from the report on his desk. Sarah stormed into his private office

ly, shocked and remorseful.

she spat, throwing a crum

st, scattering papers. The bold headline screamed at him:

et Sarah's devastated glare.

side from the press release announcing to the world that my beloved fiancé is get

Damn you for making me believe this ring actually meant something!" She twisted the diamond ring on her finger as

hree long strides, aching to hold her yet

xplain what? That you've been lying straight to my face for God knows how

arred within him. How could she think

appily ever after until your inheritance depended on casting me aside? Was that the game all a

ply been too blind to realize that money and power were always your one, true mistress?

an a spear. Her accusations were heinous, yes, but tinged with the de

he worst of him, after the pa

chair opposite, raking a hand through his disheveled

been fully honest with you these past weeks. But I swear on ever

f tears and smudged makeup. But she didn't flee

money and if nothing is done, I will end up in the street. I know you don't want that for us. This is why this

lding from trauma. "You're going through with this...sham marri

her eyes shut, hanging on by a thread. "My God, James...how could

breathe. Striding towards her, he cradled her beloved f

speration. "You're more than just a love or legacy to me, Sarah. Y

tching the shining tears that slipped free, b

, nothing will ever change how I feel about you," he swore hoarsely. "You are

itching sob, she slid her arms around his neck and buried her face against his throat. He

on't ask me to surrender the only stability I've known while

olation. "You're asking me to give up part of my ver

engulfing the woman he cherished above all others. How many more t

they endure before escapin

rs in a fevered, desperate kiss. Sarah melted into the aching embrace, recipro

ng kisses over her damp cheeks and down the column of her neck be

a harsh, guttural murmur. "One year to s

her thick tresses. "Then I'll rid myself of this shackled existen

d breaths intermingling. Her eyes shimmered with heart-rendin

nodded, swa

run far away from all t