The Marriage Clause

ng light on a sea of polished gowns and perfectly tailored suits. Emma, adorned in a borrowed designer dr

e, exchanging pleasantries with influential figures from the business world. Emma watched him, a pang of something akin

like shadows, speculating on the sudden appearance of Lucas Blackwood's fian

, his voice low and reassuring. "Just re

o distract herself, she focused on the auction taking place on a raised platform. A glittering

ice boomed, "Going

essed but with a desperate glint in her eyes, stormed onto the platform.

ing a worn photograph. "It was stolen from my family. This

rushed towards the woman, but Lucas was the first to reach her side. He spoke to her

younger version of herself, beaming alongside her mother, w

stolen necklace; it was a piece of her own family history. Memories flooded back: her mother, forced

ieces of the puzzle clicking into place. He knew about her past financial difficulties, something

security. Ignoring the chaos, Lucas turned t

f here," he said, his

wirling within her: anger, fear, and a strange sense of vulnerability. This charade of a

ing lights and scrutinizing gazes, Emma's mind raced. The weigh

tly, his hand on her a

't sure if she truly was. "

dden behind a mask of composure. "Neither

ring. "That necklace... it belonged to my moth

ed in concern. "Why

s not something I talk about. It's in t

m tightening ever so slightly. "I un

ed facade of their engagement, meant to shield them from prying eyes, had been s

ed, her voice barely above a whisper.

rability showing through. "You don'

In that moment, the distance between them seemed to disso

id softly, her voic

"Let's get out of here. We ca

r shared secret hung heavy between them, yet Emma felt a strange sense of relief. Lucas's presen

ing car, Emma turned to

ion serious yet oddly reassur

s uncertain, fraught with challenges neither of them had anticipated. But as sh