PHEL

hall's windows were pounded by heavy rain, with thunder ominously booming and walls shaking. The attendees in the room, d

while time was slipping away. What would be the case if we failed? Many people

am and I had laboured over every detail, from the design of the elegant invitations down to spec

ran outside, but the icy rain was like needles as it drenched my thin vest wi

ng drenched," the tall man, clad in an expens

ging into a playful smile that for a

o get wet," I shot back

me soaked. We quickly collected all the boxes we could hold and rushed indoors before the rain c

k you

e interrupted, in

e. Wraxall? Could he be from that European-based family-the one with businesses a

m the wealthiest family in the world wouldn't be standing in a school gym in t

tice him in his chair, his gaze on me s

or a moment to catch my breath. Before long, I noticed him casuall

eased in a vain effort to divert

, and he stepped inside.

d my eyebrow, my

s eyes. "Think I could get your n

x of thrill and doubt,

bers, and then e

===

bed at midnight, stifling giggles as my roommates threw pillows at me to be quiet, was pretty common. We went on late-night

d, and we were two in a warm cocoon of

the room. The caller ID flashed: Father. I released

his voice filled with excitement. "The matchmaker helped me to

low, rehearsed to a routine heard many times before. Ever since our family went b

noticing nothing. "You know how important it is to en

I said, suppressin

y provide a temporary escape. I would have to abandon it once m

s near; no need for extensive travel this time. I got to the fancy restaurant early, standing outs

was reserved for me right at 10:00 a.m. At 10:30am, 11:00am, al

n entered the room with an air of superiority, his expensive suit emphasising

... more," he scorned, looking at me

I said sharply, forcing

ff. "Must be tough when...

t need to look down on others to feel important." I spat, ange

g you're born with; it's earned. And, unfortunately for you, not everyone makes

ignore his

ealth, you'd be the richest pe

hand raised as if to strike me. I was terrified, but before h

," he warned in a deep voi

as my eyes met with his blazing eyes. "Ow

rdered, protectivene

d, uncertainty flickering in his gaze. "Who the hell are

you humiliate her," Owen replied