cation that this was a nasty prank or some sort of joke. However, he maintained a stone-carved, unflappable visage, as though her response were j

expect you to uphold his obligation, as his heiress." She shook her head, her face heating up. "This is insane!" She said, her voice dying in her throat. "This debt is twenty millio

the hell is forced marriage a 'way out'?" "You'll be looked after. No more worrying about money, no more debt, no more fighting to pay the rent. I just need your cooperation." She detested the steady tone of his voice and the way

hroat. She took a deep breath. "I need time to reflect." Damien straightened up and filled the room with his presence. "You have until

, her mind still reeling from Damien's demand. The truth of her situation hit her like a crashing wave by the time

rning into her mind: Twenty million dollars. A marriage proposal. No way out. Panic clawed at her chest as she gripped her phone with trembling fingers and dialled Ava

, curly hair was twisted back in an untidy bun, and she was still wearing her barista costume, which smelt of coffee and vanilla. "What on earth went wrong?" Ava threw her luggage on the couch and demanded. Selene to

About a debt your dad had? Is this some sort of mediaeval nonsense? Selene's face was buried in her hands. "Ava, I'm not sure! However, I lack the funds.

that Selene had left. "All right. Someone must be prepared to assist." They looked for hours, texting former family members and phoning banks. Applications for loans were turned down. Opportun

s in hers. "This is not necessary for you to do, Sel. There must be another option. We'll come up with something else"- "Ava, nothing else is there!" S

o this." Ava tightened her jaw "Then you hold him accountable. You make it through. Don't allow him to break you." Selene took a deep breath. She no longer believed that she could

signed the contract. Two days later