ry's lively chatter. As the head of the household, he rambled on about how d

tered, Nicole's head sank low

hter. Nicole's usual spark had vanished; her face looked ashen, cheeks flushed, and a lit

via cut in, her voice slicing through

easing in irritation. "How dare you interrupt me, woman?" But Ol

stammered, nearly

e she is! I've just secured her future. She's go

rely audible. She raised her tear-fille

ay. The shame and humiliation from her encounter with Walte

ly before-not with the sort of man he was-but t

Henry shot her a

have to call off this marriage," Nicole blurted

red at their daughte

marry him. Aren't you happy? You're marrying the man you want

veryone know I'm in love with Walter? Was I really that obvious?" She lowered her

her chair and stood, tears brimming in her eyes. "Why him? He doesn't

air grew heavy and tight, broken

econd. The color drained from his face before surging back in a furious

. The sharp crack made both Nicole and Olivia flinch. "No matter what th

, Father!" Nicole insis

sary in a marriage? This is business, you foolish girl," Henry

jus

or you to be satisfied. Play the role you're meant to play as a woman and make him f

le murmured, forcing

Nicole..." Henry growled, lifting a finger in w

on't marry him," Nicole stammered. Her fists were cle

cision and told Walter she

ble. "Fine!" he sneered. "Don't get married, then. But do you even realize what you're costing me with this refusal? The mer

trembling as a chill crept down her spine. "We're f

me!" Henry's face twisted in rage as he slammed the table even harder, the sound echoing through t

sped, her face co

bringing, doctors, schooling, all the luxuries, every dress and meal. In fact, I imagine the food a

ivia exclaimed, pushing to her

and for this ungrateful child! Who else would even look at he

ia cried out, stepping forwa

back, striking his w

hed her reddening cheek. "Fine. I accept. I'll do it," Nicole said desperately. "I'll work as hard as I

racing herself for another blow. But instead of striking again, Henry drew in

one will hire you. You won't even be fit to work as a maid. You've been nothing but a burden, a spoiled, useless child who never once thought about her parent

d Olivia both flinched, their eyes squeezi

u don't..." His voice dropped into something colder. "I swear I'll make your life unbearable. At least living like a beggar will help you lose some weig

ed her father. He meant every word. If there was one thing she

er will pay too, for failing at the one thing she was good for, giving me a worthy heir. Instead, she gave me a daughter I have to bargain with. A daugh

or a moment, she wanted to speak, to fight back, to b

as clench her jaw and endure. When Henry finally turned away, satisfied that his threats had achieved their p