Forced Marriage, Hidden Scandal

words. Each revelation, each new twist in the truth about her father's life and death, hit her like a series of blows to the chest. But the most devastati

at of his gaze on her, but she couldn't bring herself to meet it. The room seemed too small, the air too thick. I

-Aidan had been part of it, too. She had married him without knowing the depth of his involvement, without understanding the man she had tied her life to. And now, s

of her thoughts, his tone softer now, almost reluctant. "I know this is... a lot

e truth? Or the safety of ignorance? She couldn't decide. The burden of this k

new she couldn't. She had come this far, and there was no turning back. She had to face the truth, even if it

d, her voice shaky. "Why didn't yo

his. I thought I could shield you from the darkness. But it's been following us both for so long, Elara. Your f

with ruthless precision. But this-this was something far worse than she had ever imagined. This was a world of manipulation, of bloodshed, of men and wom

y above a whisper. "The people who killed

erything behind the scenes. The powerful families, the ones who control the markets, the ones who pull the strings. They've been mani

ce. "No... my father wasn't like that.

dn't. But he was caught in a game that was bi

nger, the betrayal, it all surged within her like a storm, threatening to consume her. She had been so n

You can't protect me from the truth. From the fact that everything I knew was a lie. That my fat

orward, his presence overwhelming her in a way that left her breathless. "I never wanted this for you, Elara. But you'

ble of. "I don't want your protection, Aidan. I want answers. I want to know who killed my f

were always going to be forced together. Your father and I made a deal years ago. We were bound by it, jus

ht their marriage was a mistake-an unfortunate twist of fate-but now, she saw the truth. She was never

her voice thick with disb

you're the key. You're the one who can help me bring everything to an end. Together, we can take

acing. What was he asking her to do? To join him in this war? To figh

rtain-she was done being a pawn. If she was going to survive in

with resolve. "But on my terms, Aidan. Not yours. If I'

oment, his eyes dark and unrea

lara. We're not just fighting for your father's death. We're fighti

ad made her choice. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with danger and deceit, but i

aps against her-she would face wha