BENEATH THE FACADES

nerves and prepare herself for the meeting with Charles Thompson. Her mother had instructed her to wear something elegant and sophisticated, so Emily had

off, or would it be a disaster? She had so many questions, but no answers. Her parents were already waiting in the fo

ning," her mother said, giving

g a little more at e

the air. Emily's mind wandered, imagining all sorts of scenarios. She pictured Charles as a stuffy,

s even more impressive than their own mansion. The entrance was flanked

e than she had imagined, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. He was tall

electricity run through her body. Ma

s," her father said, m

Charles took it, his touch se

" he said, his voi

ing a little more

awkwardly holding hands, unti

nk?" he asked, gestu

ul for the distracti

tunity to observe him. He moved with confidence and grace

s, Emily took a sip, feeling the

ying to sound casual. "What

ng at the corners. "I enjoy play

row. "Polo? That's q

y that. I've always loved horses, and p

spite herself. Maybe Charl

feeling more and more at ease. Charles was ch

ling that there was more to Charles than met the eye. Sh

tarting to relax, Charles's

for a minute?" he asked,

sense of trepidation.

r of the room, away from the pryin

low and serious. "But I want you to know that I'm not just

ebrow, intrigued.

this alliance as much as your family does. My own business ventures have be

assumed that Charles was only doing thi

rocess this new information. "

ily. Not just in name, but in truth. I need someone who can help me navigate the comp

o one had ever spoken to her like that be

she asked, her voice

ect love, Emily. At least, not yet. But I do hope that we can grow to care for

er. Maybe, just maybe, this arranged

l glances at Richard. She saw him in a new light now, as a comp

idn't feel the same sense of dread that she had earlier. Maybe this was the