HIS CONTRACTED BRIDE

took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. When her mother

over the phone. When Abigail finished, her mother spoke up, "Abigail, sweetie,

.I don't have a choice, Mom. I need the money, and

. We'll support you no matter what. But are you prepared for wha

lding back tears. "I'll

relief wash over her. She knew her par

y, always working late, and when he came home, he barely spo

a note: "We'll be back soon. Next ti

ed in a loveless marriage, with no escape in sight. But she ste

ng to?" Abbie aske

you start questioning me?" Alex r

t least I deserve to

er marriage. It's just a contract. I

took away my

lie to yourself, Abbie." He

ight frame of mind when you did that, yo

ng me a monster? You're the one who's trying to deny the truth. You wan

nder! I couldn't consent. You took advantage of me, and

h malice. "Ah, but I am human, Abigail. And I'm y

pping with condescension. "I'll b

r and anger. She knew she had to escape, but how

th thoughts of desperation and fear. She knew she had to escape, but the walls

inking of a plan. She knew she couldn't confront Alexande

means of communication with the outside world. But every door s

small room that seemed forgotten. It was dusty and filled w

't password-protected. To her surprise, it booted u

arents, hoping they would understand her cryptic wor

what felt like an eternity. But as she turned to leave the r

eturned, and he