Taming the Runaway Heiress

1. The

fternoon sun cast a warm golden light over the lawn, almost mocking the storm of emotions swirling within her. Although she could hear the faint chirping of birds in the trees, it offered

. As she paced across the marble floors, her footsteps echoed with her racing thoughts. The pressure of her father's expectations settled heavily o

d with her mother's sharply calculated tone, but none of it mattered to her anymore. She h

lt distinctl

. "You have no choice. The arrangements are already in pla

empire, appeared perfect on the surface-handsome, successful, and eager to unify their family legacies.

he house, momentarily stealing her parents. The words felt like a

across his face. "What do you mean you refuse? Th

ng syllable. "I won't marry someone just to satisfy your desires. I refuse

in a stance that signalled power, control, and disappointment. The sharp line

r voice suave and condescending. "This isn't just about us; it pe

hin her. "My future is for me to decide, not you. I refuse to be a piece on your

authority. "You fail to understand. This extends beyond you; it involves our legacy.

felt sickeningly superficial-an obsession with titles, weal

gh, the sound bouncing off the walls. "It'

ort, but Isla didn't wait. She pivoted away, marching toward the door, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosp

the estate felt overwhelming, and she could once again feel her family's expectations weighing her down. But tonigh

he soft soil, Isla concentrated on the grass beneath her feet and the fresh

lans-only a wild yearning to be free and make her own choices. Leaving everything behind was a terrifying thought, y

Kensin

tive voice jolted h

was a man-tall, impeccably tailored in a dark suit that fit him perfectly, exuding an effortless confide

her closer. She didn't know him, yet there was an unnerving familiar

me?" she asked, her vo

e dancing on his lips. "Let's jus

barely registered. Who was this man, and why

ardedly, though an undeniable curi

she'd built. "I know what you're trying to escape," h

A sceptical edge entered her to

ory glint in his eyes. "You do.

to respond, but his n

la. I can offer you a way out-a chan

ing? How could he possibly comprehend her desire to break free f

ho you are," she mum

resence overwhelming. "You will.

oice and the calmness in his demeanour made her feel as if she had few options. She sto

trust you?"

confident smile, he said, "Because I understand the longing for someth

of danger, excitement, and even comfort. But cou

espond, he extende

r moment, Is

d her completely. Every instinct urged her to retreat, to walk away from whatever risk

the gates, the cool evening air swirling between them. Isla's heart raced, a blend of fear and curiosity clouding

understood her every doubt. "Consider this your opportuni

eamed danger. Who was he? Why had he shown up now, at her breaking point? She was completely in the dark regarding his identity

rms'?" her voice was quieter

profound. "I know about your engagement," he mentioned casually. "About

her circumstances-her impending marriage to Alexander Crawford, and the endless pressure to uphold her family

faltering. She was bewildered by this stranger

her inner conflict. He took a step cl

als trapped under family expectations, suffocated by a predetermine

r mind momentarily wandered to the vision of a life unfettered by parental obligations, a life where she could embark

her tone resolute, battling her

atural. But think for a moment: you've led a life that isn't yours for far too long, and now you have a cha

uldn't ignore. He was proffering the chance to experience life without the suffocat

y want to liberate her, or was th

rembling, despite a part of her yearning strongly for the l

ou? Isla, you're not meant to serve your family's legacy. You are an individual with aspirations and desire

thought of creating her destiny was intoxicating. The possibility of cutting free fro

a frail whisper as lingering doubt clawed at her resolv

sured her, his voice smooth as silk. "But I can guide you toward liberation. I can assist you in discovering the

ended his hand, c

life, and continue the narrative your family has scripted for you. Or

alm of obligation and control and the hazy unknown beckoning h

itching in her throat

forward and