His Untouched Bride

he fluorescent lights above flickered, casting an eerie glow on the sterile walls. The air was thi

he was running out of. Her mother lay in Room 408, fighting a battle that seemed impossible to

s blurring together like a cruel joke. She had tried to stay strong, to b

ollins, her stepfather, approached with his usual air of confidence, dresse

d, his voice flat, his eyes sca

y? Her home wasn't a sanctuary anymore, not since he

"The doctors need a deposit for the next ro

days," Alina replied quietly, h

sharply. "They won't wait forever, Alina. You

at him. "Don't you think I know th

ding. "You're out of options, Alina.

er lap like a gift. Alina opened it cautiously, her eyes widening as she saw the

she asked, her

k, and you'll receive a compensation package large enough to cover your

r. "You want me to marry s

be the first. Graham needs a wife, and y

mind was racing with the possibilities. S

ins," she said, trying

is isn't about being for sale, Alina. This is a

a's resolve crumbled as Collins's words hung in the air. The hospital's ultimatum loomed over her like a specter, s

sion blurred as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She couldn't bear the thought of her m

. Alina sank back onto the bench, her body numb and heavy. The hospital's sounds

king as she read the message from the hospital's billing department. The words "URG

s drowning, suffocating under the pressure and panic. Could she really do this? Co

decision. When she reached Collins's car, he was already inside, engine run

whispered, her voi

flipped to the last page, the blank line with her name staring back at her l

ath chosen, a fate sealed. Alina stared at her name, now b

over her. She had just agreed to marry a stranger, to surrender her freedom and autonomy