don’t dare echoed as unnaturally out without her pulse visibly throbbing. “Samuel, at her! What are gonna do?” eyes were fiery with frustration, searching for an answer in Samuel’s calm demeanor. Samuel’s gaze followed Kylie’s exit, his face a mask of determination. “She’s got no money, nowhere to run. She’ll be back, begging for forgiveness, then we’ll get her to hospital we planned. Julie huffed, her anger not subsiding. “She’s way too stubborn. if she does come we can’t let it got stand our ground. Melanie, hint joy in her eyes, tried to ease tension. “Mom, stress. Kylie might just surprise us and come home tonight. Melanie smiled to herself, ‘Well, no matter the fuss Kylie’s making, she’s gonna beg me and sacrifice me. She’ll know I’m real center of attention in the matter who the is. I have the family’s love and support, always Kylie out of hospital, her fingers as found her phone and a number from her contacts. She had to make call things right. I’ll do it. marry your grandson,” she said, a whisper of a decision just made. She could picture smile through the phone, a warm nod of approval that eased Kylie’s racing heart. After hanging up, Kylie was hit with a flood her life. Her adopted died when she was three and her adopted mother Amanda had moved to the country so hard to raise her and her three brothers. Felicia Zimmerman, Amanda’s neighbor back in had nice to her. The simplicity of life there had been a stark to chaos the city, and Kylie had quiet Felicia had taught her. she off to college, leaving the countryside hadn’t been behind. She’d brought Noreen Walters, her old friend one visit, and from that day on, Kylie and had kept in close touch. came the day when Noreen up with her grandson Trevor Walters, not just for a meal, but a marriage on table. Trevor, with his suits cool gaze, had everything Kylie looking for. But was willing to do whatever it make Noreen happy, Kylie had been wrapped up in her relationship with Craig to consider it. She’d no, and looked upset. The next day, Trevor called with Noreen ill, with only three to live, that marriage was her last wish. He’d promised to meet any condition Kylie set, but she’d held firm in her refusal. Kylie’s turned upside down that crash that needed heavy medical bills to fix. and didn’t think worth the investment, she’d be a if she lost a limb. But Noreen, after hearing not only paid but also her recovery. was only later that Kylie about her lies. The tears, the promises, the manipulations. Noreen had duped into Melanie would take care of and in her she’d had Trevor business For a brief time after death, her spirit stayed, she Noreen’s as she held lifeless body. with a second chance, Kylie was to make things right and to repay the kindness that her. But she’d already rejected Trevor once yesterday. could only he’d be to her out again. 405 PM M G Kylie slipped her into her bag and to the stop. Just as she got there, her phone buzzed with an urgent call. She answered, and Trevor’s voice through, cool and detached. Lampard, you turned yesterday, and now you’re having second thoughts? the deal?” Kylie’s eyes to the schedule. I’ve Mr. isn’t bad after all. There was a brief pause, then Trevor’s voice returned, still as distant as before. “Meet me at city hall at 3:30 p. Back the Walters Group, Trevor the call nodded for his assistant Zach to continue. Lampard was welcomed back by the Lampard six months ago. She was raised in a small town with her parents and met her boyfriend, Craig, in high school. They’ve been together since, even through college separate schools. I’m digging for more. ” Zach what he’d found on Kylie. On Trevor’s were a photos Kylie. In she was hugging cheerful, good–looking guy, both smiling the camera. youthful energy was clear, but it didn’t detract from Kylie’s striking features. “Also, for the past months, Ms. Lampard has been donating blood to the Lampard family’s adopted daughter,” Zach added. Trevor checked watch, confirming time. a three–year secret marriage contract ready. Zach looked surprised. Walters really planning to To Kylie, who already has a fiancé? Isn’t he worried about her motives?’ Kylie arrived city hall pm. few minutes to spare, her heart pounding in her chest. bag contained the documents she needed, which were supposed be to reconnect the Lampard family legacy blood donation. But had changed–she going to a part of their world anymore. Her eyes held a fierce glint, a sign of the resolve that burned her. Soon, Trevor showed presence as cool and collected as ever. Their eyes locked, Kylie see questions behind his gaze. She flinch. If she were in his she’d be just as curious, “Before we go any there’s something you sign, said, all business. He slid some paper across her. gave them a quick once–over. The straightforward: a marriage in a secret to everyone but and a divorce on the horizon three time. “Tm good with the Kylie said, for the pen. “We go our separate ways three years, no fuss” Trevor stopped her, his hand on hers. “This is a big step. No take–backs it’s done. Kylie met his eyes, her made. ། ར་ “Alright, me with your condition,” Trevor prompted. was to say she didn’t have but she stopped herself, considering the weight of his question.