Chapter 25:

Darlington Briggs;

Amara struggled to consume the bread and sip the tea. Being involved in a toxic relationship was detrimental to one's well-being. Marriages were never meant to be coerced, but alas. I reluctantly agreed to marry a woman I knew nothing about in order to maintain harmony in my father's household.

"Do you not enjoy the tea? Would you like me to have the maids prepare another tea for you?" My father inquired of Amara, just as we were nearing the end of our breakfast. Amara found herself seated in a chair, her gaze fixated on the bread she held in her hand.

"The tea is perfectly acceptable," Amara responded. Afterwards, she held onto the bread and took a sip from the tea. Once breakfast was over, my father stood up and announced to Amara, "We are heading to the church for the New Year's thanksgiving service. Do you also go to church in the countryside?"

"Sure, I would love to come to the church service here too," Amara replied curtly. "That is okay. You will be riding