Chapter 4 - A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL NEITHER WANTED
My mother wanted me to move into Vincent's estate.
I refused.
Vincent wanted me to accept temporary security.
I argued.
Isabella wanted us to have dinner together.
I threatened to move to Alaska.
By Thursday, everyone was exhausted.
Especially me.
Vincent arrived at my apartment carrying takeout.
I opened the door.
He held up a paper bag.
“Chicken sandwiches.”
I stared.
“Is this your entire personality?”
He smiled.
“It's a strong foundation.”
I stepped aside.
He entered.
We ate at my kitchen counter.
For a while, neither spoke.
Then Vincent said:
“I don't want to marry you.”
I nearly choked.
“Excuse me?”
He looked at me.
“Not because there's anything wrong with you.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Comforting.”
He continued.
“Because I don't believe people should marry to satisfy their parents.”
I stared.
For the first time, I agreed with him completely.
“Good,” I said.
Vincent nodded.
“Good.”
Silence.
Then I asked:
“Why were you looking for me?”
He looked down.
“Because your father may have left evidence.”
I nodded.
“And?”
Vincent hesitated.
“Because someone inside my family has been hiding the truth.”
My stomach tightened.
He looked at me.
“I need your help.”
I studied him.
“Then ask properly.”
Vincent nodded.
“Evelyn Hartwell.”
He smiled faintly.
“Will you help me find out what happened to your father?”
I looked at him.
Then smiled.
“Yes.”
May you like
For the first time, we had made an agreement neither mother had arranged.
And somehow, that felt like the beginning of something dangerous.
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