curtains. Heira woke up, squinting at the brightness in the room, her head throbbing from t

sn't he

pened. The last thing she remembered was Bethy sup

stomach gave a weak growl. She got out of the bedroom, sti

d been up for a while. Her white blouse tucked into soft jeans, her hair brushed bac

ng a steaming mug across the counter. "Y

g her hands around the mug for w

She couldn't risk taking her home where her father might see her drunk and heartbroken. Charl

ble. She stared at the screen and froze at the dozens of m

e ar

isn't the ti

o avoid this marria

e, but Charles, on the other hand, thought she'd eloped. She lif

mming the notification

I should have." She sipped the coffee, its bitt

n't show up, I'm scared of

ezed her hand. "Then show

drunken state and planned to follow up on it

time was slipping away, so sh

w a man standing near the entrance. He looked smartly dressed in a tailored navy suit that fit

ng with hers. His eyes flickered from her f

ra A

she n

ce stretched until her nerves felt like they migh

how," he said evenly. "Your

, she straightened her shou

ho were coming out of the registry room

n any way. His cool features made him look more elegant and stunning

egistry doors opened. And with that, Dante stretched

es as they both took their seat. "You'll each read and sign here..

slightly as she pick

, his words came out low so only she c

e mumbled, refusing to

ed on his lips. "True, but at leas

his bluntness. "And what do you gain fr

erything is about love, Heira. Sometimes, it's about power and keeping

blivious to the undertone between t

igned the paper, and Dante di

the documents and stamp

ates were issued. "Congratulatio

e into the house when you're ready. I have something to attend to, so I will be

ven family's house. At that time, Ch

er belongings. Not long enough d

," she c

ened the room door, poking her head in

" she answere

was little. Her loyalty has helped her build trust with the family, a

suitcases and dropp

, lifted her gaze to her, and smiled, "I pray your new

s is the farthest Heira would ever be from home, except when

*

retti villa. She used the card key Dante gave her

she made her way inside. The woman looked like she was in her mi

e said warmly. "Welcome. I'm M

e realisation that she had just g

by two other household staff

ing as politely as she could.

ti made mention of your arrival. Please co

th Heira, she had expected to share a r

rs. Collins smiled, avoiding the answer to th