Diamonds in the Rough

timate connection. However, she found herself dreading the events that typically unfolded on such nights. She knew all too well that her newlywed husband would neve

to this loveless union. Uncertainty clouded her mind as she questioned her very presence on the bed. The mere assumption of such a position might

ozen in trepidation. And there he stood, entering the room with an air of towering, irresistible allure. Her husband, a devastatingly handsome man in his thirties, exuded an undeniable charm. Tall,

ealed a tantalizing glimpse of his chiseled, muscular chest. Jane lifted her gaze to m

he continued his verbal assault. "I suppose you are, my dear minx. But rest assured, you hold no power to seduce me.

she resolved not to reveal the extent of her pain to him. She would maint

shes, as well as the inheritance of the company that awaits me upon marrying you. Don't, even for a moment, believe that this marriage stands a chance, becaus

stand," she responded dryly, her vo

bound by a mere paper contract, and I shall never regard you as my wife!" Tears welled up in he

o show her vulnerability to this arrogant brute. "I unde

taking up residence in a guest room. There'

on her face. "But this is your room. You should

" he asserted. "I won't ente

ehind him. Jane sat there, fixated on the closed entrance, until she could no longer cont

he held no blame for her deceased father, for he had never foreseen the turn of events. Ha

at accompany joyous brides-to-be. She had never desired this wedding, just as he hadn't. Yet, it was her father's dying wish and h

rtin, gravely ill at the time, had managed to attend the ceremony. It was his deteriorating health that had primarily swayed John to acquiesce to this union. His father held a deep fondn

mother, dismissing the marriage as nothing more than a business contract. Jane often wondered how her own passionate and headstrong mother managed to collaborate so effecti

for a small, intimate celebration. On that day, unlike most brides-to-be, she did not eagerly anticipate becoming John's wife. Inste

he vows were spoken, rings exchanged, and the dreaded moment arrived—the moment when the couple was pronounced husband and wife, the moment for the groom to seal the union with a kiss. For a few suspended seconds, their gazes locked, until unexpectedly, he stepped fo

she inadvertently glanced at her former fiancé, James. His countenance depicted a shattered heart, and her own heart ached in response. However, before she could advert her gaze, her new husband int

o Alex. Breaking up with James had been an agonizing ordeal. He had wept and implored her to reconsider, yet she was as powerless a

that her husband wouldn't object and that he himself would likely stray, given his notor

ed her loyalty and faithfulness to Alex at the altar, for better or worse, until the fateful day of divorce. Even though his contempt for her was p

whether she likes it or not. The choice had been made, and she