The Contracted Heart

man. Even after closing her flower shop for the day, she couldn't stop replaying the conversation over and over. The o

ad lived in ever since their parents passed away in a tragic car accident. It was a pla

"Hey, Elena. You look really tired today. What's going on? Is there s

was different. She looked more than just weary; she lo

decided against it. She didn't want to add any more burden to her brother's already fragile h

essful day at work," Elena

et some rest. You've been working so hard lately, and I can't have you getting sick. I'm not strong

g anywhere," Elena reassured him, ruffling his

rthur Sinclair. Marrying a stranger, a man she knew nothing about, didn't seem like something she should consider. But the weight of

ected sight. The old man, Arthur, stood at the door again, but this time

gined him to be a completely different person, perhaps someone she wouldn't even be attracted to. But the man standing next to Arth

voice trembling a little, t

is my grandson, Damien. He's the man I've been telling you about. He has only a shor

but his eyes seemed to hold a world of unspoken thoughts. It was clear to El

nally spoke, his voic

, and within moments, they were on their way to the court. The ride was silent, with Elena occasionally glancing at D

m to a private room. Everything felt like a blur-too much, too fast. They

hat's so special about you that my grandfather wants me to mar

t of the decision settling on her shoulders like a heavy burden. Her hand trembled, but she didn't hesitate. She h

over her once the papers

key to his apartment, and coldly said, "I'll be heading to work now.

e direction to catch a taxi. Elena stood there for a moment, staring at the signed

dered what the future would hold for her. She was bound to a stranger

ghts were consumed by what this marria