Chapter 1
Her mother was always talking about arranged marriages and their seemingly hopeless situation; something that often dragged her into a whirlpool of dilemmas. Rowena felt as if she were losing her footing, wondering whether she should continue to obey or, for once, stand firm in her refusal.
Today....
Right where she stood stiffly; staring blankly... imagining how those footsteps were like a lullaby that forced someone to never wake up.
Mr. Lanchester....
The most arrogant and powerful man in this countyside.
People called him cruel; he was indeed cruel.
Rowena had seen for herself the kind of evil Mr. Lanchester had committed. Honestly, that was the crucial reason why her heart and logic both rejected the arranged marriage.
“Don’t do anything foolish that will make Mr. Lanchester angry. You must remember, we owe his family a huge debt, and think about your father’s health.”
“But can’t we pay off the debt in installments? I’ll find a decent job, as long as you don’t marry me off to him.”
Just like her mother’s tone, Rowena also whispered softly so as not to cause any trouble.
“We’ve already discussed this, and you’ve heard for yourself that Mr. Lanchester only wants you.”
“But I’m not something to be bought and sold, Mom. I want freedom. I want to marry the man I love. Not through an arranged marriage like this.”
A growl sounded almost like something terrifying, until Rowena felt pain from her mother’s tightening grip on her arm.
“If that’s the case. Tell me who the man you love is? Is he rich? I might change my mind.”
Her mother was realistic. Rowena knew that.
The problem was....
For now, there was no one. She wasn’t in love with anyone. Rowena fell silent; she didn’t know how to answer her mother’s question. She had only two choices: run and fall, or remain trapped by unreasonable demands.
“I don’t want to be arranged in a marriage, Mom. Be patient. When the time comes… I’ll bring the man I love to meet you.”
It should have been clear enough. Rowena just needed her mother’s approval. However, Bonita didn’t share the same patience or perspective. The middle-aged woman hissed; still pulling her roughly so she could say, “How long do you think you can run from your father’s medical bills?”
“I told you, I’ll find a decent job,” Rowena said slowly. She didn’t expect Bonita to suddenly let go of her, as the middle-aged woman had already noticed Mr. Lanchester closing in.
That arrogant man was indeed already here. Towering over Rowena with a wild, repulsive glare.
For God’s sake; she hoped someone—anyone—would come to save her from this dreadful situation.
Rowena swallowed hard as Mr. Lanchester’s rough fingertips traced her arm. She wanted to pull away, but Bonita’s warning glare was a sobering reality that dragged her into a deep fear.
“You’ve made sure she’s the right girl, haven’t you?” Mr. Lanchester asked, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
“Yes, Sir. Rowena is ready to be your wife.”
Rowena’s hands clenched unconsciously. She shot Bonita a disapproving glance, but her mother looked even more terrified at the thought of Mr. Lanchester’s displeasure.
“How can I be sure you’re truly handing over a virgin to me?”
Rowena’s heart screamed, but there was never any justice in her situation. Mr. Lanchester’s presence made her feel dejected and stiff, hoping Bonita would offer a little mercy.
However, her own mother immediately said, “Rowena has always stayed at home, Sir. She’s never socialized with anyone. She’s the girl you want.”
“Your words are not to be trusted until I prove for myself that she is still pure. Prepare a room for us.”
