LOVE BEYOND THE CONTRACT

ault that you're

id she always have to remind me of how unfortuna

to get married to him, not after the painful betrayal. I had known better than to expect him to marry me either. I had to c

ell they had another secret plan for me. The hushed voices with which they and Lisa spoke and cond

y. The hall was intricately decorated with balloons and ribbons of various hues. The magn

" A savage feminine voice amid

I already knew who it was; the demo

ing right in front of me. Rosalie landed a deafening slap across my cheek th

ou are, lazing about, you spoiled brat!" Rosa

faltered on my words, my

le fellow! I'm not your mum and would neve

it. Yes, she is my stepmother, but she is also

It won't happen

much of a godforsaken stepdaughter you are! Now go get the dishes s

nd joined in their work. I worked so diligently,

keenly in despair, as the love of my life hungrily devoured the lips of my stepsi

attention. Most of the chitchats in the hall were eithe

leave, when I felt a strange hand grip mine suddenly. I

a drink with me?" His baritone v

a black Armani suit that reeked of nothing but opulence. His co

m strangers," I waved him off, and tried re

drinks!" A familiar voice sounded from behind, making me twi

ew wife. She held out a glass of champagne and han

have thi

tempt and then back to the gentleman, who now thu

at!" He urged, with a beautiful smile, a smile

's hand slowly, still wondering what she might be up to with such

face. I couldn't make out why she should be so cheerful just because

table. I sat reluctantly and hesitated to take a

k yours?" He asked, star

and took a sip, to pl

o meet you," he said with a smile on his tende

" I shook hands with him, a handsha

ourself," Liam asked, pee

er of the Petersons and I..." I

in hushed voices that brooded nothing but

bbly when I stood up after a long discussion with the hot stranger and I almost tripped off on my

p scantily clad and in a strange exquisite