tmore, 19
ing towards Jared Collins, the love of my life. He is looking devilishly handso
let me tell you, I've been obsessing over Jared since the third grade, and in my imagination, our wedding day is constantly p
d look at me on our wedding day, his warm brown eyes filling with pri
AR
my father's loud vo
st about to get
e gets closer as he enters my roo
ding authority and power. Thomas Whitmore is a man who demands res
is never one for idle conversation or heartfelt moments, so his pr
I see you are still in bed," he
yes, but I know be
sperity of our family." His words are measured and deliberate, lea
nt wh
I ask
nce and unknown meaning. "Vincent Sterling," he repeats, each syl
ords. Who is this Vincent Sterling? And why am
as I struggle to process the news. This cannot be happening. Not when I
g Vincent?" I nearly shout. "
hat's all you need to
ying a strange
back to hum before, but this is about my life--my future. I d
rrupted by a hard
How could you not know who Vincent is? He's been making headlines all over the news." His tone grows sharper as he contin
e a business transaction to a stranger. And what does
back. I refuse to break even though my fat
peration clawing at my chest. "I love Jared. You
"This marriage is not about love. It is about securing our family's future. Vincent Sterl
ared a
t is at stake here. My company has been struggling, and Vincent can offer
s all abo
I know I am being silly, and Dad won't budge. But
frustration. "You
y me off like this!" I shrie
cho in my head. I stare at him, my eyes wide with
taking no argument. "This is not up for
low hard, feeling the lump in my throat grow larger, threatening t
nto my palms as I fight the urge to break dow
am stuck in a terr
replies, his voice unwavering. "You are my daughter,
es about money and saving his company
reconsider this arrangement. Give me a chance to choose my own person, to find happiness in my own way. May
have made my decision, and you will abide by it." W
new that my life would