A Second Chance At The Choosing

Talle

hand pressed to my cheek, a futile attempt to cool the burning sensation of shame, but more so to hide my tre

ile innocence. She shot me a look over his shoulder, her eyes shimmering with a victory s

ad been replaced by a smug certainty. He'd crossed a line, yes, but in his mind, it was a

, his voice filled with arrogant confidence

ude to our engagement. He belie

d once more. His eyes darted nervously between the three of us-me, the silent, pal

esonating through the now-silent ballroom, "and as a gesture of immense gratitude from our C

a choice. To honor the debt owed and to forge a powerful alliance, you

ng over the two brothers.

ssure, a suffocating blanket. I could feel Connor's smirk without even

as it. The moment that would change everythin

e Branno

f a physical blow. A collective, audible gasp swept thro

eplaced by a slack-jawed disbelief. "What?" he choked out, the word barely a whisp

prise evident. "Miss Talley, please

gaze. His dark eyes were wide, the cold mask of indifference shattere

my voice ringing with unshakabl

. "No! It's a trick! She's mine! She's always been mine!" He m

ever rea

with a silent speed, his hand firmly stopping Connor's advance. Connor

xpression dark and unreadable, until Connor's resistance

owl, a promise of consequences held barely in check. He

He gently reached out, his fingers hovering just over my cheek, not

ed, his voice softer t

replied, and for the first time since my rebirth, I

lt h