Cynthia Dion: "No, of course not; she'll be dressed in a suitable bridal gown," my dad quickly interjected to prevent Mr. Beret from becoming agitated. He then took hold of my elbow and assisted me in standing.He forcibly ushered me out of the room, where I was met by an elderly lady who regarded me with disdain. She sneered, "If only you hadn't been so promiscuous, you wouldn't be marrying someone so much older than you.""Just hand over the dress," I grumbled, catching her off guard with my response."Now I understand why the Moon Goddess is punishing you," she muttered, shoving a white dress into my face."Let's get you ready for the wedding," she grumbled, her irritation apparent. A Rogue wedding wouldn't take place in a formal setting, as is customary. After I donned this attire, they would transport me to a lawyer's office for the wedding ceremony.I took a shower reluctantly, having been ushered into the restroom. The only reason I refrained from protesting was for Flora's sa

Cynthia Dion: "As for your sister, I'll do my best to ensure your father doesn't bother her. He'll understand that, as long as he treats her well, he'll receive financial support," Mr. Holt continued to surprise me with his concern and affection. Although he never admitted to having feelings for me, he seemed more willing to give his second chance mate a try than I was. I was still stuck on the fact that my mate had gotten me into this trouble and had accepted his best friend, who was involved with his other friend, while I was unfairly labeled as a whore. "I'll hold you to your promises," I nodded, making sure to meet his gaze, so he knew I expected him to follow through on what he had just said to me. "Very well, then," he replied, holding the door open for me. There was nothing holding me back from moving on from my first mate, who had tarnished my reputation without a second thought. When Mr. Holt offered to help, I took a deep breath and held his hand. Now more than ever, I

Cynthia Dion: "You're causing me pain, Zeon!" I almost whimpered as I uttered his first name for the very first time. However, it didn't seem to faze him; instead, his expression remained stern, and I sensed frustration in his gaze. His grip on my delicate arm remained unrelenting, and his eyes bore into mine."If you want to avoid a shouting match, return to the darn room and don't come out until I give the signal," he barked at me, his words filled with anger, all while forcefully shaking me.I was too taken aback by this sudden change in him. It felt as though I were witnessing an entirely different person. I couldn't fathom where his usual demeanor and gentle speech had vanished to."And if you utter a word, I'll deal with you too," he added with a hint of threat, briefly directing his warning toward Maleeka. He had deceived me into this marriage, and I couldn't fathom what other intentions he might harbor. This wasn't the man I thought would protect me.He forcefully shoved me t

Cynthia Dion:I maintained my composure and fixed my gaze on Mr. Holt, who kept his head down, engrossed in his meal."I don't think I can go anywhere right now," I said softly, "The school is starting again, and I've already missed many days. I don't want to miss any more classes or training sessions." I uttered these words, a subtle reminder of the promises he had probably used to deceive me.He mumbled, still not looking at me, "We can discuss it later," but I had piqued Maleeka's interest. She appeared shocked to hear the word "school" coming from my lips."Are you kidding me?" Maleeka hissed to herself, trying to take in what she just heard. She was like a ticking bomb and the worst part was that I cannot even blame her for showing so much frustration. "She's planning to go back to school. You're aware that she can't, right?" Maleeka scowled, displaying clear resistance."Why not?" This time, I asked her directly, as her interference in my affairs had been ongoing since the morn

Cynthia Dion: I didn't know what to cry about - losing my first mate or having to interact with him every day while carrying the shame of breaking into his sister's house and even taking her partner? Or was it the fact that Atticus, my own partner and the one who had kidnapped me, was now passing judgment on me for marrying his brother-in-law to save myself from further humiliation?"Take a deep breath, Cynthia," Mr. Holt said gently as he helped me settle into the bed. I had been sobbing and hiding my face in my hands the entire time. Why was I feeling so vulnerable when I didn't want to be?"It will all work out perfectly. I've been taking care of the company for them, so they can't force us out," Mr. Holt whispered, attempting to hold my hand and speak softly. But I discreetly pulled my hand away from his. He might not have realized that he was a significant part of why I felt so upset in that moment."Did you know," I asked him quietly. To see him clearly, I had to keep wiping th