Bound To Be; the marriage bargain

ter

l faces. The sound of dirt hitting the casket was like a punch to the gut, a harsh reminder that my

d, wrapped her arms around me, holding me close. Her warm

her voice trembling with emotion. "I k

t. We stood there for a moment, the only

canning my face. "You need to get out of

, skeptical. "What

g on me again. "I have a foster cousin, Bastien. He's...complicated. B

ter. "A wife? You think

nt. He's wealthy, powerful, and he needs someone to help him navigate his family

rtainty wash over me. "I don't know, Ab

to be ready, Calixte. You just have to be willing to take a chance.

ithin me. Maybe Abigail was right. Maybe this was

submit my application in unique home design," I

d for me too. Abby always had a way of hiding her fears and e

t's wrong?,

ine," she responded qui

dn't worry. I'll be fine.Okay-." I ad

she replied, a

, I couldn't help but wonder what th

**

streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting shimmering patterns on the polished marble floors. The air smelled of fresh

ug across my shoulders, its lapels sharp enough to cut through doubt. My natural curls framed my face, falling over my chin, a

e marriage bargain still felt like an unnecessary push.

eek ponytail, greeted me with a polite smile. "You're here for the design con

of her schemes to aid my financial woes . "Bastien De Rohan" I mumured under my br

a familiar scent hit me. It was subtle but unmistakable-sandalwood, lavender, and bergamot,

en I s

orld was his for the taking. His navy suit was tailored to perfection, accentuating his broad shoulders and

ords came crashing back like a tidal wave. "He's the one, Ca

d locked away in the dee

commanding. There was a glint of recognition in h

s, that's me. I'm her

sent a shiver down my spine. "Ah, but inter

r strap of my bag as if it were my lifelin

tudying me. "No? Perh

ze made me feel like he could see right through me.

or when, I'm glad you're here. Calixte, you

of his statement was almost enough to distract me from t

understand," I r

nveloped me. My mind reeled back to that night-his warmth, his tou

't that wo

"And I know when to trust my instincts. You and

ayed me, reacting to his presence. My face flushed as memo

" I stammered, r

clear path to the exit. "Don't run from this, Calixte," he said

eels clicking against the marble floor in a frantic rhythm. By the time I reached the

I sit across from him, knowing what

me: I prayed he wouldn't recognize me.