The Mariage Bargain: Betrothed To Mr. CEO

per'

cted to see an imposing mansion suited for a billionaire's son. Instead, a modest two-story house came

shabby, with threadbare furniture and dim lighting. Not at all the

l smile. "Not quite the splendour you expected

ment for our private discussion. But the

nd wheeled himself to a small study. I perched n

uestions," Lucian began.

s. "You're clearly not disabled as you

s I'm a helpless cripple. I made a full recover

row curiously. "

have a difficult relationship. He wanted a perfect heir to groom.

ever since, my stepmother has filled his ear against me. They'v

cinated by this glimpse

excuse to banish me completely. He thought I was helplessly paralyzed and de

n awful," I said so

learned to walk again through sheer determination. But I kept it secret and con

ger picture now. "So if your father k

Lucian finished grimly. "He'd feel entitled to sw

another manipulation, another layer of deception? I wanted so desperately to trust him, to fee

ptly, thinking of her odd reaction

and I... had a relationship, before my accident. After I became d

ld I truly trust Lucian's words, after all his lies? Perhaps he and Ari

truth?" I whispered tremulously. "

know I've given you ample reason to doubt me, Juniper. But believe me when I say that I

o accept his words, to surrender to the tenderness in his touch. But t

moil. "Take all the time you need. Truly, Juniper, I only want you to be happy. T

e me, I'd like to formally court you. Start fresh, with

ould I risk opening my heart again, after the betrayals of the past? A v

sincerity had kindled. Perhaps Lucian truly did care for me. Perhaps I had fina

. "I'll give you a chance, Lucian. But no more lies, no more

ezed my hand once more. "You have my word, Ju

ow, I would play along, and guard my heart while gauging his sincer

nalize some business arrangements," Lucian informed

y senses. So much had happened in such a s

nship to the next level?" Lucian suggested hopefully, his th

ze. I pulled my hand from his grasp, schoo

evasively. "I'm still p

shed him away now, he might seek retribution by exposing the truth to our families. And

arm's length while gleaning his true motivations. Only t

***

h Lucian. I missed him terribly but kept busy tending the house. One day

ion, my sister Aria, and Orion's lawyer o

ng here? How did you

the questions. We have an important matt

"This says I have no claim to the profits from t

d," the lawyer said smugly. "Sign t

"That business was half mine. I won'

million lawsuit we've prepared much easier to win. With your crippled

reaten me this way? Lucian and I weren't helpless like they assumed. If onl

have to handle this carefully. "Get the hell off my property," I s

s, fuming. Striding to the phone, I called

me. "I'm boarding the next flight

nto his embrace, breathing in his comforting scent. "I'm so glad

ver hurt or take advantage of you again.

rned at Lucian's request. I gripped Lucian'

seeing Lucian upright and impos

g." To my shock, they greeted each other warmly. Lucian turned

usly used me was the partner helping Lucian

is going on?" I