James's eyes snapped open as he jolted upright in bed, his heart pounding with a sudden sense of urgency. He glanced at the clock on his bedside table and felt a surge of panic grip him. He was late – very late."Sarah, why didn't you wake me up?!" James exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration as he scrambled out of bed and dashed towards the bathroom.Sarah stirred from her sleep, blinking in confusion as she registered James's frantic movements."What do you mean? I thought you set your alarm," Sarah mumbled groggily, rubbing her eyes as she struggled to wake up.James didn't bother responding as he rushed through his morning routine, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending disaster that awaited him. Today was supposed to be his wedding day – the day he was supposed to marry Emma – and now he was running late thanks to Sarah's negligence.As James hastily dressed, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at his insides. How could he have overslept on the most i

    The limo slowed to a halt at the grand Montgomery estate, and James hastily exited without even considering holding the door for Emma. She sighed inwardly, gathering her gown delicately before stepping out, feeling a pang of disappointment at his lack of courtesy.   James marched ahead, his destination clear - the east wing guest rooms. Emma hurried to catch up, blocking his path with an outstretched arm.   "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" she demanded, her voice tinged with frustration.   James glanced at her with a mixture of irritation and disdain. "To find a room as far away from you as possible."  

Emma blinked awake to the harsh blare of an alarm clock. Disoriented, she glanced around the familiar bedroom before the events of last night came rushing back.   The fight with James. His cold rejection. Their bitter agreement to keep up the charade of a happy marriage.    Steeling herself, Emma rose from the tangled sheets and quickly dressed, wanting to face the day head-on. She wouldn't cower in this room like a scolded child.   As she emerged, the mouthwatering aroma of bacon and fresh coffee wafted through the hallway. Emma followed the scent toward the sound of clinking dishware and low voices conversing.  

  James slammed the door behind him as he stormed out of the mansion. His heart was pounding with a potent mix of rage, hurt, and something else he couldn't quite put his finger on. This was it - the moment he had been simultaneously dreading and craving. The chance to finally cut ties with this sham of a marriage once and for all.   Without a second thought, he whipped out his phone and stabbed at his father's contact, impatience fraying his nerves with every ring.   "James? What's going on, son?" Senator Reynolds's gruff voice finally crackled over the line.   "It's Em

Chapter The Promise The Hawaiian sun was beating down as James and Sarah strolled hand-in-hand along the pristine white sand beach. After securing a private bungalow at an exclusive Maui resort, they quickly changed into their swimsuits to spend the day soaking up the sun and reveling in each other's company."This place is like a dream," Sarah sighed contentedly, gazing out over the azure waters of the Pacific. "I can't believe you could bring me here with you."James pulled her closer, planting a kiss on her sun-kissed shoulder. "Just you and me babe, no interruptions. I will do anything for you babe and I am willing to stand with you forever but with time you need to be hidden for now."“But it is not easy having you stay with another woman in the same room,” Sarah said.“Believe me when I say it is you and you alone, I want, and nothing can change that,” he stated.They found a secluded spot and spread out their towels. Sarah wasted no time in undoing the ties of her skimpy bikin