Vows in the Shadows
lays. Amanda Holson adjusted a framed piece on the wall, stepping back to assess its alignment. The gallery buzzed with activity a
. The single
ns stayed with her. Who had sent it? Was it Leonardo Castelli? And, if so,
her signature calm professionalism. "Aman
inked. "C
lipped but polite. "He called earlier and ex
. She forced herself to remai
al. "Good. Be professional. Men
was, standing tall and commanding in a tailored navy suit that exuded wealth and authority. Leonardo C
Amanda greeted,
eyes locking onto hers. "It's
king her unease with practiced profes
da spoke with precision and passion, describing the artists' visions and techniques.
alive," he said at one point, hi
y her own boldness. "It breathes through th
rling abstraction of dark and light hue
A struggle between two forces, neither entirely good n
smile tugging at his lips.
nder his gaze. "It's
corrected, his v
nterest extended beyond the art. His questions became more personal-how she got int
er voice tinged with nostalg
hough her words struck a chord. "Life has a w
them with a polite smile. "Mr. Castelli, thank you for v
rtunately, I have other obligations. But I do hav
but she didn't question him. "Of
gestured toward a quiet corner of the gallery, where a
said, his tone pol
s on edge. "What is it
first time, Amanda noticed the faint tension in his expression,
his voice measured
rowed. "My he
a sleek leather folder, placing it on th
er pulse quickening. "
said plainly, his tone b
caught. "
"I need a wife, Amanda. And I b
, shaking her head. "
s voice firm. "This is
. "Why me? We barel
ot entangled in my world, which makes you an asset. My family has enemies-da
ot back, her voice rising.
nancial stability, protection, and the chance
er lap. "You can't seriously
onsider the alternative. Remaining in your current life-working
efused to let him see it.
ntered. "It's an arrangement
. "I don't know what kind of world you li
presence forcing her to tilt her hea
a moment, Amanda saw something in his gaze-a flicker
d, his voice softer now. "But understand this
ked away, leaving her standing in the gallery, he
he leather folder he'd left behind. Her hands trembled as she opened it, rev
irst page, a handwritt
ose the lesser of two
Her mind raced, torn between anger and curiosity. What kind of man