, confident, and sent an unexpected chill through my veins. Nathaniel Hargrave. The

ce came again, deep and calm,

to say, trying to not sound nervous

sting it on his tongue. "I believe we're abo

wo days time, that's what I suddenl

said, his voice surprisingly soft, though I could

s. I mean, what's there to say? I'

f the conversation was already tiring him out. "I didn't agree to t

t see me. "So, what, you're just doing

is tone reluctant. "Yes. My mother... she's been insistent. It's not just about the marriage; it's about the compa

ome grand love story, was it? It was all a

ell, I guess we're in

ts. When he finally spoke again, his voice was tinged with a hint of regret. "I did

don't even know me. How could

ccept it," he said, his tone almost apologetic. "Bu

t bring myself to do it. "So, what now?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

w to respond. "First, we meet... like w planned. No expectations. No pressure.

ake the situation feel less unbearable. Either way, I felt no bet

thinking of o

at. We don't need your parents up in our business during the blinddate" I sai

ther end of the line, like

ailed off before he tried again. "It's a formal

house. I think we should meet somewhere neutral, somew

r downtown. It's quiet and private

oyed. "Alright, fine. I'll be there in two days

my voice low. "I

iel said quietly, and before I c

in my hand, trying to process everything. What

really

h the door and brought me back

, forcing a smile onto my face. "

t me, eyes wide. "N

g aside so she could enter. "And n

her eyes full of concern. "You're

g a hand through my hair

"I'm really sorry, Ava. I

breath. "But this is my reality now.

pathy. It wasn't just my choice-it was the family's, t

For my family. For Priscillia.

my comfy wear - a hoody and jeans with

you." Pricillia stretched out a neatly p

d went straight to my car. I needed to

t drifting back to Nathaniel and the inevitable meeting that awaited me. My phone notifications came up several times, and each time I glan

as I stepped outside, and I sighed, wishing I could escape everything, even if just f

e pressure my family had put on me. I was so lost in my thoughts of how my mo

skidding. I slammed on my brakes, but it was too late. My car collided with

ath, hands gripping the steering

our mind? Can't you see the road?" I snapped, storming o

rt of his face was hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. I couldn't see his whole