VIVIAN

Bile rose up in my throat, at the thought of being indebted to Vivian for life. But then, what option did I have? “Yes I agree,” I whispered, my voice trembling as I spoke. Vivian’s eyes flared with dark promises, as she nodded, seeming pleased with my words. “Good. I’ll have my lawyer draft the contract and send them over here immediately,” she said, smiling widely. My body sagged, as I sank my back against the wall. The day burnt at the back of my mind till this day. I blinked my tears away, sniffing as I brought the phone down from my ear. My heart slammed against my chest, my mind reeling with only one question. Why did they agree to push mine and Xavier’s marriage forward? We were supposed to get married in six months. The only reason the marriage had not happened sooner was because Xavier’s father had tried his best to find a way to destroy the marriage contract made between both families years ago—ever since the Harnes family had lost its wealth. I wasn’t even the h