Billionaira Bargain

ng diamond adorning her slender finger, watching the facets catch the soft light and cast brilliant refractions across the room. Thi

ernally to a virtual stranger? Her palms grew clammy as doubt took root, blossoming like an ins

er wife, they are just forced into this marriage for financial gain,

icate necklace as fragments of a cheri

boudoir. The pungent aroma of her mother's favorite Parisian perfume enveloped her like

n rug in three lithe strides to enfold her only daughter

ringlets bouncing with the fervent mot

, pure and effervescent. "Then I have a very

t, cradling the exquisite teardrop sapphire in her palm. Emma's eyes widened,

of tenderness as she refastened the clasp behind Emma's nape. "To remind you of our eternal bond, and the unconditional love that flows

e ached for her mother's wise counsel, her steadfast support. Grace would have known what to do, and w

. That priceless heirloom had been her most treasured possession, her talisman against the cruelt

shattered her reverie. "Miss Emma?

er at the familiar brogu

hrough every tempest life had tossed her way since childhood. The elderly woman's kind azure eyes crink

e Karastan rug in a whisper of starched linen. "You lo

ds in her gnarled, comforting grip. "But that sadness in your beautiful eyes

, Ruth had been her sanctuary, a bastion of warmth and wisdom when the world seemed determined to shatter her piece by piece. In

, her stomach twisting with doubt. "Nanny,

taking Emma's hands. "W

arrangement between our families - this is happening because Montgomery and Reynolds can

s widened.

sted the ring despondently. "And Senator Reynolds wants to project 'family values' f

derstand your reservations. An arranged marriage is a diffic

him this is just business, I can see it throu

ripped with sympathy. "You deserve

mma's fingers instinctively grazed her bare collarbones as she rec

nd you that the most sacred loves are borne of unlikely circumstances. If you all

ce. "You think I could find true love

e if you keep faith." Nanny gestured to the ring. "That sparkle could become th

e right, Nanny. I don't know what destiny has in store unless I'm br

appiness except you, so in whatever situation you find yourself just

, I shall embrace this fresh journey wholeheartedly. If a profound and lasting lo

Emma. Embody your mother's spirit - have courage, be bold,

ecome of me without your presen

ss beautifully you know we are