The Reluctant Vow

nt the entire elevator ride down in silence, trying to make sense of Victoria Blackwood's proposal. Marriage? To a man she'd never met? Her in

hind her, tossed her bag onto the couch, and sank into her worn-out armchair. The faint hum of the refrigerator

g at, Victoria?" she

s had been deliberate, calculated, and oddly compelling. But Clara couldn't ignore

ecided she needed answers. She picked up the phon

u sound stressed," Lily sai

ng straight into the story. She explained the propos

finally spoke. "This is... a lot, Clara. Did she say

o my father, but that can't be the whole story. I

're going to figure this out, you need to talk to her aga

uldn't see her. "You're right. I

ime, she felt more prepared, though her nerves were still raw. Victor

you again so soon, Miss Ell

her voice firmer than she felt. "You mentioned a debt to my fathe

appraising Clara's resolve. Then she leaned back

well. If you must know, this arrangement isn't solely about

h churned. "Wh

elevate our company to a new level of power and influence. However, the other party involved is traditional and places great im

o fall into place. "You think having a wif

on and fulfill the expectations of our associates. And you, Miss Ellis, happen to be an ideal candidate.

r chest. "So, this isn't about me

break deals worth billions. But this isn't just a facade. You'll gain financial securi

eneath the surface. "Do I even get a say in this? Or

I won't force you into this. But I urge you to consider the alternative. What does your current sit

't make the proposition any easier to swallow. She felt like s

about this?" Clara aske

rusts my judgment. Marcus understands the importance of this merg

was too much-too fast, too calculated, too cold.

," she said, her voic

changed. "But remember, Miss Ellis, opportunities like t

e a slap to the face as she tried to process everything Victoria had told her. This

ion. The idea of becoming a pawn in someone else's game was abhorrent, but the thou

f doubt and fear. She stared at the ceiling, wondering how she had ended up he

lara wasn't sure which wa