ses," Ethan said finall

eyebrow. "Is th

said with a smirk, though th

t time since their wedding, the tension be

-

peace didn'

mansion. She quickly dressed and made her way downstairs, where she fou

, Lucy?" Amy asked, her t

ied, her eyes narrowing. "Clearly, he's

u have something to s

ttle dinner stunt, but I see right through you. You're nothing more than a go

beneath the surface. "I don't need your appr

ut before she could respond, Ethan

his tone sharp. "Wha

ion softening. "I was just tryin

nterfere," Ethan said f

dded reluctantly. "Fine. But

pression unreadable. "Don't let her get to

he first time, it felt like Etha