i

ns and the soothing scent of lavender. We settled onto her com

I whispered, my voice barely audible ove

gaze locked ont

, the words feeling surreal. my

er mouth hanging open

hands flying to her hips.

cy novel. Mom claims it's to help our family business, but honestly, I feel

rrowing. She leaned forward, her voice filled

efuse, but another part thinks about Mom and Dad's struggles

hink about yourself, too. What about your

ught about the future I'd envisione

eling. Mom wants me to marry some

words echoed in my mind. He'd always empha

t friend interrupted,

dain asked, notici

rin spreading across his face. "She think

brow. "What? Mo

Gina Thompson. Her bright green eyes sparkled, a

?" I asked,

on," Adain r

eeling uneasy. "What i

she res

Who wouldn't fall in love with you?" He teased, "You sh

u're not exactly the settling-down type. But

out the long game. This marriage could secure our company's future. The Thompsons' tech firm is s

was right. "I know, I

dain. But can't there be another way? One t

mes sacrifices are necessary. But I've got y

you're enjoying

ur thoughts in

k yo