Carsten felt his pupils constrict s

ffocating, thick and heavy, as though

sat before the vanity, lifting her gaze to the mirror as s

od behind her, silent, his ga

aire... I know I've wronged you. I made so many promises.

it for me. I swear-within six months, I'll settle the Dale family's financial troubles. When that day co

she worked, though a faint cre

ad heard them more times

ir secret relationship, he had

six. Then a year. Until three lo

of marrying someone else, he was

her gaze locking onto his in the mirror. "And Daisy Kirby?" she ask

of a blade. Silence descended, broken onl

eft him behind to study abroad. When she returned,

been with Claire fo

rejecte

fluence-was involved in a car accident that

e sentence. He blamed himself for everything she endured, and

, he never dared acknowledge his

fully planned date Claire had poured her heart into, he would abandon everythi

e chasm between Claire and Carsten. No matter h

he no longer

nd walked toward the door, brushing p

oorknob, Carsten stepped forward and wr

more months. After that... once you've divorced Logan and returned t

burning with a fever and told me to drive myself to the hospital-you said it would be the last. And before that, on our dating anniversary, you left me alone in

en... you were the one who agreed to this marriage with Logan on my behalf.

ff completely. "Sh

Carsten's face. "Clair

his exclusive ringtone for business calls. He r

"Logan" flashed unmistakably acros

hesitated, then p

he locked the door without hesitation and brac

ough the line. "How are the prepar

in ten minutes. Everything is in place. I'll have

family won't neglect my soon-to-be fiancée's feel

e, Mr. Carter. Y

er. It will arrive shortly.

erst

imagination-but Logan's voice sounded strangely fam

, he was about to speak when

laire, you're only fixing your make

arsten a cold

epped aside, retreating int

three years: to avoid suspicion, no o

cticed ease, Claire felt a rush of conflicting e

love had existed li

, and smiled at Danny. "What is it?

r in the car... didn't I tell you to contact your

iefly toward the shadowed corner, a faint,