The Contracted Heart

shop was the last thing her mother had left for her and her brother, and now she was on the verge of losing it. Th

had respiratory issues, and whenever he had an attack, she needed to get him medical help immediately

ecially her family. Her aunt had never been kind, always criticizing her, making Elena feel like an outsider in her own family. The toxic environment at her aunt's house had left scars,

ng happene

oked up, startled, wiping away the tear that had threatened to fall. An el

derly man called, his

es the previous week. He had been struggling to carry them, and he lived just acro

here?" she asked,

me into her flower shop, and sh

voice warm with gratitude. "If you hadn't shown up to help m

eal. "Look, there's no need to thank me. If I hadn't helped, someone else

hank you in person." His voice then grew a bit more

wasn't expecting this. He seemed t

was still unsure of what was going on. She wasn't sure how m

anything about him other than the groceries he needed help with. It was strange

ame is Arthur Sinclair. I've been watching you f

k. "You've been watching

how hard you've worked, even though you've had so many challenge

didn't know whether to be grateful or uneasy. But

help you,"

ld trust him. "I don't see how you can

ling with your rent and your brother's medic

his mouth. "How do you plan on helping me?" she

more serious. "I want you

your son? Someone I don't even know?"

ge that wasn't built on love. She couldn't even fathom what it would mean to marry a man she didn't

y Natasha suffered, the way her spirit withered under the control of a man who

his is an opportunity you can't pass up. Damien is a man of means. He can offer you a life f

e didn't have to worry about bills, where Jake could re

e had left of her mother's love, but she couldn't bear the thought of sacrifi

shaking her head

stimating the gravity of your situation. This is not just about you anymor

ssure mounting, but she couldn't bear the thought of walking dow

if this is all just a trap? What if I'm giving up my independenc

u the chance to protect what's most important to you-your brother's health, your future. Damien is a m

ll. Her thoughts swirled like a whirlwind, and the fear gnawed at her

ng picture of her mother on the wall. She couldn't lose the shop.

Elena finally said, her

nothing less. "Take your time, Elena. But know t

as this really her only way out? Could she marry a man she didn't know for

call her own, was a heavy burden to bear. But then again, in a w